Citation

Wallis R. Sociol. Relig. 1988; 48(4): 355-371.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Association for the Sociology of Religion)

DOI

10.2307/3710873

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper issues from the observation of a number of paradoxes relating to the relative freedom of religion--specifically in the form of new religious movements--in the United States and the United Kingdom. The United States embodies freedom of religion in its Constitution, yet nowhere in the English-speaking world, as far as I can see, has there been a more active and vociferous anti-cult movement, nor a more elaborated development of "deprogramming" as an enterprise, both of which appear determined to abridge toleration and freedom in respect of certain kinds of religious believer. Moreover, nowhere have the confrontations which have occurred between new religious movements (nrms) and the state been sharper or more highly antagonistic. A further paradox that emerges from the freedom of religion in the United States has been the freedom it permits for nrms to develop in a manner which shows scant respect for the rights and freedoms of others. I shall argue that while the United States has institutionalized greater freedom of religion than the United Kingdom, it is precisely that high level of institutionalized freedom which permits--paradoxically--the greater abuse of freedom and toleration which occurs there.