Sects, Cults, and Spiritual Communities: A Sociological Analysis [Paperback]

William W. Zellner (Editor), Marc Petrowsky (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0275963357 | ISBN-13: 978-0275963354

American society is culturally diverse with a variety of religious denominations, sects, cults, and self-help groups vying for members. This volume analyzes nine of these groups, chosen both for their intrinsic interest and because they illustrate a variety of sociological concepts. The groups included in this study are: Heaven's Gate, Jesus People USA, the Love Family, The Farm, Amish Women, Scientology, El Nino Fidencio, Santeria, and Freedom Park. The contributors are social scientists with first-hand experience of the groups they examine.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“An illuminating, mostly firsthand view of culturally important groups in American society of interest to students of American culture and scholars in many disciplines. Recommended for general and academic libraries.”–Choice

“This engaging book provides an analysis of nine religious groups. [T]he strength of this volume lies in its careful descriptions from an insider's perspective. All contributions are eminently readable, some even entertaining. Much of the information provided derives from participant observation and in-depth interviews with group members, and for much of the book it is evident that the authors managed to establish a close and trusting relationship with group members....[T]his book is a welcome addition to the sociological literature of groups outside the religious mainstream. It is recommended for use in undergraduate courses in the sociology of religion and culture.”–Qualitative Sociology

“Most such books are about sociology with illustrations from life. This book is wonderfully different. It is about life with illustrations from sociology.”–William M. Wentworth Department of Sociology, Clemson University

“The study of sects, cults, and spiritual communities has grown in recent years - but that literature still remains relatively small. Those looking for a volume that explores a variety of such groups may find those described and discussed in this volume to be particularly interesting.”–Felix M. Berardo Department of Sociology, University of Florida

“Dr. Bill Zellner has cultivated a genuine ability to focus the lens of the "sociological imagination" on the study of sects, cults, and spiritual communities. Should be must reading for classes in General Sociology, Social Problems, Social Movements, and Culture.”–Richard P. Rettig University of Central Oklahoma

About the Author

WILLIAM W. ZELLNER is Professor of Sociology at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.

MARC PETROWSKY is Associate Professor of Sociology at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Praeger (June 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275963357
• ISBN-13: 978-0275963354
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,242,061 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)