America may be the land of plenty, but in the midst of our Walmarts, enormous supermarkets, and other signs of material surfeit, it seems that many are experiencing a gnawing spiritual hunger. This book examines the historical roots and the appeal of pop mysticisms.

Noted religion scholar Robert M. Price examines the historical roots and the current appeal of today's pop mysticisms. Critical and appreciative at the same time, Price applies his impressive background in theology and biblical criticism to put these trends in perspective. Among other popular movements and books, Price discusses:Rhonda Byrne's The Secret and New Thought,Helen Schucman's A Course in Miracles and the popular works of Marianne Williamson,Deepak Chopra's How to Know God,James Redfield's The Celestine Prophecy,the Jewish Kabbalah as recently made popular by Madonna,Joel Osteen's Prosperity Gospel and his popular Your Best Life Now, andDiedre Blomfield Brown (aka Pema Chödrön) and American-style Buddhism.Whether you're a skeptic looking for a rational approach to understanding current religion or a seeker in search of a deeper, more informed understanding of popular spiritualities, Top Secret has much to offer.