lose and legal battle they are involved in, possibly custody of their children and their livelihood. The author seemed to agree that these minority religions are discriminated against. His views are supported by academic authors. This bias is present everywhere, even at Chatfield. When discussing this topic, several members of the class displayed this exact attitude when the word “cult” was mentioned.
This study was the first of its kind. It would be interesting to see the results of this study on a much larger scale, like the entire US. Some of the strengths of this research included the randomness of the samples including; sex, age, income, religious background and religious attendance. The weaknesses are that there was no viable way to include race, and sampling of the entire US. The information regarding public opinion is scary and disappointing. The article described an experiment where undergrad students read three scenarios of men joining certain groups and their experiences in these
was no viable way to include race, and sampling of the entire US. The information regarding public opinion is scary and disappointing. The article described an experiment where undergrad students read three scenarios of men joining certain groups and their experiences in these groups. The groups were the Moonies, The Marines, and The Catholic Seminary. The students were overly critical of the man who joined the Moonies and often referred to brainwashing. It would have been interesting to know how the students would have reacted if the identity of the organizations were withheld until after they stated their opinions.
I have been a member of an alternative religion since 1995. I have witnessed firsthand the prejudice that is associated with these groups.