The changing face of organised religion : comparing modern religious movements in Gozo

Abstract

This dissertation aims to explore three post Conciliar movements· the Neo Catechumenal movement, the Eucharistic Communities and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement as they are found in Gozo, comparing and contrasting them in order to show how they are affecting both their members and the wider society in which they operate. The first chapter opens with an overview of the various sociological theories dealing with the changing experience of religion in a context of social change. Of particular importance is the rise of new religious movements catering to changing religious needs and providing new spiritual and social experiences. The aims of the study, as well as the research methodology employed are also treated in detail. The second chapter aims to give some background information on Gozo, as regards its main socio-cultural features and religious history (which is discussed in the context of the changes occurring in the Catholic Church following the Second Vatican Council). This provides the reader with a clear picture of the context in which the groups in question are situated. The third chapter moves from one movement to another as they are found in Gozo, focusing on each group in turn. The history of each group is discussed, as are its aims, organisational structure and the main rituals and activities as observed and researched by the author. A comparative social profile of the group members, as elicited from the questionnaires employed follows, providing an insight into the population of each movement, and of the field from which samples for interviews were picked. The fourth and focal chapter looks at the trends elicited from the intensive interviews, as regards the way the group members perceive the group experience, and the way they feel membership has affected their experience of religion, their overall attitude, and their relations to the wider society. Moreover, the way in which non-members and the Church look at these groups will be included. The last chapter critically evaluates all the above mentioned information in the context of sociological theory, closing with my conclusions as regards the commonalities and divergences between these groups.