New Religions As Global Cultures: Making The Human Sacred (Explorations; Contemporary Perspectives on Religion) - Softcover

Hexham, Irving

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0813325080 ISBN 13: 9780813325088

Publisher: Perseus, 1997

Synopsis

Although the Great Anti-Cult Crusade links new religious movements to dangerous cults, brainwashing, and the need for deprogramming, Karla Poewe and Irving Hexham argue that many cults are the product of a dynamic interaction between folk religions and the teachings of traditional world religions. Drawing on examples from Africa, the United States, Asia, and Europe, they suggest that few new religions are really new. Most draw on rich, if localized, cultural traditions that are shaped anew by the influence of technological change and international linkages. With the widespread loss of belief in biblical mythology in the nineteenth century, new mythologies based on science and elements derived from various non-Western religious traditions emerged, leading to the growth and popularity of new religions and cults.

About this title

About the Author:

Irving Hexham is professor of religious studies and Karla Poewe is professor of anthropology, both at the University of Calgary. Irving Hexham is professor of religious studies and Karla Poewe is professor of anthropology, both at the University of Calgary.

About this edition

• Publisher: Perseus
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0813325080
• ISBN 13: 9780813325088
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 212