PDF The Institutional Framework of Russian Serfdom (Cambridge Studies in Economic History - Second Series) by Tracy Dennison in History

Description

This unparalleled introduction to cults and new religious movements has been completely up-dated and expanded to reflect the latest developments; each chapter reviews the origins; leaders; beliefs; rituals and practices of a NRM; highlighting the specific controversies surrounding each group. A fully updated; revised and expanded edition of an unparalleled introduction to cults and new religious movements Profiles a number of the most visible; significant; and controversial new religious movements; presenting each group’s history; doctrines; rituals; leadership; and organization Offers a discussion of the major controversies in which new religious movements have been involved; using each profiled group to illustrate the nature of one of those controversies Covers debates including what constitutes an authentic religion; the validity of claims of brainwashing techniques; the implications of experimentation with unconventional sexual practices; and the deeply rooted cultural fears that cults engender New sections include methods of studying new religions in each chapter as well as presentations on ‘groups to watch’