Sects, Cults, and Alternative Religions: A World Survey and Sourcebook

by David V. Barrett

Book Overview

Is the next David Koresh or Jim Jones building a following in your town? Or, are well-meaning people oppressing religious groups where you live, simply because their practices look different? One of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0713725672
• ISBN13: 9780713725674
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Blandford
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Full of Great Information

This book is an almost encyclopedia like account of the many and varied non-traditional religious groups. It offers a brief history as well as a beliefs and practices section for each of the more than 50 different sects that it covers. These range from large Christian based religions, such as the Mormons, to Asian influenced groups such as the Hare Krishnas. In addition, many smaller sects are covered that Barrett classifies as beither being esoteric or neo-pagan. I was impressed by how objective Barrett remained throughout the book, no matter how ridiculous some of these groups may seem to the average person. His writings were largely based on the information provided by the groups themselves. However, he sometimes does offer an opinion or warning, especially when a particular group is known as being potentially violent or dangerous such as the Branch Davidians in Waco. Overall, the book is well written and researched I very much enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone interested in reading about a wide-range of "alternative" religions.

Accurate and non judgemental

This was a great book that gave a very detailed and accuarte look into alternate religions. The author was fair and reviewed each religion with an open mind and focused on the true main points.

Excellent resource for the curious layman

Mr. Barrett does an outstanding job of presenting the spiritual beliefs throughout the world with a dispassionate, nonjudgmental voice. Before enumerating and describing the many cults and alternative religions, he explains the major world religions, as well as the differences and similarities between each, and then again between their own individual sects. This provides a strong and understandable foundation for understanding the roots of various cults and their beliefs. As much as possible, he obtains views on these from both their proponents and detractors. I have never read a more comprehensive book on this topic. Well-written, good organization, valuable information without sensationalism.