Cults

Rating:
Summary: Fast easy read.
Review: I liked the book. Although listed as "young adult" I found it to have sufficient substance to be satisfying fare...even though I am far from "young".

I was particularly fond of his treatment (OK, his opinions) of occult and witchcraft. Those two subjects make fantastic newpaper copy and the stories throw long shadows.

I think the book would be much stronger with a slightly different organization. As a parent, I am particularly interested in "cult-proofing" my children. Unfortunately, that material is sprinkled over many chapters.

I strongly encourage Mr. Cohen to develop a "quick test" that young adults can use as a litmus test when approached by possible Branch Davidians. The test (list) would not require absolute accuracy. The objective of the test is to separate wolves from sheep, not to identify sub-species of wolf.

Rating:
Summary: Cults, an overview
Review: Wonderful overview of the history of cults around America. Cohen seeks to inform! His skeptal approach to the histeria and myths of cults is refreshing. He trys (I think sucessfully) to explain, "what is a cult?", "who joins a cult and why?". He discusses witchs, satanic cults, mind control and brainwashing. This book was written in easy to understand language, not a book for theologens but for the everyday person hoping to understand the history and psycholocy of cults.

Rating:
Summary: Cults, an overview
Review: Wonderful overview of the history of cults around America. Cohen seeks to inform! His skeptal approach to the histeria and myths of cults is refreshing. He trys (I think sucessfully) to explain, "what is a cult?", "who joins a cult and why?". He discusses witchs, satanic cults, mind control and brainwashing. This book was written in easy to understand language, not a book for theologens but for the everyday person hoping to understand the history and psycholocy of cults.