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Social Influence of Cults, 1997.
Examines techniques & effects of control of social environment by cults & cult leaders. Discusses recruiting, role of women, potential violence and court actions.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 12 sources, $ 79.95
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From the Paper
" SOCIAL INFLUENCE THROUGH CULTS
Introduction
Vander-Zanden (1990) defines cults as loosely organized forms of religious organizations with several specific characteristics. These characteristics include the facts that their: a) members are called to live a totally different lifestyle; b) leaders are strongly charismatic leaders around whom the membership is built; c) doctrinal emphasis is upon the individual rather than on society although there is often a component of cults that is highly critical of the dominant society; d) religious perspective holds that the source of unhappiness and injustice is incorporated within each person and thus it is the individual who first has to change; e) promises are that the individual will find contentment through following.."
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The Role of Greek and Roman Imperial Cults, 2005.
Examines the impact of imperial cults on Greek and Roman society.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 7 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
Whatever the degree to which individual people embraced their leaders as literal gods or divine fountainheads, it is clear that such cults played a tremendous role in the religious and political development of ancient societies. The paper shows that this was especially true for Hellenistic Greece and the Roman Empire, both of which existed under these cults - the former providing much of the historical and ideological groundwork for the latter.
From the Paper
"The ruler cults of ancient Greece and the later imperial cults of ancient Rome are much-debated topics in classical studies. Historians have long struggled to understand the role that these cults played in the construction of these societies both at the ideological and practical, day-to-day levels. The debate most often revolves around the degree to which these cults could be considered religious institutions at all (Harland par. 1-2). Many critics feel that these cults were little more than opportunistic attempts to manipulate politics in these societies. Others argue that these cults, whatever their political machinations, actually did have religious basis."
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Apocalyptic Cults, 2005.
An overview of the Branch Davidians, People's Temple and Solar Temple cults.
2,601 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at three major North American cults and how they were founded, led and maintained. Their beliefs, leaders, members, roots and practises are outlined. The three cults are the Branch Davidians, Peoples Temple and the Solar Temple.
Outline
Introduction
I. The Branch Davidians
A. History
1. Victor Houteff.
2. Florence Houteff
3. Before Howell
B. David Koresh
1. David Koresh (Vernon Howell)
2. Koresh's Beliefs
C. The Branch Davidian Religion
1. Beliefs
2. Practises
3. The End
II. The People's Temple
A. Jim Jones and his Dream
1. Jim Jones
2. The People's Temple
B. The People's Temple as a Religion
1. Theories and Beliefs
2. Practises
C. Negative Aspects
1. Manipulation
2. Jonestown
III. The Order of the Solar Temple
A. The Founders
1.Joseph DiMambro
2.Luc Jouret
B. Religious Structure and History
C. The Solar Temple as a Religion
1. The 7 Rules
2. Beliefs
3. The Solar Temple's Demise
Conclusion
Appendix A. Additional Pictures
Appendix B Interview with Prof. Rabinovitch
Bibliography
From the Paper
"In the beginning, the People's Temple was based on Christian values and beliefs, over time Jones theories were what the People's Temple were based upon. The Bible was used less frequently, while Jones had several theories, which could be dismissed as insane. Jones believed he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ, Buddha, Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. Jones also theorised that fascists were going to take over America. He believed that the People's Temple would be singled out, because vandals and racists harassed the Church while it was based in Indianapolis. (The Devil's Party, 67) In addition, Jones proposed Revolutionary suicide, which means his followers would die in the name of himself."
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Melanesian Cargo Cults, 2002.
A discussion of the different anthropological explanations for Melanesian cargo cults.
2,851 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
An assessment of some of the various anthropological explanations for cargo cults. The paper aims to reveal how the history of Melanesia itself, from colonial administration to independence, is reflected in attitudes towards and explanations of, the cargo cult phenomenon. The paper includes a number of lengthy quotes from articles related to the topic, which try to explain the origins of the cult systems and how they developed through history.
From the Paper
"Few topics in the field of anthropological study have spread across academic disciplines and, through journalism, entered into popular usage as completely as the term ?cargo cult?. So much so, Lindstrom (1993) contends, ?from the 1950?s to the 1980?s, cargo cult became the orthodox term for Melanesian social movements? (Lindstrom 1993:38). Indeed there have been claims that the term is overused, even abused, with all quasi-religious cults and ?native frenzies? being labelled or re-labelled cargo cults. ?Nowadays, for example, many Melanesian political movements must take care to deny explicitly that they are any sort of cargo cult?."
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Cults, 2002.
Explores cults in the United States and their past and present psychological impact on devotees.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 9 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
A ten page paper on the reasons for the prevalence of cults in the United States, methods used in manipulation of members, and the psychological effects on past and present devotees.
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Cults, 2004.
An overview of the definition of a cult and its place in society.
