Prophets, cults and madness / Anthony Stevens and John Price.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stevens, Anthony

Contributor:

Price, John, 1930-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cults.

Sects.

Cults--Psychological aspects.

Sects--Psychological aspects.

Physical Description:

ix, 246 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

London : Duckworth, 2000.

Summary:

How is it possible that cults continue to exist despite their history of disintegrating under the strain of their own mad ideas? In this entertaining study of the very thin line that separates cult leaders from full-blown madness, Stevens and Price argue that the answer lies in our gene pool. The sexual charisma of cult leaders--from Hitler, Koresh and Jones on one side of the spectrum and Jesus on the other side--play a vital role when groups waver and split. The authors create a controversial argument that will make anyone look at groups and religions in a whole new light.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 223-238) and index.

ISBN:

0715629409

OCLC:

44652467