James R. Lewis

James Roger Lewis (1949–2022) was an American academic specializing in the study of new religious movements (NRMs) and New Age spirituality. He held professorial positions at universities including Wuhan University, the University of Tromsø, and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Lewis's academic journey began after a period of personal exploration, including involvement with Yogi Bhajan's 3HO organization. He earned multiple degrees, culminating in a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Wales, Lampeter. His scholarly work often involved creating reference books and encyclopedias on diverse religious and spiritual topics. Lewis also founded the academic association AWARE, aimed at promoting intellectual and religious freedom, though it faced controversy and was eventually dissolved. His research extended to subjects like Scientology, Satanism, terrorism, and radicalization, and he served on the editorial boards of several academic journals.

Born in Maryland and raised in Florida, James Roger Lewis initially pursued pre-med studies before embarking on a period of self-discovery. This quest led him to join Yogi Bhajan's 3HO, a new religious movement that integrated Kundalini yoga and Sikh teachings. During this time, he worked as a yoga instructor and authored his first book, 'Yoga for Couples.' After a period of disillusionment with the organization, he formed a brief breakaway group before returning to academia. He graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Appalachian State University, followed by a master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Wales, Lampeter in 2003.

Lewis's professional career included assisting J. Gordon Melton with research and establishing himself as a reference book writer. He authored encyclopedias on topics such as apocalypticism, new religious movements, dreams, and astrology. In 1992, he founded AWARE, an academic association dedicated to educating the public about religions, including alternative groups, and addressing religious persecution. The organization, which aimed to be scholarly and non-sectarian, became controversial and was dissolved in 1995. Lewis held academic posts at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, the University of Tromsø, and Wuhan University. His research interests spanned new religious movements, Scientology, Satanism, terrorism, and radicalization, and he contributed to academic journals and founded the Wuhan Journal of Cultic Studies.

James R. Lewis authored and edited numerous books, particularly focusing on religious studies, new religious movements, and related societal issues. His work 'Cults in America' received an Outstanding Academic Titles award, praised for its balanced overview and respectful presentation of differing viewpoints. He also received recognition for 'The Astrology Encyclopedia' and 'The Oxford Handbook of New Religious Movements.' Lewis's engagement with controversial groups, such as Aum Shinrikyo, drew criticism and debate within the academic community, with some accusing him of bias or poor research methods. He later expressed a reassessment of his initial sympathetic approach to groups like Falun Gong, acknowledging a perceived naivete in his earlier analyses.

“to promote intellectual and religious freedom by educating the general public about existing religions and cultures, including, but not limited to, alternative religious groups.”

“scholarly and non-sectarian”

“anti-anti-cult organization”

“go questing after myself”

“naive”