Small circles of Satanists may, or may not, have existed in 19th-century France. A largely fraudulent anti-Satanism accused them of controlling Freemasonry.
Is Satanism Dangerous? 2. 19th-Century Satanic Tales: From Huysmans to Taxil
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Is Satanism Dangerous? 1. The Origins of Satanism
Is Satanism dangerous? Should legal measures be introduced against it? Or is even Satanism protected by freedom of religion or belief?
Charles Doudelet in Italy: Witnessing for Alternative Spiritualities
How a Belgian painter managed to put Rosicrucianism and Theosophy at the center of the artistic stage in Belle Époque Tuscany
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Shunning. 6. Why Shunning Should Be Respected
Shunning is part of these typically religious teachings and practices secular authorities should not interfere with.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Shunning. 5. Is Shunning “Illegal”?
Courts of law throughout the world have concluded that teaching and practicing shunning is protected by religious liberty. They are right.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Shunning. 4. What About Minors?
Opponents argue that “even children” are disfellowshipped. They call 17-year-olds “children” too, and turn a rare (but understandable) occurrence into a major issue.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Shunning. 3. Shunning in Theory and Practice
There are several myths about shunning. It has exceptions, such as for cohabiting relatives. It is painful for both shunners and shunned. Its aim is both protecting the believers and inducing the sinners to repent.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Shunning. 2. Disassociation and Disfellowshipping
Disassociation is not the same as simply becoming inactive. And there is no disfellowshipping for minor mistakes, only for unrepentant serious sins.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Shunning. 1. Why Shunning?
Shunning disfellowshipped ex-members is typical of monotheistic religions. Scholars have argued there is a reason for it.
“Guru”: An Anti-Cult TV Miniseries About the Guru Jára Case
Screenwriter Jan Coufal offered a one-sided reconstruction of a sensational “cult” case regarding Guru Jára. He missed an opportunity.