Overview

Examining contemporary understandings of the term ‘cult’, this book brings together scholars from multiple disciplines, including sociology, anthropology and religious studies. Focusing on how ‘cult rhetoric’ affects our perceptions of new religious movements, the contributors explore how these minority groups have developed and deconstruct the language we use to describe them. Ranging from the ‘Cult of Trump’ and ‘Cult of COVID’, to the campaigns of mass media, this book recognises that contemporary ‘cult rhetoric’ has become hybridised and suggests a more nuanced study of contemporary religion. Topics include online religions, political ‘cults’, ‘apostate’ testimony and the current ‘othered’ position of the study of minority religions.

Full Product Details

9781350333215

Table of Contents

Reviews

This is an important book because it charts a middle way between scholars of New Religious Movements (NRMs), ‘Cultic Studies’ scholars and ex-members of NRMs ... It establishes a course for a more inclusive and empathetic study of NRMs. * Carole M. Cusack, The University of Sydney, Australia * Part critical history, part call to action, ‘Cult’ Rhetoric is a must-read for scholars wishing to move the study of minority religions forward in the twenty-first century. Providing a range of perspectives, its contributors analyse the many ways that scholars – as well as government officials, law enforcement agents, psychologists, the media, and others – shape popular understanding of cults. * Rebecca Moore, San Diego State University, USA *

Author Information

Aled Thomas is a Teaching Fellow in the Study of Religion at the University of Leeds, UK. He is the author of Free Zone Scientology: Contesting the Boundaries of a New Religion (Bloomsbury, 2021). Edward Graham-Hyde is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire, UK and Treasurer of the Information Network Focus on Religious Movements (Inform).

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available