1,328 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the word cult refers to a group of individuals who participate in ritualistic behaviour based on a set of spiritual beliefs, which are viewed by mainstream society as being unorthodox and not accepted by any orthodox form of religion. It examines how in today's society, cults are associated with very negative connotations and how they are viewed as being highly exclusionary, isolated groups of individuals who practice ritualistic behaviour and believe spiritualism is often a form of direct contact with some form of divine entity. It also looks at several notorious cults such as Heaven's Gate cult and the Mormon Church of Latter Day Saints.
From the Paper
"It is easier to differentiate extreme organizations and cults from mainstream religions based on their unorthodox and ritualistic practices and often-blatant disrespect for the law. However, the issue of determining what qualifies as a cult becomes much more difficult when faced with questions of long established, yet historically recent religions, such as the Mormon Church of Latter Day Saints. There are a number of Christian Groups who call themselves crusaders who believe that the Mormons and Jehovah-Witnesses qualify as cults and not as religions. One of the reasons religions such as Mormonism are accused of being cults is their relatively short historical history. Joseph Smith Jr founded the Mormon Church of Latter Day Saints in 1830, only 174 years ago. Smith claimed, at the age of 15, to have been introduced to Christ himself by God, and that he had been told not to join any churches because all of the churches were wrong. "
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Religions and Cults in the U.S., 1995.
The paper discusses religions and cults in the U.S.: History and development, focusing on similarities, community, Bible, predestination, reform, Baptists and Methodists, leadership and millenial anxiety.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 7 sources, $ 119.95
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From the Paper
"The American character is full of curious contradictions at once potentially creative - and destructive. Nowhere is this more apparent than in its religious life. Based upon a Judeo-Christian heritage of European origin, America's religious mainstream is largely Protestant, with the majority denominations of a "presbyterian" organizational character - that is, determinedly anti-hierarchic and democratic. But the same seed from which the flowering of the U. S. Constitution sprang also carries in it a less admirable trait: cultism. American religious cults are the logical extension of anarchic and charismatic tendencies of mainstream Protestantism of the presbyterian character.
In the wake of the recent tragedy in Oklahoma City, where at least a hundred confirmed lives were lost in the bombing of a ... "
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Cults, 2005.
A brief look at the dangers of belonging to a cult movement.
790 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a negative approach to cult membership. It shows how cult rulers are usually charismatic people who take advantage of their followers in order to achieve the title of leader and obtain unlimited power.
From the Paper
"One theme does run through the vast majority of cults: regimen and discipline. The environment is tightly controlled and discipline rigidly enforced by those specially chosen as being on a plane higher than the average "Cultee". What strengthens the young person's resolve to stay is that he or she has to "give up something". The act of giving up is something many of them may never have experienced before. Celibacy, giving up make-up and attractive clothes, even an austere life-style and a special diet: all this speaks of "commitment" a word and an act most of these people had never experienced before".
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Cults Should Be Banned, 1990.
This paper argues that cultsi n the United States are damaging to their members and should be banned.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 8 sources, $ 31.95
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From the Paper
"Cults and cultish behavior have always been a part of the history of mankind. However, in the past several decades, there has been increasingly alarming attention given to the promulgation and disturbing increase in the behavior of cults in America, Western Europe, and other parts of the world. One might first ask: Why do people join cults? What are they? How should more traditional religions react to cult behavior, particularly in this age of religious toleration?
This paper will present an overview of cults, and will limit its scope to cultic behavior in the United States. After introductory material on cults, the paper will turn to an assessment of the types of cults, their methods and motivations, and whether their behavior and beliefs are damaging to members. Throughout the paper, and in particular in its conclusion, the ... "
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Religious Cults, 1999.
Examines common features, social causes, charismatic leaders and submissive followers, examples, views on the Apocalypse, techniques of recruitment and brainwashing.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 13 sources, $ 87.95
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From the Paper
"Since the 1960s cults of one kind or another have regularly made headlines with outrageous, bizarre, and even lethal behavior and their number has increased enormously in the past four decades. Writers of all kinds--scholars, journalists, psychologists, and social critics--have frequently pointed out that cults have existed throughout recorded history and that the distinction between an established religion and a cult is often no more than a question of size, socialization, wealth, power, or longevity. But others hold that the sheer number of contemporary cults and the increasing levels of abuse, crime and suicide among many of them are phenomena that distinguish postindustrial society's cult behaviors from those of other eras. While it is difficult to cite any one or two principal causes of the expansion of the cult phenomenon in the present day, there are ..."
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Cult Leadership, 1999.
An analysis of cult leadership and how cults come to influence the minds of followers.
5,296 words (approx. 21.2 pages), 8 sources, $ 131.95
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Abstract
Cult Formation
Defining the Paradigm of Unfalsifiability
Authority: Exclusivity, Overbearing or Essential
Revelation of the Leadership
Hierarchy of Leadership
Solidarity
Social Structure
Community
Social Stratification
Identity
Punishment and Discipline
Cult Growth and the Convert
The Target: weakness and vulnerability
Conversion: unfreeze, change and refreeze
False Memories: unfreezing through psychotherapy
Environments
Enlightenment Engines
Cult Case Studies
The Branch Divisions, David Koresh
Heaven?s Gate, Do
?The Recipe?
