Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects and New Religions

Surpassing the scope and the thoroughness of the first edition, this is the most wide-ranging and accessible resource on the historically significant and more obscure, sinister, and bizarre religious groups, from the early days of alternative spirituality to the currently practising sects. Including many entries by scholarly specialists, this volume explains more than 1,000 diverse groups and movements, from such well-known sects as the Branch Davidians, Aum Shinrikyo, and Heaven's Gate, to obscure groups like Witches International, the Nudist Christian Church of the Blessed Virgin Jesus, and the Elian Gonzalez Religious Movement. In addition to an exhaustive index and handy cross-references, the second edition includes over 100 new topical entries on subjects relevant to understanding sectarian movements, from snake-handling and satanic ritual abuse to brainwashing and exorcism. This book, a must for all libraries and schools, will endure as the first and only point of reference for researchers, scholars, students, and anyone interested in fringe religious groups.