Examines the `primitive' (traditional) non -mainstream religion and also 20th century sects such as the Moonies and Scientology. Looks at the `nature' of religion - the general philosophical issues. Written by international specialists.

`No "blinding by science", user-friendly throughout, and eminently worth digesting.' - Reference Reviews

Table of Contents:

SECTION 1: RELIGION AND THE STUDY OF RELIGIONS, edited by Stewart Sutherland 1. Religion and the Religions, Peter Byrne (King's College, London) 2. The Study of Religion and Religions, Stewart Sutherland 3. Religion and Ideology, Anders Jeffner (University of Uppsala) 4. Atheism and Agnosticism, Anders Jeffner SECTION 2: TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS, edited by Peter Clarke (King's College, London) 5. Introduction, Peter Clarke 6. Shamanism, I.M. Lewis (London School of Economics) 7. Australian Aboriginal Religion, K Maddock (Macquarie University) 8. Melanesian Religions V Lanternari (University of Rome) 9. Maori Religion, T.P. Tawhai (Massey University) 10. African Traditional Religion, T.O. Ranger (University of Oxford) 11. North American Traditional Religion, G Cooper (University of Leicester) 12. Latin- American Religion: Three Orders of Service, Gordon Brotherston (University of Essex) SECTION 3: NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS, edited by Peter Clarke 13. Introduction, Peter Clarke 14. North America, R. Wallis (Queen's University, Belfast) 15. Western Europe, P. Heelas (University of Lancaster) 16. Japan, A. Lande (University of Uppsala) and Peter Clarke 17. Africa, H.W. Turner (University of Birmingham) 18. `Secularisation': Religion in the Modern World, Bryan Wilson (All Souls College, Oxford) Index