<p><strong>This <em>Encyclopedia </em>offers a truly fascinating, authoritative overview of new religious movements in a global context. What sets this work apart is its assessment of the global significance of a movement (how it progresses cross-culturally) with attention to its transformative appeal (how it seeks to transform its individual adherents or the larger society). This is an outstanding reference source – scholarly, timely, important, and worth the price for academic libraries. Summing Up: Essential."</strong> - <em>Choice </em></p><p><strong>"An extensive and authorative resource that challenges its single volume format."</strong> - <em>Reference Reviews</em></p><p><strong>"Its 'global' perspective differentiates it from other reference resources currently available."</strong> - <em>Reference Reviews</em></p><p><strong>"C</strong><strong>larke uses this eclectic definition throughout this book to provide examples of the many kinds of NRMs that have arisen in various parts of the world, with the aim of illustrating how widespread they have become."--</strong> <em>Kris Veldheer, Graduate Theological Union</em></p><p><strong>"For those interested in biographical information on prominent figures in NRMs this work also has much to offer. Clarke has gone to great lengths to include individuals who have had a formative influence in the beginning of a movement, or have had otherwise great impact." </strong><em>--Kris Veldheer, Graduate Theological Union</em></p><p><strong>"his <em>Encyclopedia</em> will provide an important starting point for those interested in further studies of NRMs" </strong><em>--Kris Veldheer, Graduate Theological Union</em></p><p><strong>"This<em> Encyclopedia</em> breaks new ground by helping to clarify and redefine what constitutes a NRM. Because of its global perspective and its interaction with literature from various parts of the globe, this compact volume will be a worthy addition to any religion/theology reference collection." --</strong><em>Kris Veldheer, Graduate Theological Union</em></p>