James R. Lewis

James Roger Lewis (November 3, 1949 – October 11, 2022) was an American philosophy professor at Wuhan University, a religious studies scholar, sociologist of religion, and writer. He specialized in the academic study of new religious movements and the New Age. Lewis received his B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Appalachian State University, a master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Ph.D. in religious studies from the University of Wales, Lampeter. He was a prolific author and editor, known for his reference works on topics such as new religious movements, Scientology, Satanism, astrology, and dreams. He also wrote about terrorism and radicalization. Lewis won several awards for his work, including Choice Outstanding Academic Titles awards for 'Cults in America' and 'The Oxford Handbook of New Religious Movements,' as well as honors from the New York Public Library and the American Library Association for his reference books.