Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Texas Polygamists: Sect or Cult?

Sociologist explores such groups and what keeps people there

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 10, 2008 2:12 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – While much of the media is calling the polygamous group raided in Texas a “sect,” some experts say it’s better defined as a cult, LiveScience reports. One scientist points out that the word “cult” is often avoided in academia for its negative connotations. But “if you've got a group that's abusing hundreds and hundreds of women and children,” says a sociologist, “let's call it what it is.”

By not using the word, “we let them hide behind the veil of religion,” the sociologist notes. She defines a cult as a religious movement in which the object of worship is a “human leader,” rather than a higher being. But what keeps people in abusive societies? A warped worldview, she says, coupled with fear of punishment: “You take on new reality.”

A member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in rear seat of cart, is relocated to another building on the Fort Concho complex in San Angelo, Texas, April 9, 2008.
A member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in rear seat of cart, is relocated to another building on the Fort Concho complex in San Angelo, Texas, April 9, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
A State Trooper patrols as members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints gather around a porch at their temporary housing in San Angelo, Texas, April 9, 2008.
A State Trooper patrols as members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints gather around a porch at their temporary housing in San Angelo, Texas, April 9, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Law enforcement vehicles are seen around the main temple on the grounds of the Yearning For Zion Ranch, home of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Eldorado, Texas, Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
Law enforcement vehicles are seen around the main temple on the grounds of the "Yearning For Zion" Ranch, home of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Eldorado, Texas, Tuesday,...   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
A young member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints reaches up for a ball as he plays at the group's temporary housing in San Angelo, Texas, Monday, April 7, 2008.
A young member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints reaches up for a ball as he plays at the group's temporary housing in San Angelo, Texas, Monday, April 7, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Former member: 'religion is just a cover'
MSNBC

Details of the raids
Newsweek

 
Texas • religion • rape • child abuse • sexual abuse • polygamy • sociology • cult • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

More Newser Stories

Warren Jeffs Sentenced to Life in Prison

Warren Jeffs Convicted of Child Sex Abuse

Don't Worry: Texas Will Get Warren Jeffs

Warren Jeffs Gets New Trial in Rape Case

Ex-FLDS Member Wants Hard Time for Polygamists
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne