導讀： 簡介: Encyclopedia of New Religious MovementsEditor(s): Peter ClarkePublication Date: December 20, 2005Published by: RoutledgeISBN: 0-203-59897-0 (Adobe e-Reader format); 0-415-26707-2 (hardcover print) 簡介:


Encyclopedia of New Religious Movements
Editor(s): Peter Clarke
Publication Date: December 20, 2005
Published by: Routledge
ISBN: 0-203-59897-0 (Adobe e-Reader format); 0-415-26707-2 (hardcover print)
The press of late hasn't been good for new religious movements (NRMs), cementing a negative view that equates them with cults, sects, or counterculture groups. While violence, brainwashing, and other instruments of control are all part of some new religious movements, they are not the complete story.
This new reference work attempts to show that NRMs are a global phenomenon attracting millions and can offer religious innovation to existing traditions, or creative alternatives, whether by integrating the spiritual and the psychological or articulating a new model of authentic selfhood.
Entries are alphabetically arranged, signed, and usually conclude with a couple of suggestions for further reading. Foundational articles, such as After-life beliefs, Healing, New Age movement, and Self transformation, sketch features many NRMs have in common. Coverage is global, as evidenced by the
entries for Caodaism, from Vietnam; Godianism, from Africa; Promise Keepers, from the U.S.; and Santo Daime, from Brazil. The dark side is explored in articles on Brainwashing and New religions and violence, with responses in such entries as Anti-cult movement, Deprogramming, and Exit counseling. The articles
Gender and NRMs and Women in new religious movements demonstrate that NRMs, like so many other institutions, can be either liberating or patriarchal. There are see references throughout, and the encyclopedia concludes with an index.
Editing is a matter of concern. Although the arrangement of entries is alphabetical, New religious movement comes before New religions and violence. The entry for Blavatsky, Helena incorrectly gives 1975 as the year she founded the Theosophical Society. Most striking, the article on the Peoples Temple contains some five grammatical, typographical, or other errors. Such inattention and sloppiness are
inexcusable, especially given the price tag for this work.
The Encyclopedia of New Religious Movements is, nevertheless, a worthwhile addition to reference shelves, offering a good introduction to many NRMs the world over. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.
-- Christopher McConnell. Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved