them, many members of the public do not even understand what a cult really is, only that it is “bad”. The media has also consistently projected negative images about cults and labeled them crazy and dangerous.
The author acknowledged other points of view by describing why the public would be afraid of the images brought forth by “cult” and tried to explain some of the reasons behind their answers. One example was woman were more afraid than men of their neighbors joining a cult because the women feared for the safety of themselves and their children. The research indicated that Protestants were the least tolerant of cults, slightly more tolerant of NRM, and supportive of new Christian churches. Catholics were more supportive of laws regulating the activities of cults, slightly less for NRM and in favor of little to no regulations for new Christian churches. Most people assume that Christian equates good. This is often not the case. There are crazy Christian cults/churches/NRM out there too.
of laws regulating the activities of cults, slightly less for NRM and in favor of little to no regulations for new Christian churches. Most people assume that Christian equates good. This is often not the case. There are crazy Christian cults/churches/NRM out there too. The author stated that the new Christian church could have included practices of snake handling, drinking of poison and complete control by the leader but no one questioned the practices because it was labeled “Christian”.
This article would fall under the conflict theory because it displays the conflicts between the views and realities of cults in today’s society. The members of these groups are so heavily discriminated against that often the member will lose and legal battle they are involved in, possibly custody of their