Annotated Bibliography On New Religious Movements, Media And Violence

New Religious Movements, Media, and Violence
This annotated bibliography will explore the historical debates about New Religious Movements (NRMs) and their interactions (or lack of) with mainstream American society. In the study of NRMs there is a notable focus on violence, either violence perpetrated by NRMs or against them by outside organizations. Sociological, psychological, theological, and legal aspects of this violence will be studied. This bibliography will focus on the three most recognizable and violent American NRMs; the Peoples Temple, Branch Davidians, and Heaven’s Gate. These three groups gained wide media coverage due to their abnormal social practices and responded to this attention with isolation and eventual violence. Examining

These groups are controversial, worship outside normal religious groups, and can isolate themselves from society based on perceived threats. The lack of understanding from American society causes NRMs to react negatively. This bibliography begins with an examination of introductory text to NRMs where most introductory authors agree that PT, BD, and HG isolated themselves due negative attention from media and government. Examinations of a specific group, BD, will demonstrate the varied approaches available for the study of one group. In these analyses, we will see legal, historical, theological, social, and psychological approaches to explanation about NRM violence. Debates here focus on whether BD committed suicide or were murdered. Debates about theology, and abuse are also examined. We later move on to sociological studies that mostly reject the existence brainwashing, and argue that social pressures and leadership account for NRM member loyalty. More recent sociological studies on media have focused on the effects of NRM’s on current and former members, as well as the opinions of the American public. We will also see that certain terminology holds power on society and can contribute to NRM isolation. This bibliography closes with an examination of sources that call for understanding, acceptance, and reclassification of NRMs. Most of these authors agree that prediction of NRM violence is but by allowing these groups to freely function, we can possibly avoid future isolation and