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. New religions, spiritualities, and religious therapies attract throngs of believers to megachurches, Yoga classes, and the bestseller bookshelves. The latest popular fad in spirituality is Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret, which promises both success and spiritual fulfillment, and is endorsed by no less than Oprah Winfrey.

If you’re trying to make sense of all the offerings in this confusing spiritual wonderland, Top Secret is just the book for you. 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, recently made popular by Madonna
Joel Osteen’s Prosperity Gospel and his popular Your Best Life Now
Diedre 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.