Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America

by J. Gordon Melton

Covers the history, founders, beliefs, and literature of over five hundred nonconventional and alternative religious movements.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1986

About the author

John Gordon Melton is an American religious scholar who was the founding director of the Institute for the Study of American Religion and is currently a research specialist in religion and New Religious Movements with the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion.

His areas of research include major religious traditions, new religions and alternative religions, Occultism and Parapsychology, New Age, and vampirology.

Melton has been criticized by several scholars for what they see as conflicts of interest in his reporting of some of the groups he studies.

Reviews

[Andy Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America is a comprehensive reference work that catalogs over five hundred nonconventional and alternative religious movements in the United States. Spanning 424 pages, the handbook provides detailed entries on each group’s history, founders, beliefs, literature, and organizational structure, making it an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the diversity of American religious life. Melton’s approach is objective and descriptive, avoiding sensationalism and instead focusing on factual information about each movement, from well-known organizations to obscure sects.

The book’s encyclopedic structure allows for easy navigation, making it suitable for both quick consultation and in-depth research. While the sheer breadth of coverage is impressive, some readers may wish for more analysis or context regarding the social and cultural impact of these groups. Nevertheless, Melton’s work stands out for its thoroughness and clarity, offering a balanced overview that avoids judgment and provides a solid foundation for further study.