The risk of overestimating and underestimating “religious cults” in South Africa

Pretorius, SP

doi:10.5952/53-1-129

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…police, lawyers, and judges; Kent & Willey 2013:306), set up monitoring groups, such as the American Family Foundation and Cult Awareness Network. Pretorius (2012) warned against either overestimating or underestimating religious cults in South Africa. To classify denominations or religious ministries without an in-depth evaluation risks exposing committed, legitimate Christian communities to unjustified vulnerability and libel.…”

Section: Historical Background Of Cults and New Religious Movementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A two-tier protestant evaluative framework for cults applied to KwaSizabantu Mission

Fleischmann

Ferreira

Muller

2021

In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi

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The vague use of the term ‘cult’ in popular media to describe religious groups has in the past unjustly exposed various committed Christian communities to libel and dehumanisation. However, celebrity-based cults masquerading as Christians are damaging the trust in Christ. The objective of this research study was to provide a viable two-tier Protestant evaluative framework (2TPEF) in order to identify cultic characteristics in a religious group. The proposed framework was applied to South Africa’s KwaSizabantu Mission as a case study. A theoretical framework was synthesised from a variety of sources. For the case study, information was collected from multiple sources, including interviews, documents, sermons, newsletters, observations and research reports. Applying the 2TPEF in the case study demonstrates how it operates as a workable tool. In this case, it explains why the KwaSizabantu Mission cannot be viewed as a cult. In addition, the 2TPEF may serve for comparative purposes or be used by religious groups themselves to demonstrate their position relative to Protestant Christianity.Contribution: This study not only focuses on Reformed Theology exclusively but provides insights in critically applying the 2TPEF within Protestant religious circles using a current case study within an African context.

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Section: Historical Background Of Cults and New Religious Movementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A two-tier protestant evaluative framework for cults applied to KwaSizabantu Mission

Fleischmann

Ferreira

Muller

2021

In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi

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“…An aspect often overlooked in spirituality is the susceptibility of religious people as a result of the dynamics of religion (Engel 2011;Pretorius 2012). The prescriptive and authoritative nature of a belief system can supersede rationality and weaken the senses, as is evident in the justification of actions such as burning somebody at the stake, the decapitation of unbelievers, participation in a 'holy war' or the catastrophic cruelty as was witnessed on 11 September 2001 (Cleary n.d.:1-4).…”

Section: Susceptibility Associated With Religionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of misapplied religious practices in some alternative religious groups

Pretorius

2014

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies

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The positive impact that religion generally has on human beings has been suggested by different studies. However, it cannot be assumed that religion always contributes to the wellbeing of believers. Religious systems can be misused, resulting in people being spiritually and even physically hurt and harmed. This study investigates certain aspects of some alternative religious group in order to determine the impact it has on the well-being of the members of these groups. It was found that people are drawn to these groups because of the challenges they present, the display of true love amongst members and the 'message' of an authoritative charismatic leader that resonates with them and convinces them to become part. As time pass, members were challenged with questionable aspects that appear in the activities and teaching of these groups. Obtaining clarity on these concerns was strongly discouraged by the culture and other members of the group, resulting in members suppressing doubts and emotions. Adherence to the tenets of the group then occurred as a result of peer pressure and out of fear instead of true conviction. The study concludes that most of the respondents in the study reported that their experience in these groups did not contribute to their well-being, and emotionally, they struggled to adapt to society and other religious groups after leaving the group.

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“…The situation was further agitated by the general referral to any group outside mainstream religion as a cult and lead to antagonism between society and these groups. Despite the fact that the use of the word cult is frowned upon especially from a human rights point of view, it does not mean that some groups are not guilty of exploiting members and may be harmful to the harmonious function of society (Pretorius 2012). Another approach is needed to study and evaluate the practices and dynamics imbedded in cults without labelling groups.…”

Section: The Phenomenon Of Cultismmentioning

confidence: 99%

Best practice for society in dealing with cults

Pretorius

2013

NGTT

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Freedom of religion has challenges of its own. One particular aspect that presents a challenge is the nature of religion in the sense that the actions and practices of religion are not prescribed or measured by human criteria except that it may not be against the law. Another aspect that cannot be underestimated is the susceptibility of people when it comes to religion. Both these aspects create opportunity for abuse in religion. When members of society become aware of religious groups that are believed to be exploitive for selfish aims it creates tension between society and these groups. With no recognisable, credible organisation to turn to for assistance society tends to take matters in their own hands that mostly result in an even more fragile situation. A solution is to set up an information centre that can provide information to the public. It is important to align the approach of the centre with workable practices in other parts of the world that have been dealing with this issue for many years. Practices in some European countries are investigated and the best practices suitable for South Africa are determined and suggested.

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The risk of overestimating and underestimating “religious cults” in South Africa

Cited by 3 publications

References 0 publications

A two-tier protestant evaluative framework for cults applied to KwaSizabantu Mission

A two-tier protestant evaluative framework for cults applied to KwaSizabantu Mission

The effect of misapplied religious practices in some alternative religious groups

Best practice for society in dealing with cults

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