The anti-cult movement today is targeting non-religious groups, as well as dealing with a  greater diversity of  former “cult” members than was the case in its early years. Those of some of the conclusions of veteran anti-cult activist Marcia Rudin in recounting the history and challenges of the movement in the Cult Observer, (March/April), a publication of the […]

There have been many attempts to hold religious services over the Internet, but even most proponents claim the communal elements of such rituals can’t be easily replicated on-line. But the Internet and Hinduism may be a better match. Hinduism Today magazine (July) reports on “cyberbhaktis”–devotees soliciting temple Deities’ blessings on the Worldwide Web. Hindus can also view […]

India, once the destination for spiritual seekers in the late 1960s and `70s, is again attracting a record number of pilgrims, reports the New York Times (June 7). After a period of disillusionment with gurus (due to sexual and financial scandals among several  Indian spiritual leaders), it appears that the Western interest in seeking spiritual enlightenment has returned, […]

The United Religions Initiative (URI) gained controversy and publicity in recent years for its attempt to create a sort of United Nations of religions, but the organization is already showing signs of division. The evangelical anti-cultist SCP Journal (Vol. 21:4-22:1) takes a critical look at the organization, noting that it has undergone a number of changes since […]

In recent years, the evangelical community has led in the number of  books aimed at churchgoing parents anxious to know how to apply their faith to parenting. Publishers Weekly (June 15) reports that more titles appealing to parents across the religious spectrum. Pointing out that “five times as many parenting books debuted last year as in 1975,” […]

Faith Popcorn, the market-savvy forecaster of social and “lifestyle” trends, has increasingly turned her eye toward the religious future in recent years. In an article in the evangelical digest Current Trends & Thoughts (June), Popcorn applies many of her unique (and strange-sounding) concepts to religious institutions. Two conflicting forces will continue to shape Americans religious search. “EVEvolution” […]

Just when  the roller-coaster fortunes of the evangelical, men’s support movement, Promise Keepers, seemed to be leveling out, recent  evidence shows that its 19 planned rallies this summer are seriously under-registered. While PK weathered the storm of l997 budget declines, it has acknowledged that early registration for its once popular rallies is running on the average of […]

Christians stressing practical social concern and following the Golden Rule rather than doctrine or activism may represent the majority of American Christians. That is the finding of a  research team headed by Hartford Seminary’s Nancy Ammerman in the recent book Lived Religions in America (edited by David D. Hall, Princeton University Press). These “Golden Rule” Christians. outnumber the […]