A Guide to New Religious Movements
"Ronald Enroth's book brings together for the general reader wide-ranging information and analysis of key religious movements in North America. Ideas such as these are often intimidating to people who are not specialists in religion, philosophy or theology. The authors Enroth has lined up admirably succeed in making them both accessible and interesting at the same time. This book is a most welcome tool to equip and inspire Christians to reach out and interact confidently with their friends and neighbors who are members in groups like those discussed here." (Paul Chamberlain, Director, Institute of Christian Apologetics)"It is no longer a new revelation that the religious marketplace in the West has become increasingly diverse. We are getting used to the presence among us of religious movements that either have been exported from the East or have arisen on our own soil not too long ago. But to become conditioned to their presence and to learn about them with Christian compassion are two different things. This book goes a long way toward helping us get to know their content, but even more how to understand them better internally and externally. There are two evident advantages to this volume: For one, it concentrates on the major movements, rather than overwhelming us with all the many ephemeral societies that come and go. Second, I am struck by the fact that the contributors, obviously writing from their strengths, have managed to generate a level of interest that makes you want to read on. A great addition to the literature on new religions!" (Winfried Corduan, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Taylor University, and author of Neighboring Faiths)"This book serves as a helpful pointer to the importance of 'holistically' engaging those within new religious movements. These movements' adherents are made in God's image; so individual Christians and churches must go beyond mere theological debate to engage in loving, listening relationships as well. Doctrinal refutation is not enough. Familiarity with a movement's history/sociology--which often exposes the church's own failures--and utilization of practical tools for 'speaking the truth in love' are also necessary." (Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University)