New Religious Movements: Challenge and Response

Contemporary Review, Nov, 1999

Bryan Wilson and Jamie Cresswell, editors. Routledge. [pounds]14.99, p.b. 284 pages. ISBN 0-415-20050-4. In this collection of fourteen essays (including the introduction by Bryan Wilson) sixteen experts analyse the nature, extent, reception and impact of what Mr Wilson calls the various new 'spiritual organisations' that have arisen since the 1950s.

The emphasis is on the United Kingdom and, to a lesser extent, the United States, Italy and Latin America. There are essays on the movements' size and importance, on the 'easternisation of the West', the importance of prosperity, how the new movements relate to (or violate) existing laws, on their relationship with the media, mental health aspects of these movements, the role of women, the reaction of existing religious bodies and on various 'anti-cult' activities.