Cults examines the history and current status of cults across the United States, Europe, and East Asia. Focusing on the principal controversial religions and movements that have attracted major media attention, the book also includes profiles of hundreds of minority religions, from Jesus People and Rastafarians to voodoo practitioners and the human-cloning Raelians. All the issues central to the practice and the fear of cults are examined - apocalypticism, deprogramming, social isolation, cults and the media, the use and threat of violence, child custody, libel, tax evasion, solicitation, and the techniques of persuasion and conviction - as are the many charismatic cult leaders. Cults presents a comprehensive and authoritative reference, offering a balanced view of the controversy surrounding these new religious movements, assessing the movements themselves as well as the legal and governmental responses to them, including attempts to quantify membership.

"Cults provides a wealth of information about many different new (and older) religions from around the world, and about the history of these groups and movements over the past two centuries. This should be on the shelf of anyone interested in newer religious phenomena.'"

James T. Richardson

"Written by one of the world's leading authorities on new religious movements, Cults can be thoroughly recommended to students and scholars, but its lucidity makes it thoroughly accessible to the general reader and anyone who needs to become informed about the 'cult scene'.'"

George Chryssides

"A 'go to' reference for academics, professionals and the general public. The case studies of a wide array of new religions are invaluable. Anyone who studies religion will find this book valuable.'"

Dell de Chant