Soka Gakkai in America: Accommodation and ConversionThis is the first-ever in-depth study of the Soka Gakkai Buddhists in the United States of America (SGI-USA). Drawing on unprecedented access to the organization through surveys and interviews, it provides a definitive and revealing picture of one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. The authors shed light on contemporary American society and show how many members of SGI-USA are drawn from a growing `transmodern' subculture in America. In addition the book traces the development of the organization in the USA, examining how it adapted to the peculiar circumstances of America's cultural life and showing how SGI-USA became a very American phenomenon. |
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Page 37
... claimed to have over 300,000 members in the United States.1 Our best information on mem- bership , however , suggests that this number is greatly inflated . New religions are prone to high rates of attrition , and Soka Gakkai is no ...
... claimed to have over 300,000 members in the United States.1 Our best information on mem- bership , however , suggests that this number is greatly inflated . New religions are prone to high rates of attrition , and Soka Gakkai is no ...
Page 41
... claimed by the Soka Gakkai . However , it must be noted that our estimate represents currently active members . It does not capture all the many thousands of people who have been introduced to the practice but no longer pursue Table 1 ...
... claimed by the Soka Gakkai . However , it must be noted that our estimate represents currently active members . It does not capture all the many thousands of people who have been introduced to the practice but no longer pursue Table 1 ...
Page 42
... claimed about 25,000 lay constituents3 - numbers that may be just as inflated as the Soka Gakkai's claim of 300,000 members . In 1988 the size of the Unification Church's ( Moonies ) membership was estimated at 5,000 and declining.4 If ...
... claimed about 25,000 lay constituents3 - numbers that may be just as inflated as the Soka Gakkai's claim of 300,000 members . In 1988 the size of the Unification Church's ( Moonies ) membership was estimated at 5,000 and declining.4 If ...
Contents
Introduction | 1 |
Soka Gakkai History and Philosophy | 13 |
The Membership of SGIUSA | 36 |
Copyright | |
10 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
achieved active agree already alternative American public appear asked associated become believe benefits Buddhism chanting Chapter commitment compared converts core costs culture currently described dropped efforts encounter environment expect experience fact friends goal going growth human immigrants important included indicate individual interest involvement Japan Japanese joining leaders less levels lives marginal means meetings membership movement nature Nichiren Nichiren Shoshu Note organization orientation pattern percent positive possible practice Press priesthood probably promote Protestant question questionnaire rates rational choice theory reason recruitment relationships relatively reli religion religious remain reported represents requires respondents rewards sample SGI members SGI-USA members social society Soka Gakkai members spiritual subscription success suggests survey Table things tion traditional transmodern understanding United University values week world peace