“What inspired the creation of this database?”
As an undergraduate student in Chicago, I have firsthand experience with the diversity of the city and have met people with all types of backgrounds. This sparked my interest in studying the various types of religious groups that claim Chicago as its home because this would better help me to understand the people I cross paths with. I believe a database is necessary to organize the information on the new religious movements that are here in Chicago. While I have been able to find the information about these new religious movements, it is relatively difficult to find it all in one place as we have attempted to find a resource of this sort before, and this database will provide that information. We will also take the steps necessary to ensure that the information being published is accurate and reliable. This will include us fact-checking the submissions being considered, checking the sources that were used, and reaching out to contributors for clarification if necessary. The database will also be centered around understanding the NRM groups from an academic study of religion perspective.
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“What is the academic study of religion?”
The academic study of religion is oftentimes mistaken to be the equivalent as the theological study of religions. With that being said, it is important to understand the stark differences that separate the two fields of studies and the purposes they serve. Theological studies concentrate on analyzing and researching the will and nature of a god or gods, a supreme entity, and the corresponding behavior of the individuals following the respective theology. However, religious studies utilizes a neutral approach to religion and focusing on researching people and their practices based upon their beliefs, and the institution that they claim. In other words, theological studies focuses on the study of a god or gods and the influence it has on people while religious studies focuses on the social systems in place in varying religions, the people and their belief in the respective system with an unbiased perspective. The academic study of religion exemplifies a diverse understanding of the historical importance of religions in society and devotes itself to analyzing religions with the use of description, interpretation, and comparison with a culturally competent perspective. There is also an emphasis on systemic perspectives and the vital importance that the study roots from a historical basis.
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“How long will it take for my submission to be processed?”
The amount of time between a submission being received and being published will vary depending on the information that is provided and the nature of the new religious movement. For a complete submission with appropriate sourcing, it will take between 10-12 business days.
