Ma`rifat Adyan

One of the distinguishing and highlighting characteristics of the current era is the rise and prevalence of very diverse and new spiritual movements and trends that have created a new identity for themselves presenting new interpretations of existence, man and life. The increasing prevalence and expansion of these new spiritual trends prompts us to look into the causes of their rise and spread. Most sociologists have introduced these spiritual trends as new religions. Therefore, I have first tried to find the definition of this type of religion; then I will examine the causes and factors of the rise and spread of these spiritualities - according to the definitions provided - by observing, analyzing and explaining the existing data, both within these emerging movements and with regard to the different conditions of today's society. Then I will evaluate modernism and postmodernism, and discuss the negation of tradition and the development of individualism. I will also discuss how postmodernism is a radicalized version of modernity in some of its characteristics, and how it has provided the basis for all kinds of spiritual explanations by negating the existence of an independent and conscious subject and negating any kind of meta-narrative. Then I will discuss the following causes and factors: the lack of meaning in life and dissatisfaction with the modern lifestyle, identity crisis, the existence of new technologies such as the internet, etc. Finally I will mention the movements formed in the context of modernity, which are in line with it and try to help its aims.