JAUNĀS HARISMĀTISKĀS DRAUDZES LATVIJĀ KĀ POSTMODERNAS RELIĢISKAS SUBKULTŪRAS PIEMĒRS
New Charismatic Churches in Latvia as Examples of Postmodern Subculture

Summary/Abstract: In the field of religious studies Pentecostalism and its modern variations (like new charismatic churches promoting "wealth and health" ideology) have been mentioned as examples of postmodern culture. Latvian speaking church Prieto Vēsts and predominantly Russian speaking church Jaunā Paaudze are the largest charismatic churches of this type in Latvia. Their emergence is linked with two factors: (1) Transformation of classical Pentecostal identity which was stigmatized during the Soviet period and was not appealing to younger generation of religious seekers who found intensive Pentecostal religiosity emotionally satisfying but were longing for its liturgical presentation in more contemporary forms and found code of behaviour practiced in traditional Pentecostal churches too strict; (2) spreading of neo-Pentecostal ideas among Baptists and members of other more institutionalized churches which part of them lead out of their religious traditions. Author of this article has analysed these new churches in relation to the characteristics of postmodernity showing complex relationships these churches, promoting a mixture of premodern and postmodern beliefs have with the postmodern culture.

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