Alongside the older and more established religions, there are hundreds, indeed, thousands more, which have recently emerged. These "new religious movements" or NRMs--for lack of a better name--are not only numerous, they are also extremely varied and stem from a wide array of sources. They run the gamut from small to large, and all possess a tendency to constantly expand. And while their potential for good is considerable, more often than not it is their abuses that are noticed. Still, writing them off as "sects" is too easy, especially when they are as poorly understood as they often are....

The Unification Church (popularly known as the 'Moonies') has been viewed as an eccentric and somewhat sinister 'cult', best known for the 'mass wedding' ceremonies conducted by its leader Sun Myung Moon. In The Advent of Sun Myung Moon George Chryssides remains critical of the movement, but brings the reader out of uninformed prejudice by presenting information about its Korean origins, its teachings and the many ceremonies which, until recently, remained undisclosed. The book is based on extensive conversations with members and critics alike, together with extended periods spent at UC...

The theme of prophecy, the doctrine of the 144,000, end-time calculations, Armageddon, and the Witnesses' denial of hell are all considered in The A to Z of Jehovah's Witnesses, which contains a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and 250 cross-referenced dictionary entries relating to key people and concepts.

Exploring the writings of the Torah, Bible and Qu'ran, this book presents a lively and thoughtful discussion of scripture's role in contemporary faith. Analysing the many theological, political and social issues that divide or unite different religious traditions, it reveals modern inspiration, truth and guidance can be drawn from three Holy Writs.