The Baker Pocket Guide to New Religions

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 256 pages
• Published by: Baker Books August 1, 2006
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0801066204
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0801066207
• Book Dimensions: 6.9 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Weighs: 3 pounds

Product Description
In the 21st century, a vast and growing array of new religions and sects has emerged. Some are familiar traditions, moving further into prominence; others seem to have been made up almost overnight. The sheer number can be overwhelming and confusing. Many people know the names but have no idea what these sects and religions really believe. In this new reference, Nigel Scotland systematically looks at fifty key groups in modern religion, including Mormonism, Kabbalism, Wicca, Scientology, and UFO religions. Each brief, but thorough chapter walks through the origins, core beliefs, recent developments, and present practices of the movement. Accessible and concise, this reader-friendly guide is a great reference for people who don't have time to study each in depth but want a quick overview in understanding.

Back Cover Copy
A handy guide to the world's most popular new religions. In this reader-friendly guide, Nigel Scotland explains nearly fifty key movements in modern religion, including Mormonism, New Age, Wicca, Scientology, and UFO religions. Marked by a respectful tone throughout, these brief but thorough overviews are often derived from the religion's own literature, some even read by members of the religious group for accuracy. Each chapter is divided into easy-to-understand sections focusing on origins of the group, core beliefs, recent developments, and present-day practice. A remarkable and accessible work, Scotland's guide makes a complicated subject accessible for anyone wanting to understand the basics of some of the newest and least understood world religions.

Reader Reviews
There are so many "new" religions out there, though oftentimes the new religions spout the same old philosophy. This "Pocket Guide" concentrates on 4-5 pages of reviewing some of the American groups that have proliferated the scene in the past two centuries. From the old standbys such as JWs and Mormons to newer groups such as Hare Krishnas and UFO cults, the author concentrates on the real basic information of each group. Probably the most valuable part of this book is the "Recent Development" sections, telling the readers what's happened in recent years. If you're looking for in depth analysis, though, then I would say that this is not the book. Or if you have little to no background knowledge on the movement, this too probably would not be my first choice. But if you're looking for a general summary of a group, wanting to learn about the founders, major ideas of its teaching, and a little history behind it, this is probably not a bad reference to keep in the library. I did find it a little too generic in some instances, such as the Worldwide Church of God entry, which really didn't concentrate very much on the past decade but rather the previous history. For an up-to-date source, there are probably better places to go. But again, use it for what you will, a "pocket guide" and it very well is worth the $10 cost.