Vol. 7, No. 4, 1990

Articles on Cults and New Religions

by Craig Branch

"The cult phenomenon raises fundamental questions about the nature of our society. Such fundamental questions as the intent of the law and the boundaries of personal and legal jurisdiction are challenged. How far can religious practice go before they infringe on the other freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution? What is the difference between advocacy of religious belief and brainwashing, and how can this distinction be established?" (Cults in America, Willa Appel, p. 2).

The Constitution protects freedom of religion. This is a precious freedom which allows men the absolute freedom to believe any way he chooses.

But many people mistakenly think that this protection extends to the complete freedom to practice his religion any way he chooses. Actually there are boundaries.

For instance, a Satanist is not allowed to perform human or animal sacrifice. Additionally, there are legal ramifications if a group defrauds or uses coercion and undue influence on a recruit or convert.

This has been repeatedly born out in lawsuits won against groups like Scientology and others.

A landmark decision was recently reached as the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal and arguments of the Unification Church when the California Supreme Court decided that an ex-member had the right to sue the church for fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment (C.A.N., June 1989).

Typically when it came to a showdown in court, the Unification Church (as does The Forum and Scientology) offered a large financial settlement.

Watchman Fellowship believes that truth and facts are an issue. The freedom of speech and press can serve as a check and balance against the abuses of cults.

It is that vehicle which can not only expose the fraud and deceptive, but actually protects the persons right and ability to legitimately make a true choice.

Legitimate exposure protects a persons freedom of religion.

Watchman Fellowship has a principled commitment to accuracy. If a group is falsely accused and is damaged, then there is another legal check and balance in the courts available to them.

Watchman Fellowship holds to the old adage that if there is nothing to hide then there is nothing to fear from investigation.

One of the problems with cults, though, is that they typically isolate their members from any outside exposure or criticism.

True Christianity does not fear questions and an honest investigation. It invites dialogue and reasonable debate.

Cults tend to use every tactic in the book to steer their members away from examining the evidence.