This article is an electronic version of an article originally published in Cultic Studies Journal, 2001, Volume 18, Part 1, pages 32-35. 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.


 

Cults, Freedom of Belief, and Freedom of Religion

Denis Barthelemy
Appeals Court of Versailles
 

Abstract

Definitional confusion surrounding the term "cult" is examined in order to better understand the religious freedom controversy over public and private responses to cultic groups. It is argued that democratic societies distinguish between freedom of belief, an individual freedom, and freedom of religion, a collective freedom. When they overemphasize the latter, governments undermine democracy by subordinating individual citizens to groups.
 

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