Up-to-date, well-documented, comprehensive coverage of cults, sects, and world religions, from the historical to the contemporary.
 
INCLUDES
* Well-known groups and world religions, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Islam, and
   Baha'i
* Groups with a significant North American influence, including Santeria, Rastafarians,
   Haitian Voodo, white supremacy groups, Wicca, and Satanism
 
REVISED, UPDATED, AND EXPANDED TO INCLUDE NEW ENTRIES AND NEW INFORMATION
* Updated information on Islam and its global impact
* New entries: the Branch Davidians, Native American religions, Heaven's Gate, Aum
   Supreme Truth, the Boston Movement, the Masonic Lodge, and many others
* Developments in the world of cults and the occult Encyclopedic Dictionary of Cults, Sects, and World Religions is arguably the most significant reference book on the subject to be published. Formerly titled Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions, and the Occult, it provides reliable information on the history and beliefs of nearly every form of religion active today. This extensively revised edition includes new topics, updated information, and a brand-new format for a clearer, more organized approach. The authors evaluate the beliefs and practices of each group from the perspective of the Bible and the historic creeds of the Christian church. You'll also find group histories, numerous illustrations, charts, current statistics, websites, bibliographies, and other useful information.

From the Back Cover
The Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult is probably the most significant reference book on the subject to be published in recent decades. In addition to traditional, well-known groups such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Islam, and Baha'i, the Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult deals with groups that are not yet well-known but are making strong inroads in North America, such as Santeria, Rastafarians, Haitian Voodoo, white supremacy groups, and Satanism. The authors evaluate the beliefs and practices of each group from the perspective of the Bible and the historic creeds of the Christian church. Numerous short articles about people, places, and concepts provide brief definitions and descriptions. These articles are cross-referenced to the major in-depth articles that deal with the history, beliefs, and demography of each cult, sect, or religion. The book contains many illustrations and charts and includes an up-to-date bibliography for each of the groups and movements.
 
About the Author
Larry A. Nichols is the pastor of Our Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Greenville, Rhode Island. He is coauthor of 'Masonic Lodge' in the Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements.

George A. Mather is the pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah, and is the coauthor of Encyclopedia Dictionary of Cults, Sects, and World Religions.

Alvin J. Schmidt (PhD, University of Nebraska) retired in 1999 as professor of sociology at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, where he still lives. He is the author of several books, including The Great Divide: The Failure of Islam and the Triumph of the West, and served as a consulting editor for Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult. SPANISH BIO: Doctor en filosofia de la Universidad de Nebraska, se retiro en 1999 como profesor de sociologia del Colegio de Illinois en Jacksonville, Illinois. Ha contribuido en numerosas publicaciones y es autor de varios libros. Tambien fue editor para consultas de Diccionario de cultos, sectas, religiones y lo oculto.