Over-emphasizing the authority of their sources is a common anti-cult tactic. Nobody at the Victorian Inquiry double-checked their claims.
Bernard Doherty
Anti-Cultism Down Under. 2. Dubious Foundations
False quotes of non-existent books are just one problem in the Victorian Inquiry report’s reliance on anti-cult apostate Patrick McIvor, who is mentioned 215 times.
Anti-Cultism Down Under. 1. The Victorian Inquiry Report Release Debacle
An email address leak confirmed a cavalier approach to handling documents and data, resulting in biased and unsubstantiated conclusions.
The New South Wales Inquiry into Redeemer Baptist School. 2. Enter Steven Hassan
The anti-cult movement in Australia and internationally has shifted its focus from traditional targets to include conservative Christian groups.
The New South Wales Inquiry into Redeemer Baptist School. 1. “Coercive Control” of Students?
The church is unpopular with other Baptists for its conservative theology, but the use of the “cult” and “brainwashing” rhetoric has dangerous ramifications.
The Victoria, Australia, Inquiry on “Cults.” 2. Dangerous for All Religions
What is a “cult”? The term is used in such a loose way that most Australian churches and religious organizations can be targeted.
The Victoria, Australia, Inquiry on “Cults.” 1. The Australian Context
It is not the first time anti-cult inquiries and campaigns have been promoted in Australia. They have basically all been failures.
Bernard Doherty
Bernard Doherty is an associate professor in the School of Theology and a research fellow in the Centre for Religion, Ethics and Society (CRES) at Charles Sturt University, Australia, based at St Mark’s National Theological Centre in Canberra. He is also an Honorary Fellow of INFORM at King’s College, United Kingdom. He has published extensively on new religions in Australia.