Field Report: The Light of the World in Greater Los Angeles

La Luz del Mundo (LLDM, “The Light of the World”) is a Mexican-born restorationist or “primitive” Christianchurch that dates to the 1920s. Under the leadership of its second Apostle, Samuel, and now under the guidance of its third Apostle, Naasón, LLDM has increasingly sou...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The journal of CESNUR
Main Author: Westbrook, Donald A. 1985- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: [2020]
In: The journal of CESNUR
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Los Angeles, Calif. (Region) / Iglesia la Luz del Mundo
RelBib Classification:AZ New religious movements
KBQ North America
KDH Christian sects
Further subjects:B Lived Religion
B Religion in Los Angeles
B Restorationist Theology
B Religion in California
B Fieldwork –Religious Groups
B The Light of the World
B La Luz del Mundo
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
Description
Summary:La Luz del Mundo (LLDM, “The Light of the World”) is a Mexican-born restorationist or “primitive” Christianchurch that dates to the 1920s. Under the leadership of its second Apostle, Samuel, and now under the guidance of its third Apostle, Naasón, LLDM has increasingly sought to expand its base beyond Mexico (where it is the second largest religious group after the Catholic Church) and now boasts a presence of millions in over 50 nations. This short article, based on fieldwork conducted at churches in southern California, surveys the church’s history in the Greater Los Angeles Area and examines some forms of LLDM community and non-profit engagements. The tight community networks established by LLDM members around places of worship have contributed to social improvements (decreased crime, increases in home value, opening of businesses, increased civic participation and recognition from local authorities, etc.). This phenomenon was evident in East Los Angeles, where hundreds of members live in the neighborhood that surrounds the most significant LLDM temple in the region.
ISSN:2532-2990
Contains:Enthalten in: The journal of CESNUR
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.26338/tjoc.2020.4.2.5