Radical Transformations in Minority Religions

All religions undergo continuous change, but minority religions tend to be less anchored in their ways than mainstream, traditional religions. This volume examines radical transformations undergone by a variety of minority religions, including the Children of God/ Family International
Gnosticism
Jediism
various manifestations of Paganism
LGBT Muslim groups
the Plymouth Brethren
Santa Muerte
and Satanism.

As with other books in the Routledge/Inform series, the contributors approach the subject from a wide range of perspectives: professional scholars include legal experts and sociologists specialising in new religious movements, but there are also chapters from those who have experienced a personal involvement. The volume is divided into four thematic parts that focus on different impetuses for radical change: interactions with society, technology and institutions, efforts at legitimation, and new revelations.

This book will be a useful source of information for social scientists, historians, theologians and other scholars with an interest in social change, minority religions and 'cults'. It will also be of interest to a wider readership including lawyers, journalists, theologians and members of the general public.