The New Believers: Sects, 'Cults' and Alternative Religions [Paperback]

David V. Barrett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2003

From variations on the major world religions to the Moonies, Wicca, Scientology, and Transcendental Meditation, this best-selling reference is the best available source on offbeat and alternative organizations, sects, and cult movements. A leading expert on both traditional and new religions discusses human need for spirituality, and acts as a guide through the confusing variety of beliefs that attract fervent adherents. Encyclopedic and international in its scope, some of the groups investigated have received international notoriety, such as the Branch Davidians of Waco and Tokyo's nerve gas wielding Aum Shinrikyo. Earlier editions have sold out--and this will prove equally popular.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In this revised and expanded edition of his Sects, "Cults" and Alternative Religions (LJ 6/1/97), Barrett addresses issues such as why and how people join alternative religion or what went wrong at Waco and Jonestown and with Heaven's Gate or Aum Shinrikyo. Part 1 presents all new material, adding significant and interesting information to his earlier volume. Part 2, with 20 new entries, covers over 60 individual movements. A list of the movements' addresses is arranged alphabetically within each chapter, and an index makes it easy to find individual movements in the text. Because many of the movements include mention of their U.K. presence, the book at times seems British in focus, though most points are also related to the global scene. Barrett's precise and objective approach makes this a highly recommended title for all public libraries and for academic libraries seeking a comprehensive survey and exploration of humanity's beliefs and practices. Leroy Hommerding, Fort Myers Beach P.L., FL
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"...demonstrating clearly the importance of according new groups the respect given to older groups..." -- British Journal of Religious Education, 24:3 Summer 2002 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Cassell (May 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844030407
• ISBN-13: 978-1844030408
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,043,674 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A virtual smorgasbord of religions, July 21, 2005

By 

Randy Moore - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Believers: A Survey of Sects, Cults and Alternative Religions (Hardcover)

I original bought this book because I was curious about several alternative religions such as Chistian Science, Scientology,and Jehovah Witnesses. I wanted a book that would give me the nuts and bolts on those religions and others. This book did just that. It provided general information on many religions and cults that I have been curious about for decades.

One thing that is nice about this book is that it makes it easy for you to pick and choose among the religions you are interested in. That's exactly what I did. Like a buffet, I read about the religions I was interested in and left the rest for the next guy.

Overall this book is a fairly easy read and provides valuable information about dozens of alternative religions and cults that are or were active in America and Britain.

If you are interested in a brief history of alternative religions in America, I also recommend the book COMMUNITIES OF DISSENT by Stephen J. Stein.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tells it like it is, January 11, 2007

By 

Larry G. Jones "larryopt" (Apopka, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New Believers: Sects, 'Cults' and Alternative Religions (Paperback)

A very clear history and description of cults both large and small. Entertaning and enlightening at the same time. Every Family should have a copy so the parents can at least provide some knowledge to the family on who and what these cults are all about.

12 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A remarkable review, February 18, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The New Believers: A Survey of Sects, Cults and Alternative Religions (Hardcover)

The New Believers is an incredible undertaking, resulting in a truly remarkable, and extremely readable reference work. Barrett provides clear criteria with which each religion discussed has been included in the book, together with fascinating accounts of the original meanings of the often emotive descriptors: sects, cults and alternative religions.

Part One adresses common misconceptions and challenges the source of those opinions, going on to discuss major issues that affect our society today, from tabloid headlines to the losing of a loved one to a religious organisation.

Part Two centres on individual movements - from religions with Christian origins through to Neo-pagan movements and even Personal Development movements. Each entry provides details of the origin and history of the movement concerned, together with details of the beliefs and practices.

For teachers and preachers and other religious leaders through to journalists, interested parties or concerned relatives, this book provides a truly objective account of the many traditional religions and new religious movements across the world today.

Followers of any faith have a duty to read this book, and may well be surprised by the roots of their belief structure, the many off-shoots that have become mainstream faiths, and the unique objectivity Barrett has achieved.