The Church of Scientology has often been viewed from the narrow perspective of legitimacy: Is it a true religion or merely a (destructive) cult? Here is a book, consisting of 22 articles by 27 authors, that views Scientology from the broader perspectives of culture, religion, and philosophy. The outcome is a sober and balanced presentation of this most controversial contemporary religion in the Western world that no doubt will be appreciated by fair-minded and inquisitive readers. A truly outstanding collection of essays for all students of religion, beginning or advanced.

James A. Santucci, Professor and Chair of Comparative Religion, California State University, Fullerton

The Church of Scientology has been involved in battles over tax issues, a ten-year battle with the Food and Drug Administration regarding the Electro-meters used in the Church's counseling activities, and extended conflicts with the Australian and German governments. In this book, a group of well-known scholars of New Religious Movements offers an extensive and evenhanded overview and analysis of all of these aspects of Scientology, including the controversies to which it continues to give rise.
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"The Church of Scientology has often been viewed from the narrow perspective of legitimacy: Is it a true religion or merely a (destructive) cult? Here is a book, consisting of 22 articles by 27 authors, that views Scientology from the broader perspectives of culture, religion, and philosophy. The outcome is a sober and balanced presentation of this most controversial contemporary religion in the Western world that no doubt will be appreciated by fair-minded and inquisitive readers. A truly outstanding collection of essays for all students of religion, beginning or advanced."--James A. Santucci, Professor and Chair of Comparative Religion, California State University, Fullerton "For any reader interested in Scientology, this is an indispensable book. Accessibly written, thoroughly researched and broad in its coverage, it will be the standard reference on this highly visible and controversial new religious movement for years to come."--Olav Hammer, Professor, Institute of Philosophy, Education and Religious Studies, University of Southern Denmark "The master of the edited volume on new religious movements and unusual cultural phenomena, James R. Lewis, has once again brought together a diverse group of scholars to explore a religion that most of us only know through sensational news headlines. This comprehensive volume maps the broad terrain that lies between proponents and polemical critics of Scientology. In essays on its science fiction origins and healing practices, among many other compelling topics, contributors reach beyond the cult stereotype to take seriously the religious lives of Scientologists. This is a unique and fascinating study of religion in the context of late twentieth and early twenty-first century technology and culture."--Sarah M. Pike, author of New Age and Neopagan Religions in America and Earthly Bodies, Magical Selves: Contemporary Pagans and the Search for Community
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James R. Lewis is Associate Professor of Religion, University of Tromso, Norway.

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780195331493
Publisert
2009
Utgiver
Vendor
Oxford University Press Inc
Vekt
771 gr
Høyde
236 mm
Bredde
165 mm
Dybde
36 mm
Aldersnivå
G, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
464

Forfatter

Biographical note

James R. Lewis is an extensively-published scholar of new religious movements. He currently teaches in the University of Wisconsin system. His reference books have won New York Public Library, American Library Association, and Choice book awards. He has been interviewed by the LA Times, the NY Times, NPR, the BBC, and Meet the Press.