An Act of Faith? Understanding Violent Behavior in Cults

• In Event: Beyond the Margins: Examining Deviance, Identity, and Institutional Violence in Cultural and Institutional Systems

Abstract

While many cults do not engage in violence, examples of extreme harm by cults—such as sexual abuse, homicide, mass suicide, and terrorism—have drawn concern from law enforcement and policy makers globally. In the wake of violence by cults, the governmental response or failure to respond is often criticized; however, the academic literature still struggles to explain how and why cults engage in violent behavior. This study will use a mixed-methods approach to create and test a theoretical model of violence in new religious movements. Statistical models will be used to test the association between a selection of endogenous and exogenous factors and various types of violent behavior in cults. Using a thematic narrative analysis, I will also identify themes associated with violence and the techniques used to legitimize violence in cult groups' ideological texts. These analyses aim to identify factors associated with violent behavior in cults, and propose nuanced intervention strategies that may prevent harm to the cult members and surrounding community. I will conclude with a discussion of the potential conflicts and policy concerns that arise when considering interventions in religious activities and communities.

Author

• Tess Hemmila, University of Massachusetts Lowell