"Publishers Weekly" described "From Slogans to Mantras" as a "lucid and economical study", noting that Kent had examined the convergence between the interest of American youth in radical politics and protest and the pursuit of "unusual, cultish, spiritual traditions." James A. Overbeck wrote in "Library Journal" that the work is recommended for academic and public libraries, mentioning that Kent utilized personal narratives and alternative press in the book. Doni Whitsett reviewed the book in "Cultic Studies Review", writing that it contained informative content, and is an easy read free of sociological jargon which made it more accessible to non-expert readers. However, Whitsett also stated that it would have been interesting to compare those who did not choose the route of the ex-members described in the book and to analyze the differences inherent in these two subsets of individuals. Jill K. Gill reviewed the book in "Humanities and Social Sciences Online" and also commented on its readability, stating that it was succinctly written and engaging.