Abstract

The present study, centred on the issue of religious proliferation in Luanda, aims to understand the reasons underlying the emergence of New Religious Movements (NRMs) in Luanda, as well as to identify immigration as a factor contributing to the emergence of these movements, describe the factors that lead members to join NRMs, and identify some of the religious organizations operating in suburban areas of Luanda, specifically in the Rocha Pinto neighbourhood along 21 de Janeiro Avenue. The issue of religious proliferation is currently one of the most significant topics in contemporary Angolan society due to its complexity and its consequences. At present, numerous religious organizations have been emerging as a result of the diverse socio-economic circumstances experienced by the country since the post-independence period and following the end of the civil war in 2002. These events rendered the Angolan social fabric vulnerable, given the limitations of public policies and their insufficient capacity to address major social challenges such as unemployment, hunger, poverty, health problems, infertility, and upward social mobility. New Religious Movements (NRMs) have therefore emerged as a means of refuge for many believers seeking answers to existential and social concerns, since these organizations promote the prosperity theology, a religious current that emphasizes the social dilemmas experienced in the everyday lives of believers. The phenomenon of religious proliferation in Angola, particularly in the city of Luanda, is associated with guiding souls to Christ, restoring individuals affected by drug addiction and prostitution, and spreading the message of salvation and the Gospel by proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord.

Keywords

religion, church, sect, new religious movements (NRMs)