Eileen Barker
Inform, based at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Inform, Founder of Inform, Chair of Inform's Board of Governors and an Honorary Research Fellow for Inform
A Sociologist of Religion, Eileen Barker has been researching minority religions and the responses to which they give rise since the early 1970s. Her study of conversion to the Unification Church for her PhD, published as the award-given The Making of a Moonie: Brainwashing or Choice? led to an interest in a wide variety of movements, and she has personally studied, to greater or lesser degree, over 150 different groups. As the first-generation movements aged, she has become interested in the changes, including the fate of second-generation members and those who leave the movements. She has also had a sustained interest in differences between ‘cult-watching’ groups and the dynamics within and between these groups, academe and the religions.
She has over 300 publications, translated into 27 languages. She travels extensively giving lectures throughout the world, and for research purposes, particularly in North America, Europe and Japan, and, since collapse of the Berlin Wall, in Eastern Europe and, more recently, China. She was the first non-American to be elected President of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. She is also the founder of Inform, Chair of Inform's Board of Governors and an Honorary Research Fellow for Inform.
She has over 300 publications, translated into 27 languages. She travels extensively giving lectures throughout the world, and for research purposes, particularly in North America, Europe and Japan, and, since collapse of the Berlin Wall, in Eastern Europe and, more recently, China. She was the first non-American to be elected President of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. She is also the founder of Inform, Chair of Inform's Board of Governors and an Honorary Research Fellow for Inform.
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Books by Eileen Barker
This book explores different ways in which, as NRMs develop, stagnate, fade away, or abruptly cease to exist, certain orthodoxies and practices have, for one reason or another, been dropped or radically altered. Sometimes such changes are adapted by only a section of the movement, resulting in schism. Of particular concern are processes that might lead to violent and/or anti-social behaviour. As part of the Ashgate/Inform series, and in the spirit of the Inform Seminars, this book approaches its topic from a wide range of perspectives. Contributors include academics, current and former members of NRMs, and members of ‘cult-watching’ movements. All the contributions are of a scholarly rather than a polemic nature, and brought together by Eileen Barker, the founder of Inform."
This book is a collection of essays written in Beckford's honour, drawing on a number of religious themes that have been central to Beckford's interests, whilst also offering a significant contribution to our understanding of the wider society. A central theme is modernity (and its relation to the post-modern), and how religion affects and is affected by the dynamics of contemporary society, with the primary focus of many of the chapters being a concern with how society copes with the minority religions that have become visible with the globalising tendencies of contemporary society. The contributors, who come from America, Asia and various parts of Europe, are all internationally renowned scholars. Beckford's most important publications are listed in an Appendix and the volume opens with a short account of his contribution to sociology by Eileen Barker (the editor) and James T. Richardson.
"
This timely book takes stock of the intricate patterns traced by the interweaving of religion and politics, of spiritual visions and material forces, and of both tradition and innovation within a wide variety of cultural settings. It challenges many received ideas about the alleged decline of religion and it raises some important questions about the shifting boundaries between the sacred and the secular.
Seventeen eminent contributors from four continents discuss the current turmoil in religious beliefs, practices, and organization, not only in the Western world but also in Africa, South America, New Zealand, South Asia, and Japan. They examine the evidence of religious change, decline, and revival, investigate the challenges posed by new religious movements, interpret the historical significance of sectarian symbolism, and, above all, locate religious change and conflict in the context of broader shifts in consciousness and culture.
This book will further the debate in sociology, the human sciences, and religious studies about the place of religion in an increasingly global society. It will also stimulate discussion about the future of rationalism and sectarianism in societies dominated by the twin logics of state and market. Its focus on the interplay between secularization, rationalism, and sectarianism offers a fitting tribute to Bryan Wilson, who has made so many distinguished contributions to the sociological understanding of all three phenomena.
Focusing on the situation in Europe, an international group of scholars present their studies on topics ranging from Buddhism in Poland to differences in legal systems regarding the rights of minority religions. This book will appeal to an international readership of scholars, students and professionals in the study of religion, theology, and social sciences – and anyone else who is interested in this fascinating and controversial subject.
