A New Typology of Religion Based on Needs and Values

Religious experience is notoriously difficult to classify, though various attempts have been made. This article presents a new typology based on Maslow's theory of motivation (popularly known as the ‘hierarchy of needs'), which places needs and values at the forefront of human psychology. I argue that his model can be applied to religion to help explain spiritual choices and consequently the interrelation between demand and supply, thus accounting for the diversity of religion available in contemporary society. The model is particularly applicable to new religious movements (NRMs) in which membership is by voluntary choice. Needs and values are the key factors determining why people join an NRM and which movement they choose.     

Book reviews

C. de Moor, The Rise of Yahwism: The Roots of Israelite Monotheism. (Bibliotheca Ephemeridum Theologicarum Lovanien‐sium XCI) Louvain/Leuven, University Press, 1990. ISBN 90 6186 358 9 (D/1990/ 1869/4) and Uitgeverij Peeters, ISBN 90 6831 203 0 (D/1989/0602/73). No price.

Deborah A. Soifer, The Myths of Nara‐sitnha and Vāmana: Two Avatars in Cosmo‐logkai Perspective (SUNY Series in Hindu Studies). State University of New York Press, Albany, 1991, xiv, 321 pp., $16.95 (paperback), $49.50 (hardback). ISBN 0 7914 0800 0 (paperback), 0 7914 0799 3 (hardback).

Bruce M. Sullivan, Krsna Dvaipāyana Vyāsa and the Mahābhārata: A New Interpretation. E. J. Brill, Leiden, 1990, ix, 132 pp. S38.89. ISBN 90 04 08898 9.

Timothy Miller, When Prophets Die: The Postcharismatic Fate of New Religious Movements. New York, State University of New York Press, 1991, x, 241 pp. ISBN 0 7914 0718 7.

Douglas Davies, Charles Watkins and Michael Winter, Church and Religion in Rural England. Edinburgh, T & T Clark, 1991, 388 pp. £12.50. ISBN 0 567 29201.