Embracing Spirituality in Modern Religious Movements: An Exploration of New Members' Subjective Experiences in Indonesia

Abstract

Modern religious movements in Indonesia have witnessed a growing number of new members who claim to undergo profound spiritual transformations. This study explores the subjective experiences of individuals who have recently joined these communities, focusing on their spiritual journey, adaptation process, and the socio-religious factors influencing their commitment. Despite extensive research on religious conversions, little attention has been given to the phenomenological aspects of new members' lived experiences. Here, we employ a phenomenological approach to investigate how individuals perceive and interpret their spiritual encounters within modern religious communities. Through in-depth interviews and participant observation, key themes such as transcendental experiences, identity transformation, emotional support, and adaptation challenges emerge. The findings reveal that new members experience a shift in religious identity and a deepened sense of spiritual fulfillment, facilitated by communal rituals and interpersonal bonds. These insights contribute to the understanding of religious transformation in contemporary society and highlight the importance of subjective spiritual experiences in shaping religious commitment. Future research should explore longitudinal changes in spiritual experiences among members over an extended period.