Part 1:
Primary readings for this module deal with three cases of NRMs that ended in violence: the People's Temple, the Branch Davidians, and the UFO cult, Heaven's Gate. As you read these documents, think about wether you can identify the factors that Dawson argues predispose an NRM to violence.
• In the three case studies (the People's Temple, the Branch Davidians, Heaven's Gate), what was the role of apocalyptic thinking in their violent end?
• In the three case studies (the People's Temple, the Branch Davidians, Heaven's Gate), what was the role of charismatic leadership in their violent end?
Part 2:
Write a brief (200 word essay) on only 2 of the following five essay topics:
1. What are some of the stereotypes about people who join NRMs? Why do you think such stereotypes develop?
2. In chapter three, Dawson reframes the problem of the rise of NRMs during the late 1960s and ‘70s using the admittedly highly abstract theories of sociologist Anthony Giddens. Summarize Dawson's use of Giddens in your own words. How is this approach different from Dawson's account of the importance of the social context for the rise of NRMs presented earlier in the chapter?
3. Based on the discussion in Dawson, briefly outline William McLoughlin's theory of periodic religious revivals in the United States. What does McLoughlin think about the prospect of future revivals?
4. Pick three of the demographic categories that scholars have applied to NRMs and discuss and evaluate the theories scholars have given for their findings in each category (e.g. the youth of most NRM converts is due to the fact that this is a time when people lack real world responsibilities).
5. Are sociologists of religion justified in ignoring or discounting the reasons members give for joining an NRM in favor of unconscious motivations?
Part 3:
Write a brief (200 word essay) on only 2 of the following four ssay topics:
1. Pick three of Dawson's arguments against the reality of brainwashing in NRMs, outline his claims, and based on what you know, evaluate his arguments.
2. Why do some NRMs focus on sex and the regulation of their members' sexuality as important? How is this different than mainstream religious movements?
3. Should society at large be especially concerned with expressions of sexuality among consenting adults within new religious movements?
4. At the end of chapter six, Dawson presents the work of Angela Aidala and others that give another, perhaps more positive interpretation for why more women than men join NRMs. Outline Aidala et al. line of argument? How is this different from the other theory of gender disparity presented earlier in the chapter (and reproduced in the mini-lecture above).