The chaos of cults: a study in present-day isms [Hardcover] Van Baalen, Jan Karel

Description

1956 printing. Hardcover has significant wear, discoloration, scuffs and marks throughout. No dust jacket. Spine has tears on the top and bottom and heavy wear. Binding is slightly loose. Pages are clean and largely unmarked aside from some small marks on some pages. Readable copy. Former library book has some markings and labels from the library.

This well-worn copy of “The Chaos of Cults” by Jan Karel Van Baalen offers a fascinating glimpse into the author’s critical examination of various religious movements and ideologies during the mid-20th century. Published in 1956, this book provides a contemporary perspective on the proliferation of new religious and spiritual groups that emerged in the aftermath of World War II, a period marked by social upheaval and a search for meaning.

Van Baalen, a Dutch-American theologian and professor at Calvin Theological Seminary, brings his expertise in systematic theology and apologetics to bear on his analysis of these “present-day isms.” With a critical yet nuanced approach, he delves into the beliefs, practices, and historical contexts of various cults and alternative spiritualities, offering insights that would have resonated with readers grappling with the rapid societal changes of the time.

Despite its well-loved condition, this former library copy retains a certain charm, bearing the marks of its journey through the hands of curious readers over the decades. The scuffs, discoloration, and library markings serve as a testament to the enduring interest in understanding the complexities of religious movements, even as new iterations continue to emerge in the modern era.