As Religious Studies applies itself to wider fields of interest, the study of the ‘new’ religions has progressed and become a part of many courses. This textbook offers an introduction to the field, from an author who knows the area extremely well (having written an authoritative work on Sun Myung Moon). After a well-structured discussion of methodological issues (including important questions of approach and definition), he sensibly deals with the suicide cults first of all. The rest of the work then looks at new religions which spin off Christianity, those which build on Eastern religion, and those that follow neither in particular. There is a final chapter that deals with the counter-cult movement.

There is much to commend this work. On two accounts it excels. Firstly, as a text book it is clear and methodical without being hard work or boring. It should establish itself as a leader in the field for a long time. Secondly, for evangelicals it offers a fresh and helpful balance to the excesses of the counter-cult movement. Whilst not being naïve to the fact that the new religions can be dangerous, Chryssides never goes beyond the evidence, and is always careful to treat other religions with sensitivity from a position of knowledge, rather than ignorance. It is of course not an evangelical book written against the new religions, but as an introductory book which will help evangelicals engage at a sensible level it is invaluable. Too much rhetoric has been voiced without sufficient engagement. This work will help correct that.