‘Dr Eileen Barker, a sociologist of religion at the London School of Economics . . . has written an admirably unstrident book containing everything you never dared ask about cults. The book offers only objective reference to cults, with their history doctrine and practices.’ (The Guardian)
‘There is certainly a need for such a book as this to show how and why we should be seeking to obtain accurate information, make accurate assessments, and give wise and practical counsel . . . she brings academic rigour, vast practical experience, pastoral concern and personal insight to this work . . . It is informed, wise, caring and practical.’ (Church of England Newspaper)
‘Building on a solid base of theoretically-informed research, Eileen Barker offers a clear and concise summary of practical conclusions that should prove immensely useful to relatives and friends of people who become involved with so-called cults.’ (Sociological Analysis)
‘By any standards, this book must count as one of the most through and impressive sociological enquires ever undertaken into a religious movement. We have nothing quite comparable to it’ (Bryan Wilson, British Journal of Sociology)
‘An important book, with a mountain of relevant data . . . it tackles many topics (the characteristics that render a person susceptible to the Unification Church’s approach, for example) ignored by other researchers. It is sure to foster controversy and more inquiry into the dynamics of cult conversion’ (New York Times Book Review)
‘Rarely does one find such well-balanced, well-presented collections of useful information so well directed towards such a worthwhile question.’ (Sociology)
‘Sharp, well-argued conclusions, most of which will surprise readers familiar with sensational accounts of the unification movement . . . [It] will no doubt spark debate concerning . . . the ways in which other investigators – scientists and sociologists alike – have presented this group to the public.’ (Psychology Today)
‘Much of the book’s authority derives from the obvious depth of the author’s understanding of the Moonies.’ (Times Higher Education Supplement)
Editor Eileen Barker has brought together in this volume the work of 25 scholars from eight countries in an effort, she writes, ‘to make available to a wider readership some of the latest thinking and findings of this international group of scholars.’
In seminal essays John Lofland and Norman Skonovd survey ‘patterns of conversion,’ while David A. Snow and Richard Malachek question ‘the presumed fragility of unconventional beliefs.’ Against this broad background other scholars of international reputation investigate the growing political interests and difficulties of emerging religious sects and more traditional groups, the motives and tactics of international ‘anti-cult’ efforts inside and outside the law, the strength and tenacity of participation in new religious sects, survival strategies for sectarians persecuted by government action, the development of social concern in a major faction of the human potential movement, and the conversion and recruitment efforts of three movements originating in the East.
From the passive hedonism of California ‘fun-seekers’ to the political machinations of the Moral Majority, this book decodes the intentions, the pretences, and the critical significance of the most recent and controversial human quests for God and the ultimate meaning.
"
Contributors include Eileen Barker (From Sects to Society: A Methodological Programme), Bryan R. Wilson (The New Religions: Some Preliminary Considerations), R. J. Zwi Werblowsky (Religions New and Not So New: Fragments of An Agenda), Robert Wuthnow (World Order and Religious Movements), Paul Heelas (Californian Self Religions and Socializing the Subjective), Thomas C. Oden (The Intensive Group Experience: The New Pietism), David Martin (The Peace Sentiment: Old and New), Christine King (The Case of the Third Reich), Ninian Smart (Asian Culture and the Impact of the West), John Whitworth and Martin Shiels (From Across the Black Water: Two Imported Varieties of Hinduism, The Hare Krishnas and the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society), Ted Nordquist (New Religious Movements in Sweden), Warren Lewis (Coming-Again: How Society Functions Through Its New Religions), Roy Wallis (The New Religions as Social Indicators), Colin Campbell (The New Religious Movements, the New Spirituality and Post-Industrial Society), Dick Anthony and Thomas Robbins (Contemporary Religious Ferment and Moral Ambiguity), Bert Hardin and Gunter Kehrer (Some Social Factors Affecting the Rejection of New Beliefs Systems), James A. Beckford (Beyond the Pale: Cults, Culture and Conflict), David G. Bromley, Bruce C. Bushing and Anson D. Shupe Jr. (The Unification Church and the American Family: Strain, Conflict and Control) and George Baker (The Ethics and Psychology of Media Consumption). "
Papers by Eileen Barker
This book explores different ways in which, as NRMs develop, stagnate, fade away, or abruptly cease to exist, certain orthodoxies and practices have, for one reason or another, been dropped or radically altered. Sometimes such changes are adapted by only a section of the movement, resulting in schism. Of particular concern are processes that might lead to violent and/or anti-social behaviour. As part of the Ashgate/Inform series, and in the spirit of the Inform Seminars, this book approaches its topic from a wide range of perspectives. Contributors include academics, current and former members of NRMs, and members of ‘cult-watching’ movements. All the contributions are of a scholarly rather than a polemic nature, and brought together by Eileen Barker, the founder of Inform."
This book is a collection of essays written in Beckford's honour, drawing on a number of religious themes that have been central to Beckford's interests, whilst also offering a significant contribution to our understanding of the wider society. A central theme is modernity (and its relation to the post-modern), and how religion affects and is affected by the dynamics of contemporary society, with the primary focus of many of the chapters being a concern with how society copes with the minority religions that have become visible with the globalising tendencies of contemporary society. The contributors, who come from America, Asia and various parts of Europe, are all internationally renowned scholars. Beckford's most important publications are listed in an Appendix and the volume opens with a short account of his contribution to sociology by Eileen Barker (the editor) and James T. Richardson.
"
This timely book takes stock of the intricate patterns traced by the interweaving of religion and politics, of spiritual visions and material forces, and of both tradition and innovation within a wide variety of cultural settings. It challenges many received ideas about the alleged decline of religion and it raises some important questions about the shifting boundaries between the sacred and the secular.
Seventeen eminent contributors from four continents discuss the current turmoil in religious beliefs, practices, and organization, not only in the Western world but also in Africa, South America, New Zealand, South Asia, and Japan. They examine the evidence of religious change, decline, and revival, investigate the challenges posed by new religious movements, interpret the historical significance of sectarian symbolism, and, above all, locate religious change and conflict in the context of broader shifts in consciousness and culture.
