The New Believers
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founder | David V. Barrett |
| Products | Religious studies book |
The New Believers: A Survey of Sects, 'Cults', and Alternative Religions, authored by David V. Barrett, explores the beginnings, development, doctrines, rituals, and controversies surrounding more than sixty new religious movements. Among those examined are The Family International (previously known as Children of God), International Church of Christ, Osho (Rajneesh), Satanism, New Kadampa Tradition, Wicca, Druidry, chaos magic, and Scientology.
In a review for The Daily Telegraph, Demian Thompson commended the book as a valuable resource on marginal religions, praising Barrett’s impartial method that juxtaposes well-established groups with those commonly branded as cults. This approach uncovers shared characteristics and demonstrates the role of personal revelation across diverse faiths. Thompson further highlighted the book’s perceptive critique of anti-cult organizations, revealing their vulnerability to extremism and controversy.
David V. Barrett characterized his publication in the Skeptical Inquirer as an extensive reference employing a comparative religion framework that refrains from privileging any theological viewpoint. The first section tackles essential topics including the distinction between cults and religions, processes of conversion and recruitment, familial difficulties, exit strategies from groups, and the role of cult-watchers. The second section offers detailed profiles of movements categorized by Christian roots, other "Religions of the Book," Eastern origins, esoteric and neo-Pagan traditions, as well as personal growth movements.
Patrick Curry’s review in The Independent underscored Barrett’s investigation into the often ambiguous boundaries among "sect," "cult," and "religion." He also noted Barrett’s clear separation between anti-cult activists, counter-cult initiatives focused on religious orthodoxy, and scholarly entities such as Inform (Information Network Focus on Religious Movements). Curry stressed the book’s usefulness not only for academics but also for parents and educators concerned about these groups.