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Odd Gods: New Religions and the Cult Controversy

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Especially those in the U.S.A. Although most chapters are by no means all inclusive, they offer a good source of basic information relating to the founding and general beliefs of each group. The information is presented in an unbiased way (this is the first comprehensive guide to small religious groups and "cults" not done by a christian group), and includes information on the legal boundaries of religion in the US of A, as well as some past cases involving the exercise of religious freedoms. Most of the book goes over the means and methods of various sundry religious movements, such as the Children of God, American Sikhs, Hebrew Israelites, and so on.

This book will make a good addition to any school or library collection, especially since it is not Selling any particular brand of faith, but simply presenting information and allowing the reader to draw conclusions. Anyone with an interest in religion, mind control, sociology or psychology should appreciate the interesting information herein!

Sociologist Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi described Lewis' work as "a travesty of research." Indeed, it is not hard to see why James R. Lewis is known as a cult apologist (defender). A simple internet search provides a wealth of documentation.

An additional buyer-beware: this book does not contain new material. All chapters are drawn from Lewis' previous works, and the material does not appear to have been updated.