2007 00 00 Sociology of Religion - Vol 68 No 2 - Dawson

Magazine Overview

This document consists of two book reviews from a publication likely focused on sociology of religion or related fields. The reviews are presented on pages 226 and 227, with the main content of page 226 being a review of a book on New Religious Movements (NRMs) and page 227 reviewing books on UFO religions and Holocaust studies.

Book Review: 'When Prophecy Never Fails: Myth and Reality in a Flying-Saucer Group' by Diana G. Tumminia

This review, written by Helen A. Berger, discusses a book by Gallagher concerning the interaction between groups and larger society, touching on issues raised by anti-cultists such as leader power and brainwashing. Gallagher's research suggests followers play an active role in maintaining leaders and that most participants in NRMs eventually leave, finding meaning and community within the religion. The book also addresses gender roles and child socialization in NRMs. Berger notes the book provides a concise overview of the history, beliefs, practices, and societal interactions of discussed religions, though its encyclopedic scope limits in-depth discussion. She recommends it for courses on New Religious Movements, Sociology of Religion, or American Studies, noting its usefulness is enhanced by a glossary and reading list.

The second review, written by Lorne L. Dawson, focuses on Diana G. Tumminia's ethnography, 'When Prophecy Never Fails: Myth and Reality in a Flying-Saucer Group.' The book examines Unarius, a UFO new religion founded by Ernest and Ruth Norman in 1954, located in El Cajon, California. Tumminia, who has studied the group since 1986, describes Unarius as a "new science" that synthesizes ideas from Theosophy, Spiritualism, and science fiction, incorporating telepathic messages from extra-terrestrial beings. The Unarian worldview posits a cosmic drama guided by "Space Brothers" who aim to help humanity realize its true potential through understanding past lives and karmic consequences. The group anticipates transformation hastened by the arrival of space ships from an Interplanetary Confederation. Dawson notes that despite failed prophecies, such as for the year 2001, the group has survived, with members compensating for disappointment and cognitive dissonance through ideological means.

Dawson highlights the book's merits, including it being one of the few academic ethnographies of a UFO group. It offers rich information on beliefs, practices, group formation, and how the group copes with change, such as the deaths of leaders. The narrative is described as succinct and stimulating, presenting the Unarians as a colorful group. The review notes the text's reflexive nature, allowing readers insight into the author's struggles. Dawson also points out Tumminia's introduction of "charismatic labor" to describe collective reality construction and the real therapeutic benefits members derive from the group's ideas, which likely contribute to its longevity.

However, Dawson identifies limitations: insufficient interpenetration of theory (phenomenology, ethnomethodology, Pollner's work on mundane reason) and research, with theoretical ideas sometimes appearing as glosses. He also suggests that pertinent theoretical insights from the literature on failed prophecies are neglected or under-utilized. Dawson believes the analysis could have been elevated by placing the Unarians in a more comparative context with other new religious movements like Scientology and The Family. Despite these critiques, Dawson wholeheartedly recommends the book to scholars, emphasizing its contribution to demonstrating how marginal religious groups can create lifeworlds that provide "interpretive validation" against ridicule and skepticism.

Book Review: 'Saving the Forsaken: Religious Culture and the Rescue of Jews in Nazi Europe' by Pearl M. Oliner

This review briefly introduces Pearl M. Oliner's book, 'Saving the Forsaken: Religious Culture and the Rescue of Jews in Nazi Europe,' published by Yale University Press in 2004. Dawson notes that within the growing literature of Holocaust studies, this work is highly relevant for researchers and teachers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The reviews collectively highlight the academic study of diverse religious phenomena, from contemporary NRMs and UFO religions to historical events like the Holocaust. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous academic inquiry, critical analysis, and comparative approaches within the sociology of religion. There is an emphasis on understanding the internal dynamics of religious groups, their relationship with broader society, and the theoretical frameworks used to interpret these phenomena.