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Religious Book Store > Religious books beginning with C
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Communities of Dissent: A History of Alternative Religions in America (Religion in American Life) |
Author: Stephen J. Stein
Published: 2003-04-24 |
List price: $14.99
Our price: $14.99
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As of: January 05th, 2009 10:14:34 PM
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Customer comments on this selection.
 Shallow overview of lesser known american religious movements
The book mentions and breifly describes many alternative religions or new religious movements (NRMs) that started in the United States, from the colonial period through modern times.
For my taste, too much time is spent providing many examples, just to support the few main points the author is trying to make. I would like more depth. There just wasn't enough information about any of the NRMs. And the author sounds like he wants us to respect, honor and love them all as if they were each beloved children. Hogwash. He is right to try to provide understanding, and show that there is no reason to hate these NRMs or anyone involved in them. But he just goes farther than I think he should, and farther than anyone should. After all, some of these NRMs have proven to be downright tragic, if not evil. And personally, I extend that all religions, old and new, big and small, aminstream and alternative.
Also, he almost completely ignores one of the biggest NRMs ever - the Mormons. Why? Were they too successful? Or are they now too mainstream, even though they still cling to modern prophets like NASCAR fans to Dale Jr.
But if you want an easy to read pamplet that will give you some idea of the number and basic characteristics of most of the new religions created in America, then this book is worth a read. You can have my copy.
 worth the read
This book was a joy to read. I recommend it to anyone who wants a brief history of alternative religions/cults in America. The author does a great job of giving the reader a feel for the orgins, ideas, and impact of many different religions.
Now what this book does not do is provide an indepth look at religions. All religions are covered in brief.
The one glaring flaw of this book is that the author sees virtually all religions and cults through rose colored glasses. He does a great job of showing the positive aspects of various religions/cults but ignores the down side.
An additional book I recommend is THE NEW BELIEVERS by David V. Barrett. It provides a more contemporary account of America's and Britian's alternative religions and cults. It tends to focus more on the beliefs and practices of various religious movements rather than their history.
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