The Oxford Handbook of New Religious MovementsJames R. Lewis The study of New Religious Movements (NRMs) is one of the fastest-growing areas of religious studies. This Handbook covers the current state of the field and breaks new ground. Its contributors are drawn equally from sociology and religious studies and include both established scholars and "rising stars" in the field. The core chapters deal with such central issues as conversion, the brainwashing debate, millennialism, and modernization. Another section deals with NRM subfields such as neopaganism, satanism, and UFO religions. The final section considers NRMs in global perspective. |
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abuse accepted activities alternative American analysis appear argues Aum Shinrikyo authority become belief brainwashing Bromley child Christian Church claims concept concerns contemporary conversion countries created critical cult culture David David G developed discussion early emergence example existence experience fact groups human ideas identity important individual influence initially interest Internet involved issues Italy Journal kind leaders less lives major means ment millennial mind myth nature Neo-Pagan notes NRMs organization participants particular perspective political popular practices present problems psychological question recent refers religions religious movements reports result Richardson ritual Robbins role Satanic scholars scientific sects secular significant social society spiritual structure studies suggests theory thought traditional understanding University Press various violence Western York