This book will further the debate in sociology, the human sciences, and religious studies about the place of religion in an increasingly global society. It will also stimulate discussion about the future of rationalism and sectarianism in societies dominated by the twin logics of state and market. Its focus on the interplay between secularization, rationalism, and sectarianism offers a fitting tribute to Bryan Wilson, who has made so many distinguished contributions to the sociological understanding of all three phenomena.
Focusing on the situation in Europe, an international group of scholars present their studies on topics ranging from Buddhism in Poland to differences in legal systems regarding the rights of minority religions. This book will appeal to an international readership of scholars, students and professionals in the study of religion, theology, and social sciences – and anyone else who is interested in this fascinating and controversial subject.
‘Dr Eileen Barker, a sociologist of religion at the London School of Economics . . . has written an admirably unstrident book containing everything you never dared ask about cults. The book offers only objective reference to cults, with their history doctrine and practices.’ (The Guardian)
‘There is certainly a need for such a book as this to show how and why we should be seeking to obtain accurate information, make accurate assessments, and give wise and practical counsel . . . she brings academic rigour, vast practical experience, pastoral concern and personal insight to this work . . . It is informed, wise, caring and practical.’ (Church of England Newspaper)
‘Building on a solid base of theoretically-informed research, Eileen Barker offers a clear and concise summary of practical conclusions that should prove immensely useful to relatives and friends of people who become involved with so-called cults.’ (Sociological Analysis)
‘By any standards, this book must count as one of the most through and impressive sociological enquires ever undertaken into a religious movement. We have nothing quite comparable to it’ (Bryan Wilson, British Journal of Sociology)
‘An important book, with a mountain of relevant data . . . it tackles many topics (the characteristics that render a person susceptible to the Unification Church’s approach, for example) ignored by other researchers. It is sure to foster controversy and more inquiry into the dynamics of cult conversion’ (New York Times Book Review)
‘Rarely does one find such well-balanced, well-presented collections of useful information so well directed towards such a worthwhile question.’ (Sociology)
‘Sharp, well-argued conclusions, most of which will surprise readers familiar with sensational accounts of the unification movement . . . [It] will no doubt spark debate concerning . . . the ways in which other investigators – scientists and sociologists alike – have presented this group to the public.’ (Psychology Today)
‘Much of the book’s authority derives from the obvious depth of the author’s understanding of the Moonies.’ (Times Higher Education Supplement)
Editor Eileen Barker has brought together in this volume the work of 25 scholars from eight countries in an effort, she writes, ‘to make available to a wider readership some of the latest thinking and findings of this international group of scholars.’
In seminal essays John Lofland and Norman Skonovd survey ‘patterns of conversion,’ while David A. Snow and Richard Malachek question ‘the presumed fragility of unconventional beliefs.’ Against this broad background other scholars of international reputation investigate the growing political interests and difficulties of emerging religious sects and more traditional groups, the motives and tactics of international ‘anti-cult’ efforts inside and outside the law, the strength and tenacity of participation in new religious sects, survival strategies for sectarians persecuted by government action, the development of social concern in a major faction of the human potential movement, and the conversion and recruitment efforts of three movements originating in the East.
From the passive hedonism of California ‘fun-seekers’ to the political machinations of the Moral Majority, this book decodes the intentions, the pretences, and the critical significance of the most recent and controversial human quests for God and the ultimate meaning.
"
Contributors include Eileen Barker (From Sects to Society: A Methodological Programme), Bryan R. Wilson (The New Religions: Some Preliminary Considerations), R. J. Zwi Werblowsky (Religions New and Not So New: Fragments of An Agenda), Robert Wuthnow (World Order and Religious Movements), Paul Heelas (Californian Self Religions and Socializing the Subjective), Thomas C. Oden (The Intensive Group Experience: The New Pietism), David Martin (The Peace Sentiment: Old and New), Christine King (The Case of the Third Reich), Ninian Smart (Asian Culture and the Impact of the West), John Whitworth and Martin Shiels (From Across the Black Water: Two Imported Varieties of Hinduism, The Hare Krishnas and the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society), Ted Nordquist (New Religious Movements in Sweden), Warren Lewis (Coming-Again: How Society Functions Through Its New Religions), Roy Wallis (The New Religions as Social Indicators), Colin Campbell (The New Religious Movements, the New Spirituality and Post-Industrial Society), Dick Anthony and Thomas Robbins (Contemporary Religious Ferment and Moral Ambiguity), Bert Hardin and Gunter Kehrer (Some Social Factors Affecting the Rejection of New Beliefs Systems), James A. Beckford (Beyond the Pale: Cults, Culture and Conflict), David G. Bromley, Bruce C. Bushing and Anson D. Shupe Jr. (The Unification Church and the American Family: Strain, Conflict and Control) and George Baker (The Ethics and Psychology of Media Consumption). "