Typology of New Spiritualists

Typology or division and distinction of different types of social phenomena in the light of their common features and distinctive characteristics would lead to a better understanding and more precise study of affairs and social realities. This approach reduces perceptual disorderliness and confusion and provides one with the ability of distinguishing the social phenomena from each other which otherwise prima facie seem indistinguishable from one other. The main objective of the present paper is to shed light on the phenomenon of new spiritualism and its followers. To avoid mixing it up with similar phenomena such as new religious movements, a new theoretical typology is offered through studying the existing typologies, definitions of new spiritualism and other theoretical studies. The new typology not only removes the shortcomings of the existing typologies, but also will be ensued by an ability to abstract through highlighting the distinctions. The results led to extraction of 15 types of new spiritualists on the basis of five tendency reasons (illumination, spiritual-psychological pacification, gaining success, entertainment, and healing physical problems) classified in three tendency forms (audience, customer, and member of movement/community).