«’This is a rich text full of significant insights for both new comers to the field of study and established experts. Uniquely combining the views of scholars and participants in prophetic movements, the essays in this volume make important contributions to our theoretical and empirical grasp of why and how prophecies generate, sustain, and sometimes strain religious movements, ranging from the lengthy legacy of Christian apocalypticism to the recent preoccupation with the Mayan 2012 prophecy and many other contemporary revelations.' Lorne Dawson, University of Waterloo, Canada ’Seasoned scholars are joined by new researchers in this rich and lively collection. Coverage is broad and comparative, chapters are written in an accessible yet scholarly style, and a sure editorial hand is evident throughout. The volume as a whole makes a persuasive case for restoring prophecy to a central place within the comparative study of religion.’ Steven J. Sutcliffe, University of Edinburgh, UK 'One of the many strengths of the text is the diversity and multiplicity of its perspectives. ... any religious studies student or scholar should add this text to his/her collection.' Nova Religio '[This is] a rich and ground-breaking study that should stimulate a fresh interest in this enigmatic phenomenon.' Review of Religious Research 'As in the other volumes of this series, the editors offer a rich mix of approaches and include fascinating insider perspectives in the form of case studies ... offering an essential insider perspective that complements the empirical research and theoretical models put forward in the other chapters.' Fieldwork in Religion»