Cults & American Culture

A professor explores the negative connotations of cults and the subjectivity of the term. The emergence of a movement in Southern California in the 1970s is discussed, as well as the influence of the anti-cult movement and the impact of Jonestown and Waco on the perception of cults. The interpretation of scripture by cults and their beliefs about the end of the world are also explored, along with the similarities between the Branch Davidians and other religious groups. The power of language and the consequences of labeling a group as a cult are examined.