New Religious Movements: The Basics Av Joseph (Texas State University Usa) Laycock

<P><EM>New Religious Movements: The Basics</EM> is a concise and engaging introduction to the field of New Religious Movements (NRMs). Western culture is currently going through a wave of fascination with "cults", with numerous documentaries and television series dedicated to describing these groups. Meanwhile, scholars have been wrestling with the intricacies of this loaded category for decades.</P><P>Introducing the reader to some of the key issues and debates in the field of NRM studies, this book includes discussions on:</P><UL><LI><P>how to define the term "new religious movement"</P><LI><P>critically unpacking the term "cult"</P><LI><P>how to study NRMs</P><LI><P>brainwashing and deprogramming</P><LI><P>prophecy and failed prophecy</P><LI><P>charisma and authority</P><LI><P>NRMs and violence</P></LI><LI><P>gender and sexuality</P></LI></UL><P>This book is essential reading for students and scholars of religion who are approaching the study of NRMs for the first time as well as th