The Social Dimensions of Sectarianism: Sects and New Religious Movements in Contemporary Society (Clarendon Paperbacks)

The Social Dimensions of Sectarianism: Sects and New Religious Movements in Contemporary Society (Clarendon Paperbacks)

This wide-ranging collection explores the complex relationships between religious sects and contemporary Western society and examines the controversial social, political, and religious issues that arise as sects seek to pursue a way of life at variance with that of other people. Wilson argues that sects, often subject to negative theological and moral judgements, can be understood only as social entities and as such require a scientifically neutral and unbiased approach to explore their emergence and persistence. He traces the growth and expansion of various movements--including the Unification Church, the Scientologists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and the Exclusive Brethren--relating them to their social context, and indicates the sections of society from which their support is likely to come. "Offers rich information on a variety of aspects of sectarianism....Offers an extremely helpful introduction in sectarian studies, where he manages the difficult task of generalizing about sects in a meaningful way."-- Journal of Religion "It is always a pleasure to read the work of Bryan Wilson....Taken as a whole, his work represents perhaps the most impressive treatment of the sectarian phenomena that exists....The book should prove especially useful for scholars looking for a solid introduction to the field of sectarian studies."-- Contemporary Sociology "This book is without doubt a significant contribution to the literature on sociology of religion."-- Choice "[Wilson] is the leading authority on this subject and has a unique knowledge of the complexities of sectarianism."-- Church Times "I doubt if you will find a more complete enquiry into the subject than this fine collection...written in the most gloriously lucid prose that reads as easily as Dickens."-- Catholic Herald Bryan R. Wilson is at All Souls College, Oxford.