What is a cult? Why do they emerge? Who joins them? And why do tragedies such as Waco and Jonestown occur? This reader brings together the voices of historians; sociologists; and psychologists of religion to address these key questions about new religious movements.Looks at theoretical explanations for cults; why people join and what happens when they do. Brings together the best work on cults by sociologists; historians; and psychologists of religion. A broad-ranging; balanced and clearly organized collection of readings. Includes coverage of topical issues; such as the 'brainwashing' controversy; and cults in cyberspace. Section introductions by the editor situate the nature; value; and relevance of the selected readings in context of current discussions.
#290416 in Books Cumberland House 2010-03-01 2010-03-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x 1.20 x 6.00l; 1.15 #File Name: 1402239106352 pages
Review
163 of 163 people found the following review helpful. Just what it should beBy Jeremy AldrichComposed of short vignettes and biographical sketches from the people and events of the American Civil War; this book focuses on the human stories you may not have heard before; using a lot of primary sources. The author says it best in his introduction: "I once was a newspaperman. I always looked for the good; i.e.; the best; story. Be it cheerful; light and frothy; or hard-hitting; sad; poignant--it didn't matter. Just the good story. The kind the reader would read. No "message;" just the unusual; the obscure; the fascinating...the gripping; the touching human story."Alternating between slice-of-life anecdotes and biographical backgrounds often written in the "now you know the rest of the story" surprise ending format; the book ends with two longer biographies of the first ladies of the warring nations (Varina Davis and Mary Todd Lincoln). Whether you're a history buff; a social studies teacher looking for some great anecdotes; or even if you're just looking for some good bathroom reading; you will enjoy this entertaining collection of true stories.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. An effective way to discuss the Civil WarBy DWD's ReviewsThis is a review of the 3rd edition; released by Cumberland House in 2010. The 1st edition was released in 1994. The 2nd edition was released in 1998.When I read Civil War histories I enjoy the standard; sweeping re-telling of the tale with the battles and the politics. But; I also enjoy those little nuggets of history that make the larger story more personal - stories like the general who chastised his men for hiding from a sniper and then immediately gets hit by that sniper and falls over dead. Or; the story of how Booker T. Washington picked his last name. Or; one of my favorites; the story of the 90 day recruit who was due to leave immediately after the First Battle of Bull Run - but Colonel William Tecumseh Sherman refused to hear about it and if he tried to leave he would shoot him "like a dog." That same day Lincoln came by to review the troops; the man complained that Sherman threatened him. Lincoln interrupted and told him in a loud stage whisper; "Well; if I were you and Colonel Sherman threatened to shoot; I would not trust him for; by Heaven; I believe he would do it."Those nuggets are like the marshmallow pieces in Lucky Charms - they make the cereal more fun. If you compare those little stories in a standard history to the marshmallows in Lucky Charms; well than this book is almost all marshmallows; which is kinda fun.Kelly notes in the introduction that these nuggets make the history more personal and can tell huge amounts about the larger story. Booker T. Washington's story tells about the condition of American slaves and how they wanted to demonstrate their new found independence. The story about Colonel Sherman demonstrates that Lincoln would support officers with backbone and the he was serious about creating an effective army. Also; it shows Lincoln's trademark sense of humor and how it was valuable in getting people to do what he needed them to do.This book is a great read in short bursts. I read it on my kindle; but I read about half of it on my smart phone's kindle app while waiting in lines or while waiting on my daughters while we were out and about. The short chapters were perfect for that.The exception to that are the comparatively lengthy biographies of Mary Todd Lincoln and Varina Howell Davis in a section written by Ingrid Smyer called "The Civil War's Two First Ladies."36 of 38 people found the following review helpful. Fun read; even for a non-history buffBy JetpackAs I've gotten older; I've gotten more and more into Civil War history.However; even if you aren't a history buff; I recommend this book for you. It makes what I would call great "bathroom" reading. You get your information in very short sections; and works well for limited time (though you can read in chunks as normal!)This isn't limited; as the authors note; to the well known Civil War personalities.There are tons of things in this book - many of which I had never heard of. Examples:- the note from Pres. Lincoln to CSA V. President Stephens.- the almost first casualty of Fort Sumter; and the doctor's justification for helping him.- the congressional line of defense at First Bull Run.- John Brown's Body (the song) came before the Battle Hymn of the Republic.- Winston County Alabama voting to be neutral.- Frederick Douglas' eye witness testimony of how slaves were treated.- Gen. Longstreet losing 3 children to disease in just a couple of weeks.- The real life eagle that would become the basis for the shoulder patch of the 101st Airborne "Screaming Eagles".A very interesting book. Highly recommend.
