An excellent report focused on disinformation produced by non-democratic states such as Russia (quoting “Bitter Winter”) and China. It could have added that some democratic states do just the same.
Op-eds Global
The Crisis of Butsudan: What Does It Tell Us About Japan?
A fascinating book by Hannah Gould offers an opportunity to reflect on the status of religion in the country.
New Zealand’ Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and the Jehovah’s Witnesses: A Faulty Report
A biased and unscientific methodology, a selective use of sources, and religious prejudices led to unreliable conclusions.
Abdus Salam: Why 50 Years Ago a Future Nobel Prize Laureate Left His Native Pakistan in Protest
In 1974, the world-renowned physicist decided to move to Europe after as a member of the Ahmadiyya Community he was declared a non-Muslim and discriminated.
Olympics Show What’s Wrong with French Laïcité
Hijab is forbidden to Muslim French athletes, but the opening ceremony featured a drag queen parody of Jesus’s Last Supper that even the arch-moderate French Catholic Bishops protested.
The Absurd Case of the Family Federation in Japan
A victim is treated as a perpetrator, to the point that the Japanese government is requesting its dissolution as a religious organization.
Pakistan Raises Minimum Marriage Age for Christians to 18: Good—But
An old colonial law finally goes away, but what is needed is protection from forced conversion.
The Dark International of Anti-Cultism. 2. International Coordination
There is not a single “hidden hand” guiding the anti-cult movements throughout the world. But there are various levels of international coordination.
The Dark International of Anti-Cultism. 1. Six National Examples
The organized opposition to “cults” is different in different countries. Yet, common themes and features emerge.
French Abuse of “Brainwashing” Theories: The Trial of the Famille Missionnaire de Notre-Dame
A conservative Catholic congregation is accused of “abuse of weakness,” i.e., of “brainwashing.” Its Superior can go to jail.