Social Dimensions of Sectarianism

This wide-ranging collection explores the complex relationships between religious sects and contemporary Western society and examines the controversial social, political, and religious issues that arise as sects seek to pursue a way of life at variance with that of other people. Wilson argues that sects--often subject to negative theological and moral judgements--can be understood only as social entities and as such require a scientifically neutral and unbiased approach to explore their emergence and persistence. He traces the growth and expansion of various movements, including the Unification Church, the Scientologists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and the Exclusive Brethren, relating them to their social context, and indicates the sections of society from which their support is likely to come.Wilson, Bryan R. is the author of 'Social Dimensions of Sectarianism', published 1990 under ISBN 9780198273462 and ISBN 0198273460.