Does theism dominant the language and practices of public life in the United States? This volume explores this question from a humanist perspective; and in so doing it provides insight into the relationship of religion to public policy; and offers ways to advance a more democratic and secular public arena.
#776615 in Books 2015-06-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .50 x 6.00l; .71 #File Name: 1118722108240 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. What's it all about; culture's cults and addictionsBy Dwight C. DouglasThis book gets for stars because of its extremely organized form and excellent facts. Although we feel the slight defensive nature of the findings; the team of Cowan and Bromley did a very good job of outlining what some of these people believed in. I especially liked the fact that they said Christianity was once a cult. It puts the whole realm of religious belief in perspective. I would highly recommend this book for every Sunday school teacher.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A superb scholarly workBy Peter J. OrvettiThis is a scholarly book -- in fact; it is intended to be usable as a college textbook -- that treats cults and new religions respectfully. The writers go into detail about just what makes these religious groups different from more established ones; and examine the folly of lumping them all into one category. They are very critical of the countercult movement and "deprogramming" in particular; rightly noting that "deprogrammers" attempt the same sort of "brainwashing" that they regularly (and usually incorrectly) accuse new religions of utilizing. They are also very critical of a sensationalistic news media that breathlessly reports on cults only when something bizarre happens; rushing to judge their leaders as crooks or kooks and their adherents as deluded zombies.The groups selected for profiles here are not taken at random or because they are the most controversial or extreme; each is meant to illustrate a different facet of new religion. The Branch Davidians and Heaven's Gate are here; but so are the Ramtha School of Enlightenment and Wicca. Even regularly scorned groups like Scientology and Unificationism get a fair hearing.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Kim PavlikGood book; used it a lot every day in class. Was in good condition
