This article is an electronic version of an article originally published in Cultic Studies Journal, 1984, Volume 1, Number 1, pages 37-62. 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.

Avoiding The Extremes in Defining The Extremist Cult

Stephen M. Ash, Psy.D.

Abstract

A polarization of opinion regarding the nature of cult conversion has resulted in considerable confusion about the proper definition of a cult. This paper investigates this problem by critically examining the view that cults are no different from other religious groups (the “pro-cult” position) and the view that cults indeed pose special problems for society (the anti-cult position). The latter view is further analyzed in terms of two metaphors, the “possession” metaphor and the “deception” metaphor, which is seen as the most balanced and accurate of the three positions. Criteria (presented in a format based upon DSM-III) for defining an extremist cult are proposed.
 

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