Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 8, No. 1, 1991, Page 57
The author applies anthropological and sociological data and well-chosen research studies to
contrast fact with fantasy, hard data with hysteria and all of this is exceptionally well-
referenced. At times there seem to be too many data and some redundancy of ideas, but
this may in fact add to the effectiveness of his scrutiny. The book is a floodlight into a dark
subject.
Chapter 5 is especially helpful in shedding light on unconvincing case law on ritual abuse
and the great need for more careful data gathering and investigation. Despite his firm
confrontation to error and bias, Hicks ends with an appeal to “remove the „cult‟ from cult
crime” and get on with the basic mission of law enforcement to bring to justice anyone who
commits crime regardless of ascribed motive or belief.
This book contains much useful information and has the potential of becoming a standard
reference, not only in law enforcement and effective investigation but also for anyone
interested in applying the scientific method, objectivity, and critical judgment to a subject
that has received far too little research attention. Highly recommended.
Frank J. MacHovec, Ph.D., Director
Center for the Study of the Self
Money and Power in New Religions. J. T. Richardson, Editor. Edwin Mellen
Press, Lewiston, NY, 1988, 435 pages.
This hefty paperback is Volume 22 in Mellen‟s “Studies in Religion and Society” series. Its 15
chapters are written by American, Canadian, British, and New Zealander authors. There is
no index but chapters are fairly well-referenced and endnoted. The major focus is on the
economics of cults and cult-like groups. Each chapter describes aspects of fund-raising and
fiscal and organizational management of better-known cults or “new religions.” Richardson
contends that “mundane material concerns” can be as important to these movements as
theology or ideology.
Without money and effective management, membership cannot be sustained. Richardson
comments that these factors are seldom considered by cult analysts.
Communal and noncommunal cult and cult-like organizations use methods similar to those
used by traditional or mainstream religions, such as tithes by members, fees for services,
sale of goods, diversification into business enterprises, and soliciting money from
nonmembers. But “economic chicanery, fraud, exploitation, obsessive materialism and
mania for wealth and power also occur” (p. 72). Tax exemption and tax evasion are
described with examples. These organizations are increasingly involved in litigation brought
on by ex-members for civil and criminal actions in both state and federal courts many
cases are cited. An index of cases and a cross-index by organization name would have been
helpful.
This book may be more than you want or need to know about the economic realities of cults
or “new religions” and at a fairly high price ($39.95 for the paperback). It is, however, a
useful reference for those with a special interest in this neglected aspect of operation.
Frank J. MacHovec, Ph.D., Director
Center for the Study of the Self
The author applies anthropological and sociological data and well-chosen research studies to
contrast fact with fantasy, hard data with hysteria and all of this is exceptionally well-
referenced. At times there seem to be too many data and some redundancy of ideas, but
this may in fact add to the effectiveness of his scrutiny. The book is a floodlight into a dark
subject.
Chapter 5 is especially helpful in shedding light on unconvincing case law on ritual abuse
and the great need for more careful data gathering and investigation. Despite his firm
confrontation to error and bias, Hicks ends with an appeal to “remove the „cult‟ from cult
crime” and get on with the basic mission of law enforcement to bring to justice anyone who
commits crime regardless of ascribed motive or belief.
This book contains much useful information and has the potential of becoming a standard
reference, not only in law enforcement and effective investigation but also for anyone
interested in applying the scientific method, objectivity, and critical judgment to a subject
that has received far too little research attention. Highly recommended.
Frank J. MacHovec, Ph.D., Director
Center for the Study of the Self
Money and Power in New Religions. J. T. Richardson, Editor. Edwin Mellen
Press, Lewiston, NY, 1988, 435 pages.
This hefty paperback is Volume 22 in Mellen‟s “Studies in Religion and Society” series. Its 15
chapters are written by American, Canadian, British, and New Zealander authors. There is
no index but chapters are fairly well-referenced and endnoted. The major focus is on the
economics of cults and cult-like groups. Each chapter describes aspects of fund-raising and
fiscal and organizational management of better-known cults or “new religions.” Richardson
contends that “mundane material concerns” can be as important to these movements as
theology or ideology.
Without money and effective management, membership cannot be sustained. Richardson
comments that these factors are seldom considered by cult analysts.
Communal and noncommunal cult and cult-like organizations use methods similar to those
used by traditional or mainstream religions, such as tithes by members, fees for services,
sale of goods, diversification into business enterprises, and soliciting money from
nonmembers. But “economic chicanery, fraud, exploitation, obsessive materialism and
mania for wealth and power also occur” (p. 72). Tax exemption and tax evasion are
described with examples. These organizations are increasingly involved in litigation brought
on by ex-members for civil and criminal actions in both state and federal courts many
cases are cited. An index of cases and a cross-index by organization name would have been
helpful.
This book may be more than you want or need to know about the economic realities of cults
or “new religions” and at a fairly high price ($39.95 for the paperback). It is, however, a
useful reference for those with a special interest in this neglected aspect of operation.
Frank J. MacHovec, Ph.D., Director
Center for the Study of the Self
