The concept is based upon the geometric abstraction of an area such as a city or region. Often said to be the effect of cult participation but can be observed in other intense, dynamic social conditions. Christians may, for instance, have a formal belief in providence, consult horoscopes, practise yoga, and subscribe to the values of secular American society. A deliberate choice to believe or interpret doctrine in a certain way. Messianic movements are often associated with Christianity but can be found in other religions such as Amerindian religion, Islam, Taoism, and Buddhism.
Movements frequently are trans-denominational, involving participants from different churches.
Movements often focus upon a limited rather than full religious experience and tend to emphasize a special teaching, doctrine, explantation, or experience. Temporal persistence of a movement and appropriate socialization can transform a movement into a church. The narrative structure of a religion often expressed in a highly stylized literary form. Niche may be indicated by geographic factors such as neighborhood or region, or by economic factors, education, clothing, language, food customs, customary architecture, lifestyle, family structure, religious belief or practise, or political status. Conflict with the host society is important in defining and motivating the religious group which is the subject of the oppression.