Cults and Cultural Conflicts

Catalog description

A common feature of the experience of religious "cults", which have emerged in all major religious traditions, is some degree of conflict with the surrounding culture. This course will explore the dynamics of cultural conflict experienced by "cults". We will explore the following questions: What do we mean by the terms, "cult", new religious movement, alternative religion, and minority religion? Why does conflict between "cults" and the surrounding culture occur? What forms does it take? What factors exacerbate or mitigate conflict? What strategies have various "cults" employed to deal with conflict? Which strategies have been most successful? Why? What strategies have various cultures emplopyed to deal with conflict with "cults"? Which strategies have been most successful? Why?