Status
Available
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Genres
Collection
Publication
Pocket (1974)
Description
Philosopher Jacob Needleman's groundbreaking study of America's alternative spiritual movements is back in print with a new introduction by the author. Originally published in 1970, The New Religions was the first full-scale study of alternative spirituality in America. It remains unparalleled for the intellectual depth and seriousness with which it regards Eastern, New Age, and alternative faiths on the American landscape. Needleman's writing and reportage are unfailingly thoughtful and incisive as he illuminates topics that other scholars failed to consider or could not fully grasp.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Devil_llama
Eastern religions exploded into the US in the freedom of the 1960s. This book explores a number of those religions and their teachings, some of which are very familiar, such as Buddhism, others that are much less well known. The religions and their proponents make for interesting reading, and this
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book is not burdened with the esoterica that so often accompanies similar books by philosophers, so it's fun reading. It does suffer from a way too credulous manner, with the author buying into the idea that there is something terribly wrong with a scientific materialistic worldview, and that there is something wrong with the West in general, and also the idea that there is something incredibly right and wonderful about these religions. He does not present any of the downside, but some of the things he does say (as positives) leave one scratching their head wondering how anyone could see that as good, for instance the command for total surrender to nothingness and the isolation from the outside world. The book also demonstrates, though not noticed by the author, that these religions share the same failing of western religions - a total lack of humility in the assumption that they are superior in mind and form to those of us who have not embraced the "way". A great look at these religions, if you can keep from getting diabetes from all the syrup. Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original publication date
2009
Physical description
6.8 inches
ISBN
0671786776 / 9780671786779
Local notes
NWC
Other editions
The New Religions by Jacob Needleman (Paperback)
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