Comprehending Cults: The Sociology of New Religious Movements

by Lorne L. Dawson

Long the focus of controversy, cults,--what sociologists prefer to call new religious movements--have been studied by scholars for years. Yet little of this information has made its way into public awareness. Comprehending Cults is a comprehensive and balanced overview which synthesizes and
assesses the results of thirty years of research into new religious movements by historians, sociologists, and psychologists of religion. Organized in terms of seven of the most commonly asked questions about cults (Why did they emerge? Who joins them and why? Why do some become violent?) the book
clarifies the issues at stake, seeking to replace prejudice and speculation with reliable insights into the nature of cult activity.
Comprehending Cults examines the history and theory of the development of new religious movements as well as the factors, both social and economic, which determine their success. The book explores particular issues and factions in new religious movements including discussions on Scientology and
other initiatory groups; Hare Krishna and other Indian-based religious groups; new religious movements and violence; the Unification Church; coercive conversion controversy (deprogramming); the Satanism scare; women and religious movements; and the future of religion.
Written in an easy-to-read yet detailed manner, Comprehending Cults provides an excellent introduction to the study of new religious phenomena, one equally suited to general readers, students, and scholars.

Genres: Sociology, Nonfiction, Religion, Anthropology, Read For School, Reference

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 1998

Reviews

[Dani Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
I had to read this for a sociology class I am taking on Cults and New Religious Movements. This book does a great job of providing information about the sociology behind cults/NRMs. However, Dawson's main goal seems to be to quash negative stereotypes about cults but in so doing it feels like biased writing, as if he included only research that would help his case. This book is also most definitely not a page turner and is overall heavy writing, but thankfully there is only about 200 pages to read.

[Sunshine_Honey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a class and I definitely would recommend it. It was a bit dense and dry at points (which is why it got 3 stars), but Dawson's work is very informative and brings about a new perspective to cults. This book will challenge the way that you view new religious movements. I would recommend it to anyone interested in cults or sociology as a whole.

[Estella Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a decent and informative read if it's something you're super invested in or studying. However if it's just a hobby there's a lot of thick information to read through. To each their own kind of read.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent research. Non-judgemental.

[Kevin M. Labadessa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dry textbook which defends many nefarious cults by insisting on calling them movements not cults. How anyone could go easy on David Bergs COG is incredible to me. If you enjoy literature on cults you won’t find anything new here.

[PsychoSchematics · Rating 3 out of 5]

Granted, the wording could use some work, but the "brainwashed" chapter was a refreshing perspective I hadn't found in six other books I have read on the subject. "Who Joins" also was a chapter that included pieces I had not found elsewhere. A perfect place to start for a sociological perspective. Generally free of strong pro or anti religious bias. Recommended.

[Adam Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough and balanced scholarly sociological examination of cults and NRMs, including why they form, the people who join them and why. The author is very skilled at summarizing theories on the subject. Putting this down for now, though, as this book is for someone with more background knowledge on the subject. I think I need something more expository--a historical survey, maybe.