This is an exploration of 'new' religious movements which have originated since 1950, setting them within their social and cultural context. "New Religious Movements: A Guide for the Perplexed" examines the phenomenon of new faiths and alternative spiritualities which has become a feature of the contemporary world. Those interested in the spiritual dimension to life are no longer limited to the major world faiths, but can draw upon a rapidly-expanding range of new religions. Some of these are derived from the major religions, some are a reworking of ancient traditions, while others signify a completely new departure in spiritual experience. This book analyses the concepts we use to discuss new religions, and surveys a range of different movements which were established in the second half of the 20th century. Paul Oliver explores the organization of the movements, and the psychological aspects of life within them; the distribution of power and authority within movements; the position of women in relation to such organizations; and finally, the nature of the evolution and expansion of such movements in relation to post-modern society. This book is ideal for students wishing to understand the more perplexing elements of this contemporary phenomenon. "Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.

Churches in North America are bigger than ever, but their slow rate of growth cannot keep up with population increases. Existing churches simply cannot add enough new believers! The good news is that by multiplying--steadily and strategically planting new churches that, in turn, plant new churches--the global Church creates more of what Ralph Moore calls harvest points. In How to Multiply Your Church, Pastor Moore shows church leaders and pastors why multiplication is the key to growing God's global kingdom in their communities, and he offers them proven methods for implementing multiplication in their existing churches. Countless leaders have found an indispensable resource in starting a new church because of Pastor Moore's vast firsthand experience and practical wisdom. How to Multiply Your Church is the next leap forward for those who long to see God's kingdom increase.

Dianetics: The Original Thesis is L. Ron Hubbard's
first description of Dianetics. Originally circulated
in manuscript form to a few friends, it was soon
copied and passed hand-to-hand until it literally
circled the globe. But the resultant word of mouth
only fueled the fire. With thousands of letters requesting more
information, Ron concluded the only way to answer all inquiries
was with a book. That book was Dianetics: The Modern Science
of Mental Health, now the all-time bestseller on the mind. Find
out what started it all. For here are the bedrock discoveries and
equations of Dianetics, including:
- The Primary Axioms of Dianetics -- axioms upon which
the entire subject is built
- The discovery of the Dynamic Principle of Existence that
drives all life forms -- SURVIVE!
- The Four Dynamics by which life is compartmented and
which determine one's survival
- The discovery and anatomy of the Reactive Mind
- Engrams, the single source of all irrational behavior
- The powerful command in every engram which
prevented their discovery and handling before Dianetics
- The Analytical Mind, its function and operation
- The first description of the state of Clear, its attributes
and potentials
- And, most important, the Laws of Returning --containing
the explanation of both how and why auditing works
Here, then, are the fundamental breakthroughs Ron used
to make the first Clears -- breakthroughs which made possible the
development of technology for use by every individual to begin the
clearing of a planet, breakthroughs only containedin Dianetics:
The Original Thesis.

La iglesia esta enfrentando su mayor crisis ---y su mayor oportunidad--- en este mundo post-moderno y post-cristiano. Dios esta invitando a 'personas imperfectas' de espiritu curioso a aliarse a su iglesia... pero, como las estamos recibiendo? Este libro lo ayudara a destruir las cinco grandes barreras que existen entre las generaciones emergentes y su iglesia, creando la cultura adecuada. Contiene desde historias reales de personas que estuvieron lejos de Dios, hasta ideas practicas que aplican a cualquier iglesia."

Philip Jenkins looks at how the image of the cult evolved and why panics about such groups occur at certain times. He examines the deep roots of cult scares in American history, offering the first-ever history and analysis of cults and their critics fromthe 19th century to the present day. Contrary to popular belief, Jenkins shows, cults and anti-cult movements were not an invention of the 1960's, but in fact are traceable to the mid-19th century, when Catholics, Mormons and Freemasons were equally denounced for violence, fraud and licentiousness. He finds that, although there are genuine instances of aberrant behavior, a foundation of truth about fringe religious movements is all but obscured by a vast edifice of myth, distortion and hype.

Discusses why a living person becomes possessed and explains how an exorcism of a spirit is performed at a distance, not in the presence of the client.

This wide-ranging collection explores the complex relationships between religious sects and contemporary Western society and examines the controversial social, political, and religious issues that arise as sects seek to pursue a way of life at variance with that of other people. Wilson argues that sects, often subject to negative theological and moral judgements, can be understood only as social entities and as such require a scientifically neutral and unbiased approach to explore their emergence and persistence. He traces the growth and expansion of various movements--including the Unification Church, the Scientologists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and the Exclusive Brethren--relating them to their social context, and indicates the sections of society from which their support is likely to come.

Este es uno de cuatro libros de referencia de una serie acerca de algunas de las sectas de la actualidad escritos por el mismo autor. Este libro vierte luz sobre el mormonismo, los Testigos de Jehova (ruselismo), la Iglesia de la Unificacion (seguidores de Moon), la meditacion trascendental y muchas sectas mas."

The only book to examine the origins of Scientology's current leader, RUTHLESS tells the revealing story of David Miscavige's childhood and his path to the head seat of the Church of Scientology told through the eyes of his father. Ron Miscavige's personal, heartfelt story is a riveting insider's look at life within the world of Scientology.

Dictionary of Witchcraft is a must-have resource for anyone interested in witchcraft, pagan religions, and the occult. This historical dictionary was the first reference work to seriously document superstitions, manifestations, magic, and superstitions. The author s interest was to compile a vast amount of matter that would interest, entertain and instruct others. This dictionary was consulted by some of the greatest Romantic writers, notably by Hugo. Collin de Plancy followed the tradition of many previous demonologists of cataloguing demons by name and title of nobility, as it happened with grimoires like Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and The Lesser Key of Solomon among others. It is considered a major work documenting beings, characters, books, deeds, and causes which pertain to the manifestations and magic of trafficking with Hell; divinations, occult sciences, grimoires, marvels, errors, prejudices, traditions, folktales, the various superstitions, and generally all manner of marvelous, surprising, mysterious, and supernatural beliefs. This edition was translated and introduced by occultist Wade Baskin. Collin de Plancy (1794 1881) was a French occultist, demonologist, author, and translator. His best-known work, Dictionary of Witchcraft (Dictionnaire Infernal), was published in 1818 but didn t receive wide acclaim until 1863 when a set of 69 illustrations by Louis Breton were added. Later in life, de Plancy converted to Catholicism and focused his studies on Catholic histories and mysticisms.