New Religious Movements: The Basics is a concise and engaging introduction to the field of New Religious Movements (NRMs). Western culture is currently going through a wave of fascination with "cults", with numerous documentaries and television series dedicated to describing these groups. Meanwhile, scholars have been wrestling with the intricacies of this loaded category for decades.

Introducing the reader to some of the key issues and debates in the field of NRM studies, this book includes discussions on:

• how to define the term "new religious movement"

• critically unpacking the term "cult"

• how to study NRMs

• brainwashing and deprogramming

• prophecy and failed prophecy

• charisma and authority

• NRMs and violence

• gender and sexuality

This book is essential reading for students and scholars of religion who are approaching the study of NRMs for the first time as well as those interested in deepening their understanding of NRMs.

Joseph P. Laycock is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Texas State University, USA.