and to the changes in such reports that have occurred, perhaps because of the influence of scholarly critiques offered for some of the earlier reports. The reports are divided into "Type I" and "Type II" reports, with the former being thorough-going in their anti-cult orientation, and the latter reports being more moderate in tone, with some attention paid to scholarship on new religions. However, the major thesis of the study is supported, as an examination of both types of reports reveals that they incorporate "brainwashing" and "mind control" imagery imported from the United States, even though such theories have been largely discounted within the United States. Use of such theories leads directly to some questionable policy recommendations, as demonstrated in the reports. Reasons for the spread of "brainwashing" ideas to Europe are discussed. James T. Richardson

and to the changes in such reports that have occurred, perhaps because of the influence of scholarly critiques offered for some of the earlier reports. The reports are divided into "Type I" and "Type II" reports, with the former being thorough-going in their anti-cult orientation, and the latter reports being more moderate in tone, with some attention paid to scholarship on new religions. However, the major thesis of the study is supported, as an examination of both types of reports reveals that they incorporate "brainwashing" and "mind control" imagery imported from the United States, even though such theories have been largely discounted within the United States. Use of such theories leads directly to some questionable policy recommendations, as demonstrated in the reports. Reasons for the spread of "brainwashing" ideas to Europe are discussed. James T. Richardson

No abstract

This chapter examines the development of New Religious Movements (NRMs) in the West, as well as countermovements that were designed to exert control over such movements. Such opposing movements included both counter-cult movements which focused on content of beliefs, and more secular anti-cult movements which attended more to behaviors, but also used the “brainwashing” myth as a major justification for intervention. The development of a major moral panic in the US and other countries concerning NRMs is described, as is the key role played by the media in conjunction with anti-cult organizations. Teaching exercises are recommended for helping students understand the phenomena being described.

No abstract