New religious movements -- or so-called "cults" -- continue to
attract and mystify us. While mainstream America views cults as an
insidious mix of apocalyptic beliefs, science fiction, and
paranoia, with new vehicles such as the World Wide Web, they are
becoming even more influential as the millennium approaches.
Len Oakes -- a former member of such a movement -- explores the
phenomenon of cult leaders. He examines the psychology of charisma
and proposes his own theory of the five-stage life cycle of the two
types of prophets: the messianic and charismatic.
Often characterized by isolation, autonomy, grandiosity, and
manipulativeness Oakes maintains that the cult leader has a
narcissistic personality. This individual possesses a heightened
empathy, confidence, and memory, as well as autonomy and detachment
-- while appearing disquietingly normal most of the time.
The author has interviewed several leaders whom, he feels,
exemplify the charismatic personality. He also provides insight
into the behavior and personality of many well-known cult leaders
such as Jim Jones, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, L. Ron Hubbard, Werner
Erhard, Kathryn Kuhlman, and J. H. Noyes.
For eleven years, Oakes was a member of a charismatic communal
group, during which time he simultaneously undertook his research
into the psychology of charisma. His results -- informed by both
insider and academic viewpoints -- contradicts many current
accepted beliefs about cult leaders and their followers.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
