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.
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