The label 'Suicide Cults' has been applied to a wide variety of different alternative religions, from Jonestown to the Solar Temple to Heaven's Gate. Additionally, observers have asked if such group suicides are in any way comparable to Islamist suicide terrorism, or to historical incidents of mass suicide, such as the mass suicide of the ancient community of Masada. Organizationally and ideologically diverse, it turns out that the primary shared trait of these various groups is a common stereotype of religion as an irrational force that pushes fanatics to undertake acts of suicidal violence. Offering a valuable perspective on New Religious Movements and on religion and violence, Sacred Suicide brings together contributions from a diverse range of international scholars of sociology, religious studies and criminology.
ISBN: | 9781138546257 |
Publication date: | 6th February 2018 |
Author: | Carole M. Cusack |
Publisher: | Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis Ltd |
Format: | Paperback |
Pagination: | 312 pages |
Series: | Routledge New Religions |
Genres: |
Contemporary non-Christian and para-Christian cults and sects Anthropology Other religions and spiritual beliefs Anthropology |