The Cultic Phenomena: New and Emerging Religious Movements in America/Summary

by Charles H. Whittier

THE CULTIC PHENOMENA: SUMMARY

This report deals with the cultic phenomena surrounding new and emerging religious movements in America. Moving from an analysis of such terms as cult and sect today and in the past to an overview of cultic movements generally throughout history and particularly in the United States (including ritual suicide), it gives special attention to the People's Temple-Jonestown movement and provides a larger historical perspective for cults, new and old, with emphasis on their social and political context, the nature of their appeal, and the issues they raise for freedom of religion and public order alike.

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Report documents

• Cover
• Summary
• Addendum I
• Addendum II
• Addendum III