Table of Contents

1. The Several Meanings of “Cult.”

2. The History of an Alternative Reality in the West.

3. New Vessels for the Ancient Wisdom: Groups in the Theosophical and Rosicrucian Traditions.

4. The Descent of the Mighty Ones: Spiritualism and UFO Groups.

5. The Crystal Within: Initiatory Groups.

6. The Edenic Bower: Neo-Paganism.

7. The Ganges Flows West: Indian Movements in America.

8. The East in the Golden West: Other Oriental Movements.

9. New Religious Movements: Sociological and Psychological Approaches.

Appendix: The People's Temple.

Bibliography.

Addresses of Groups.

Index.

About the Author

Robert S. Ellwood is Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern California.


Harry Partin was Professor of History of Religions at Duke University.