Stephen J. Stein (1940–2022)

A very readable book for beginners: high school or introductory college classes. Its a little short on analysis of religious motivation and reasons for the start, growth and demise of movements, but when all is said and done Stein gives you a push in the right direction if you are interested. No footnotes were used, but there is a decent bibliography.

This was a much faster read than I had expected. It gives a good history of alternative religious groups in the US and explains why these groups can be good. It is a different perspective than the general 'cults are bad and we need to deprogram everyone' view taken by most as it focuses on the good of the groups testing Constitutional boundaries and developing new ways of expressing belief. We already know that some cults are bad. This book provides some balance.

I seldom use the words "authoritative" or "magisterial" but the only thing better than this volume on the Shakers would be a new edition.