The Emerging Network: A Sociology of the New Age and Neo-pagan Movements

by Michael York

Overview

The 1980s saw the emergence of New Age and neo-paganism as major new religious movements. In the first book-length study of these movements, Michael York describes their rituals and beliefs and examines the similarities, differences and relationships between them. He profiles particular groups, including the Church Universal Triumphant, Nordic pagans, and the Covenant of Unitarian Pagans, and questions the adequacy of existing sociological categories for describing these largely amorphous phenomena.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780847680016
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	04/05/1995
Series:	Optoelectronics
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.08(h) x 1.18(d)

About the Author

Michael York is Director of the Academy for Cultural and Educational Studies (in London and Varanasi, India) and director of the Amsterdam Center for Eurindic Studies.

Editorial Reviews

Michael York has produced a timely book which introduces us to the complicated and often confusing world of the New Age and Neo-paganism. The book contains a useful review of potentially relevant sociology of religion literature...This is a book that any sociologist of religion with the slightest interest in the spiritual and cultural innovations currently occurring in the West should read.

From the Publisher

the combination of empirical research, conceptual clarity, and sociological awareness makes Dr. York's book an impressive addition to the literature on the New Age and Neo-Paganism today.

Professor James Beckford

... necessary reading for all those interested in religion and secular alternatives to religion in the contemporary world.

Dr. Peter B. Clarke

Once in a long while a book comes along so outstanding as to merit a "must buy" recommendation. This is such a book. If this were the only book you could have on "new religions", it would very well satisfy the need. Highly recommended!

Cultic Studies Journal

...treatment of these groups [New Age and neo-pagan groups] is informative. ...well written.

Choice Reviews

...treatment of these groups [New Age and neo-pagan groups] is informative. ...well written.

Choice

...treatment of these groups [New Age and neo-pagan groups] is informative. ...well written.

CHOICE