Sects, Cults, and Spiritual Communities: A Sociological Analysis

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Description

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 knowledge of the groups they examine.

Reviews

"Most such books are about sociology with illustrations from life. This book is wonderful 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

Author Bio

WILLIAM W. ZELLNER is Professor of Sociology at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. He is the author of numerous articles, essays, and books, including Extraordinary Groups (sixth edition, 1997) and Countercultures: A Sociological Analysis (1995) - MARC PETROWSKY is Associate Professor of Sociology at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. He is the coauthor of the forthcoming sixth edition of Introduction to Sociology, with Richard F. Larson and Marvin F. White.