Troubleshooting
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Defining a Cult, 2004.
This paper discusses that religions and cults actually have more similarities than they do differences.
1,475 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that arguments used to define cults can actually be used to define religions as well; but most of these definitions, unfortunately, have come from rumors and the negative portrayals of these cults through the media. The author relates that, because the word 'cult' deviates from the similarities between the two, a common phrase to describe cults used by scholars and theologians of religion is 'new religious movements'. The paper relates that, much like the Branch Davidian community of the 1990s, major contemporary religions, such a Catholicism and Mormonism, went through similar hardships of persecution within America based on stereotypes and rumors.
From the Paper
"The meaning of the word cult itself has changed over time. Once believed to be a form of worship or ritualistic and systemic religious belief, today many perceive cults as associated with groups such as Heavens Gate, Jonestown, and Branch Davidians. People tend to believe that cults in general have many connotations associated with them whether it is ?from the images of slaughtered men, women and children at Jonestown, to the impression of a movie with a small but devoted following? (?New Religious??). But these connotations, be it good or bad have mislead the public to their understanding of what a cult actually is. Because both religions and cults have a basis of worship, the only difference is that of the size of the group, how the public sees the group, and of how orthodox or compatible it is with societal standards."
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Ancient Cult, 2002.
An examination of ?The Cult of the Dead in Judah: Interpreting the Material Remains? by Elizabeth M. Bloch-Smith which claims that an ancient cult of the dead existed during biblical times.
3,051 words (approx. 12.2 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
?The Cult of the Dead in Judah: Interpreting the Material Remains? by Elizabeth M. Bloch-Smith is a discussion of the author?s evidence of the aforementioned cult through biblical and archaeological records. The paper discusses Bloch-Smith?s premise that the biblical and archaeology records corroborate each other and therefore provide proof of a cult of the dead. This report reviews the findings of Bloch-Smith?s article, conclusions of the article, a critique of the findings and a response to the article?s findings.
From the Paper
"The author begins by looking at archeological burial sites to support the cult of the dead. She looks primarily at Judahite burial types in the Iron Age. Bloch-Smith attempts to show that the Judah cult had a distinctive burial practice separate from surrounding cultures. The primary Judah burial types were bench tomb and cave. In a bench tomb configuration, benches lined the walls of the tomb. The bodies were laid on the waist-high benches. A repository was also part of the tomb to accommodate new bodies. The cave configuration required the body to be placed in the center of the cave along with artifacts associated with the individual. If additional bodies were placed in the cave, then the bodies would be repositioned along the cave walls. Regardless of the configuration, similar artifacts are found in both. These artifacts included food, ceramic containers, jewelry, tools, personal items and more. The format used to bury the Judahite people appears to remain unchanged throughout the Iron Age."
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"Suicide Cult", 2002.
A study of the book "Suicide Cult" by Marshall Kilduff on Jim Jones and the People's Temple.
1,135 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper explores Marshall Kilduff?s book, "Suicide Cult", which examines the life of Jim Jones and his cult the People's Temple, who committed mass suicide in Guyana. The paper illustrates how the tragedy could have been prevented, if only the world was more accepting of each other?s rights and well-being. The author writes that the power of the cult can lead to suicide as an answer for anything.
From the Paper
"In 1978 the suicide-massacre of 900 people in South America shocked the world as Reverend Jim Jones? cult, named the Peoples Temple. In his book ?Suicide Cult?, Marshall Kilduff steps into Jim Jones? past and reflects on the man who brainwashed hundreds of people into donating their Social Security checks to his church, and eventually committing suicide in the Guyana jungle."
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The MM Cult and Los Angeles, 2002.
This paper discusses the relationship of the cult group based on the Marilyn Manson (MM) rock band and the bandleader Brian Warner and Los Angeles.
2,500 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the rock group Marilyn Madson (MM), whose name is a combination of the sex icon Marilyn Monroe and a mass killer Charles Manson, and who are seen as a curse on America?s moral fabric. The author believes that Marilyn Manson, synonymous with everything bizarre, defiant and in opposition with mainline culture and beliefs, is a cult. The author explains that the close proximity to Hollywood and its bizarre culture is probably the biggest reason why cults prosper in Southern California.
From the Paper
"Some experts also have blamed the city?s structure for the rapid increase in cult followings. These views shed light on possible reasons why MM is more successful in this region. Mike Davis in his book, 'Ecology of Fear' maintains that cults prosper in LA for the same reason natural disasters hit this city more frequently than other parts of the United States. He blames the city?s lack of common sense and rising ethnic tension for all its problems. Davis feels that cults and other ethno-sociological problems also are the result of Los Angeles? totalitarian system. He writes, "Paranoia about nature, of course, distracts attention from the obvious fact that Los Angeles has deliberately put itself in harm's way. For generations, market-driven urbanization has transgressed environmental common sense? As a result, Southern California has reaped flood, fire, and earthquake tragedies that were as avoidable, as unnatural as the beating of Rodney King and the subsequent explosion in the streets."(9)"
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