Adopting an objective stance, this book examines the teachings and practices of a wide variety of new religious groups. The first two chapters raise general issues about cults, such as definitions, statistics, evangelization tactics, issues of public concern and methods of study. Subsequent chapters deal with new religions by genre - the older minority groups, New Christian groups, Hindu and Buddhist groups, the self-religions and the New Age. Each of these chapters begins with a general discussion of the background to each type of movement and selects three representative movements for greater in-depth study.
George D. Chryssides Libros




Explores the issues of individual and corporate responsibility in business, and integrates many contemporary and classic readings with the text. This book features a cross-cultural approach and includes case studies throughout.
Jehovah's Witnesses
- 208 páginas
- 8 horas de lectura
What would happen if I accepted an invitation to Bible Study from Jehovah's Witnesses? What would attending a Kingdom Hall meeting involve? And if I invited door-knocking Witnesses into my home? This book introduces Jehovah's Witnesses without assuming prior knowledge of the Watch Tower organization. After outlining the Society's origins and history, the book explains their key beliefs and practices by taking the reader through the process of the seeker who makes initial contact with Witnesses, and progresses to take instruction and become a baptized member. The book then explores what is involved in being a Witness – congregational life, lifestyle, rites of passage, their understanding of the Bible and prophetic expectations. It examines the various processes and consequences of leaving the organization, controversies that have arisen in the course of its history, and popular criticisms. Discussion is given to the likelihood of reforms within the organization, such as its stance on blood transfusions, the role of women and new methods of meeting and evangelizing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fieldwork in New Religious Movements
- 84 páginas
- 3 horas de lectura
Drawing from decades of experience, the author explores the complexities and challenges of fieldwork, offering insights valuable to both practitioners and those interested in the experiences of field researchers. The discussion includes contributions from other scholars, enriching the understanding of the fieldwork process and its implications.