Cults and New Religions: A Brief History

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Douglas E. Cowan (University of Waterloo, Canada) David G. Bromley (Virginia Commonwealth University, USA)

Cults and New Religions

A Brief History

Douglas E. Cowan (University of Waterloo, Canada), David G. Bromley (Virginia Commonwealth University, USA)

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English

John Wiley & Sons Inc
05 June 2015

Contemporary non-Christian & para-Christian cults & sects

Series: Wiley Blackwell Brief Histories of Religion

This unparalleled introduction to cults and new religious movements has been completely up-dated and expanded to reflect the latest developments; each chapter reviews the origins, leaders, beliefs, rituals and practices of a NRM, highlighting the specific controversies surrounding each group.

A fully updated, revised and expanded edition of an unparalleled introduction to cults and new religious movements Profiles a number of the most visible, significant, and controversial new religious movements, presenting each group’s history, doctrines, rituals, leadership, and organization Offers a discussion of the major controversies in which new religious movements have been involved, using each profiled group to illustrate the nature of one of those controversies Covers debates including what constitutes an authentic religion, the validity of claims of brainwashing techniques, the implications of experimentation with unconventional sexual practices, and the deeply rooted cultural fears that cults engender New sections include methods of studying new religions in each chapter as well as presentations on ‘groups to watch’

By: Douglas E. Cowan (University of Waterloo Canada), David G. Bromley (Virginia Commonwealth University, USA)
Imprint: John Wiley & Sons Inc
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: 2nd edition
Dimensions: Height: 226mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 13mm
Weight: 363g
ISBN: 9781118722107
ISBN 10: 1118722108
Series: Wiley Blackwell Brief Histories of Religion
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 05 June 2015
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Douglas E. Cowan is Professor of Religious Studies and Social Development Studies at Renison University College, at the University of Waterloo. He is the author of Cults and New Religious Movements: A Brief History, Cyberhenge: Modern Pagans on the Internet (2005), Bearing False Witness? An Introduction to the Christian Countercult(2003) Sacred Terror: Religion and Horror on the Silver Screen (2008) and Sacred Space: The Quest for Transcendence in Science Fiction Film and Television (2010). David G. Bromley is Director of the World Religions and Spirituality Project and Professor of Religious Studies and Sociology in the School of World Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. His most recent publications include Defining Religion: Critical Approaches to Drawing Boundaries Between Sacred and Secular (2003) and Cults, Religion and Violence (2001).

Reviews for Cults and New Religions: A Brief History

The world of new religions is notoriously complex and diverse. As such, an introductory text must simplify, but without simplification. This updated edition of Cults and New Religious Movements achieves this admirably. With an enviable grasp of contemporary scholarship, Douglas Cowan and David Bromley provide fresh insights into particular groups, events and controversies. This wonderfully erudite and lucid volume should be required reading for all students of new religions.Christopher Partridge, Lancaster University An ideal source for those looking for a concise, authoritative introduction to the most important new religions of the past fifty years. The authors carefully and seriously tackle significant questions about the nature of new religions, helping readers navigate a controversial and complicated field.Benjamin E. Zeller, Lake Forest College The second edition of Cults and New Religious Movements is an astute and accessible textbook written by two eminent scholars of new religions. Through eight case studies the text examines key issues that arise in relation to new religious movements, thereby shedding light on the study of religions in general. This book is a valuable pedagogical tool that stimulates critical analysis and discussion in the classroom and beyond.Catherine Wessinger, Loyola University New Orleans