The Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects and New Religions Book

Whether you wish to learn about the sects with offices in your neighborhood, such as ECKANKAR or Dianetics, or are doing research on Elijah Mohammad, the well-researched entries of this guide provide information, bibliography, and websites. In his introduction, Lewis (philosophy and religion, U. of Wisconsin, Stevens Point) describes the phenomenon of sects, cults, and new religions, and informs us as well that each entry was sent to the main office of each religion for correction (when possible). The entries consist of the history, beliefs, and practices of the religion as well as entries on specific practices. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Library Journal

One might not expect to find established groups such as the Amish and the Brethren Church included in a work on cults, sects, and new religions, but they are. After reading the introduction one will understand why. Lewis (religious studies, World Univ. of America) provides a good discussion of the terms sect and especially cult. Although sometimes taken negatively, these terms are not inherently so and definitely have no negative connotation here. Most of the nearly 1000 entries are brief--one to three paragraphs--and cover everything from Aum Shinrikyo and the Branch Davidians to the Nudist Christian Church of the Blessed Virgin Jesus. The longer entries of a page or two, often authored by scholars other than Lewis, are for groups that are controversial or have made the news recently. This handy ready-reference tool is up-to-date, and, since the entries were submitted to the various religious groups for correction, accurate. Recommended for all libraries.--John Moryl, Yeshiva Univ. Lib., New York