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Coercion, control and worship: Where do we draw the line between a religion and a cult?
Manage episode 484322247 series 3548875
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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.
GUESTS:
- 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 Steel, host and creator of award-winning podcast, Let's Talk About Sects
- Scott Parker, writer and star of stage production, Hillsong Boy
This episode of God Forbid was made on Gadigal land.
Technical production by Craig Tilmouth and Tegan Nicholls.
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