There are over 600 New Religious Movements (NRMs) in Great Britain alone, and more than 2000 in the United States. A Reader in New Religious Movements provides an introduction to the main teachings of a selection of these organizations, focusing on those that are well established in the West. The contemporary-and in some cases controversial-NRMs covered include the Unification Church, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the Family, Osho, Soka Gakkai International and the Western Buddhist Order.

Table of Contents:

Acknowledgements List of abbreviations Introduction PART 1: NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS 1. Brahma Kumaris 2. Church Universal and Triumphant 3. The Family (formerly Children of God) 4. The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly the Unification Church) 5. The Friends of the Western Buddhist Order 6. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness 7. Osho / Rajneesh 8. The Radlian Movement PART 2: READINGS 1. Origins and founder-leaders 2. Key writings and scriptures 3. Predicament 4. Worldviews 5. Lifestyle 6. Spiritual practice 7. Social issues 8. Organisation 9. Ultimate goal PART 3: RESPONSES Introduction 1. Counselling and monitoring organisations 2. Official reports: governmental 3. New religions and the Churches Glossary of terms Bibliography