For some decades American (and other) culture has been obsessed with cults. But what does "cult" mean? How should a religious group be identified as a cult? Who joins cults and why? These and other questions are answered in this book. It provides a basic introduction to cults, "unsafe sects," especially from an orthodox Christian perspective. Here readers will also find accounts of the author's personal experiences of cults.

Roger E. Olson is emeritus professor of Christian theology at Baylor University's Truett Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous books including The Story of Christian Theology (1999) and The Mosaic of Christian Beliefs (2002). He has taught numerous courses on cults and new religions.