This article is an electronic version of an article originally published in Cultic Studies Journal, 1991, Volume 8, Number 1, pages 7-36. Please keep in mind that the pagination of this electronic reprint differs from that of the bound volume. This fact could affect how you enter bibliographic information in papers that you may write.

The Effect of Religious Cults On Western Mainstream Religion

Marcia Rudin
Rabbi A. James Rudin

Abstract

Cults have engendered much bitter controversy among mainstream religious leaders, especially because it is not easy to agree on what characterizes "cults" and what distinguishes them from mainstream religions. Cults affect mainstream religions in practical ways, e.g., they take members away from mainstream religions and they actively cultivate the support of religious leaders. Cults have also induced mainstream religious leaders to raise moral objections concerning cult abuses, to examine their own groups more carefully, and to initiate educational programs to combat cults. Cults will undoubtedly continue to stimulate debate and affect mainstream religions in complex ways.
 

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