Kirjahaku

Since its inception around 1970, the study of New Religious Movements (NRMs) has gradually evolved into an established multidisciplinary area of study. In this volume, a group of senior NRM scholars who have been instrumental in the development of the field offer essays that present the basics of NRM scholarship along with guidance for teachers on classroom use. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the volume provides comprehensive, accessible information and perspectives on NRMs. It is an invaluable guide for instructors navigating this scholarly minefield.

The current controversy surrounding new religions has brought to the forefront the role of apostates. These individuals leave highly controversial movements and assume roles in other organizations as public opponents against their former movements. This volume examines the motivations of the apostates, how they are recruited and play out their roles, the kinds of narratives they construct to discredit their previous groups, and the impact of apostasy on the outcome of conflicts between movements and society.