Cults: Secret Sects and Radical Religions

by Robert Schroeder

Charting the rise of religious cults and sinister sects—a disturbing phenomenon of the twentieth century—this exploration discusses the essence of a cult's appeal and the experiences of those who were once cult members. Profiles of all major cults are also included, from ancient sects to recently-emerged ones, such as the FDLS and the Islamic fundamentalist groups Al us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah and Tablighi Jamaat. The Warren Jeffs, the Exclusive Brethren’s alleged political lobbying tactics in the NZ elections, and the anniversaries of Waco, Jonestown, and Heaven’s Gate are all touched upon as well. The collection is rounded off with detailed information on organizations such as Opus Dei and Scientology that are renowned both for their secrecy and their celebrity membership.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cults, History, Religion

160 pages, Hardcover

First published May 28, 2008

Reviews

[Edward Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Years ago I took a course on international terrorism and was amazed to discover that there was no single agreed-upon list of who was a terrorist. One man's freedom fighter was another's anathema and I find that some of the cults listed within here can fall into the same category. The Manson family? The Branch Davidians? The Moonies? Sure, given what is known of them makes them out to be cults but when you get into things like what is considered to be established religious groups like the Quakers and Christian Scientists, are they the same? Does the well-dressed group of faithful at your door asking you if you are awake and ready for the coming of Jehova the same as an established science fiction writer who preached that aliens from a different dimension have been living inside of volcanos for eons and we need to nuke them to be free of their influence match up?

Your experience makes the difference.

[Al Gritten · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of various different religions and splinter groups. He gives a brief overview of various movements, then describes some of the leaders of those movements and some of the impact of the movements in history. The book is fairly up to date, this edition published in '07 so it covers events like Jim Jones and David Koresh. There is a good section on L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology. His definitions of sect and cult are more of the popular understandings of these terms and not so much the sociological understandings, but aside from that it is a good survey of movements that have impacted history.

[Jennifer Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is going to be my new career, I am going to start a cult. Everyone has to give you all their money, do what ever you say, drink your Kool-Aid. There seem to be more than enough nut jobs just waiting for a cause to devote themselves to. Now all I need is a catchy name, hmmm, The Divine Temple of Jenn?

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned some interesting information about different religious sects and some truly bizarre organizations. The author gave the impression of "looking down his nose" at anything that wasn't part of Christianity. Could have used a more impartial reporting method as I'm sure some of his readers may NOT be Christian.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

[Jane Doe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of facts and information.