Emphasizing the complex nature of new religions and the wide variety of "cult" phenomena, this encyclopedic study reviews the history and major tenets of many diverse religious sects across the whole spectrum of belief. With contributions from over three dozen specialists in the area of alternative religions, this is a uniquely authoritative source of information on one of the most important public issues of our time.Editor James R. Lewis points out at the start that the negative public perception of cults is often an ...
Read More
Emphasizing the complex nature of new religions and the wide variety of "cult" phenomena, this encyclopedic study reviews the history and major tenets of many diverse religious sects across the whole spectrum of belief. With contributions from over three dozen specialists in the area of alternative religions, this is a uniquely authoritative source of information on one of the most important public issues of our time.Editor James R. Lewis points out at the start that the negative public perception of cults is often an inaccurate and unfair stereotyping which turns nonconformists into scapegoats for repressed public fears. Although there are certainly dangerous or socially pathological cult groups, there are also many unorthodox religious sects consisting of harmless people merely exercising their right to religious freedom. Distinguishing the harmful from the harmless groups has generated much controversy, with outsiders often accusing cult followers of brainwashing and violation of generally accepted mores, and insiders defending their lifestyles on religious libertarian grounds.Lewis analyzes the characteristics of truly dangerous groups compared to those of the merely unusual but innocuous, and he discusses what people find attractive about membership in minority religions, as well as community suspicions and media hype that lead to misunderstandings.The bulk of the book is devoted to a broad-based survey of unusual religious groups. Included are minority religious sects stemming from Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh tradition, as well as unrelated groups such as the "Moonies," Wiccans, Satanists, Spiritualists, Channelers, Scientologists, the Heaven's Gate cult, a host of New Age and UFO groups, and many others.This is the definitive sourcebook for understanding and researching the crazy-quilt landscape of free religious expression in America.
Read Less
Add this copy of Odd Gods: New Religions and the Cult Controversy to cart. $6.04, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brownstown, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Prometheus Books.
Add this copy of Odd Gods: New Religions and the Cult Controversy to cart. $6.04, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Prometheus Books.
Add this copy of Odd Gods: New Religions and the Cult Controversy to cart. $6.04, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Prometheus Books.
Add this copy of Odd Gods: New Religions and the Cult Controversy to cart. $6.04, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Prometheus Books.
Add this copy of Odd Gods: New Religions and the Cult Controversy to cart. $7.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Ruby rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Prometheus.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Odd Gods New Religions and the Cult Controversy to cart. $13.02, good condition, Sold by TextbookRush rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Grandview Hts, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Prometheus Books.
Add this copy of Odd Gods: New Religions and the Cult Controversy to cart. $25.00, very good condition, Sold by BookHouse On-Line rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Minneapolis, MN, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Prometheus.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good in Very Good jacket. Size: 6x0x9; First printing, with full number line. Binding is tight, sturdy, and square; boards also very good; titling remains bright and bold. Some shelfwear/rubbing to jacket, a single small tear. Interior is free of markings. Ships same or next day from Dinkytown, Minneapolis, Minnesota; due to size/weight of this book additional shipping charges may apply.
Add this copy of Odd Gods: New Religions and the Cult Controversy to cart. $25.23, very good condition, Sold by Hay-on-Wye Booksellers rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hereford, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2001 by Prometheus Books.
Add this copy of Odd Gods: New Religions and the Cult Controversy to cart. $35.66, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Prometheus.
Add this copy of Odd Gods: New Religions and the Cult Controversy to cart. $87.74, new condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Prometheus.
Great source for information on a wide variety of cults, sects and unconventional belief systems. Lewis is a highly professional author who combines astute scholarship with an entertaining writing style and an objective point of view. Recommended reading whether for research or pleasure.
