Sects, Cults, and Spiritual Communities: A Sociological Analysis by William W. Z

The Nile on eBay   Sects, Cults, and Spiritual Communities by William W. Zellner, Marc Petrowsky

Illustrates the cultural diversity of American society by analyzing nine nontraditional groups.

FORMATPaperback LANGUAGEEnglish CONDITIONBrand New Publisher Description

American society is culturally diverse with a variety of religious denominations, sects, cults, and self-help groups vying for members. This volume analyzes nine of these groups, chosen both for their intrinsic interest and because they illustrate a variety of sociological concepts. The groups included in this study are: Heaven's Gate, Jesus People USA, the Love Family, The Farm, Amish Women, Scientology, El Niño Fidencio, Santería, and Freedom Park. The contributors are social scientists with first-hand knowledge of the groups they examine.

Author Biography

WILLIAM W. ZELLNER is Professor of Sociology at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. He is the author of numerous articles, essays, and books, including Extraordinary Groups (sixth edition, 1997) and Countercultures: A Sociological Analysis (1995).MARC PETROWSKY is Associate Professor of Sociology at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. He is the coauthor of the forthcoming sixth edition of Introduction to Sociology, with Richard F. Larson and Marvin F. White.

Table of Contents

IntroductionThe Evolution of a New Age Cult: From Total Overcomers Anonymous to Death at Heaven's GateJesus People USAThe FarmThe Love Family: Its Formative YearsEl Niño Fidencio and the FidencistasSanteríaSingle Women in Amish SocietyThe Church of Scientology: A Quasi-ReligionFreedom ParkIndex

Review

"Most such books are about sociology with illustrations from life. This book is wonderful different. It is about life with illustrations from sociology." William M. Wentworth. Department of Sociology, Clemson University - "The study of sects, cults, and spiritual communities has grown in recent years - but that literature still remains relatively small. Those looking for a volume that explores a variety of such groups may find those described and discussed in this volume to be particularly interesting." Felix M. Berardo. Department of Sociology, University of Florida - "Dr. Bill Zellner has cultivated a genuine ability to focus the lens of the "sociological imagination" on the study of sects, cults, and spiritual communities. Should be must reading for classes in General Sociology, Social Problems, Social Movements, and Culture." Richard P. Rettig. University of Central Oklahoma

Long Description

American society is culturally diverse with a variety of religious denominations, sects, cults, and self-help groups vying for members. This volume analyzes nine of these groups, chosen both for their intrinsic interest and because they illustrate a variety of sociological concepts. The groups included in this study are: Heaven's Gate, Jesus People USA, the Love Family, The Farm, Amish Women, Scientology, El Ni

Review Quote

"This engaging book provides an analysis of nine religious groups. [T]he strength of this volume lies in its careful descriptions from an insider's perspective. All contributions are eminently readable, some even entertaining. Much of the information provided derives from participant observation and in-depth interviews with group members, and for much of the book it is evident that the authors managed to establish a close and trusting relationship with group members....[T]his book is a welcome addition to the sociological literature of groups outside the religious mainstream. It is recommended for use in undergraduate courses in the sociology of religion and culture."- Qualitative Sociology

Promotional "Headline"

Illustrates the cultural diversity of American society by analyzing nine nontraditional groups.

Details ISBN0275963357 Short Title SECTS CULTS & SPIRITUAL COMMUN Pages 192 Series Religion in the Age of Transformation (Paperback) Language English ISBN-10 0275963357 ISBN-13 9780275963354 Media Book Format Paperback Illustrations Yes Year 1998 Publication Date 1998-06-30 Subtitle A Sociological Analysis Country of Publication United States Edited by William W. Zellner Place of Publication Westport Author Marc Petrowsky Imprint Praeger Publishers Inc DOI 10.1604/9780275963354 UK Release Date 1998-06-30 AU Release Date 1998-06-30 NZ Release Date 1998-06-30 US Release Date 1998-06-30 Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Alternative 9780275958602 DEWEY 306.60973 Audience Undergraduate Audience Age 7-17 We've got this

At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it.With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love!

TheNile_Item_ID:6973880;