Coercion, control and worship: Where do we draw the line between a religion and a cult?
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Is a cult a misunderstood religion? Or something much more dangerous?
The line between high-control religions, new religious movements, and ‘cults’ is as grey as ever. But the fascination we have with these groups is only getting stronger. What counts as a ‘cult’? Is it your highly controlling tech workplace? Your gym with a forever-binding contract? Or does the casual use of the word ‘cult’ do a disservice to those stuck in dangerous and emotionally manipulative religious and spiritual organisations?
To shed some light on the difference between a new religious movement, a cult, and your regular high-control Pentecostal mega-church are the God Forbid guests who have lived, studied, or spoken to survivors of these groups.
Professor Carole Cusack, Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Sydney, specialising in new religious movements (NRMs) contemporary religious trends and Western esotericism.
Sarah Steele, host and creator of award-winning podcast, Let’s Talk About Sects
Scott Parker, writer and star of stage production, Hillsong Boy
Content retrieved from: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/godforbid/coercive-control-religion-cults-new-religious-movements/105251704.
