10 Most Common Myths About Alternative
Religions
By Tammy
Todd
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Cults are evil?
Wiccans worship Satan? Not true...
Everyone loves a good, juicy piece of
gossip - especially when the tales aren't about them. Sometimes, however, simple
gossip can take on a life of it's own, becoming a modern myth. Most of these tales
are relatively harmless, but those relating to the many smaller religious groups in the
world today can be downright destructive. They influence ordinary people to fear,
hate and despise members of these faiths based on a rumor. These ten myths about
Alternative Religions have become near legendary in both their longevity and ignorance of
the faiths they claim to represent. Let's set the record straight.
 "Those religions are all New Age junk."
FACT: New Age is a term that defines a mindset: the attempt to find Unity and Truth
beyond the conventions of organized religious thought. Some smaller religious
movements do fall into the New Age mindset, however a significant portion of them do not
believe in the New Age philosophy at all. Many New Age adherents also belong to
mainstream faiths, such as Christianity and Judaism. To categorize the two groups as
synonymous is patently untrue.
"All alternative religions are cults."
FACT: The word 'cult' can mean several things - most of them bad. On this
site, a cult is defined as a small, recently-created religious group headed by a
charismatic leader. Some smaller religions do fall into this category, but most,
such as Wicca, Voodoo and Gnosticism - have no central leadership at all. Others,
such as Taoism and Zoroastrianism, have existed for thousands of years.
"Those smaller groups aren't 'real' religions."
FACT: The American Heritage dictionary defines a religion as "A set of
beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader".
This definition does not specifically mention which leader - or which teachings - these
beliefs must be based upon. Therefore, any group, no matter how small their numbers
or how unusual their beliefs, which bases their practices in spirituality is a religion.
"Members of alternative religious groups haven't studied the Bible or heard
about Jesus."
FACT: The implication of this myth is that if these people really knew about
Christianity, they would become Christians. It is the fundamental basis for most of
the missionary work - and crusades - in Christian history. It is not, however, the
case for the vast majority of those worshipping in smaller religions today.
Practically all of these members have a background in Christianity and chose to leave it
for their current path. They are as well-versed in the Christian faith as most
Christians.
"Cults use mind control or brainwashing on members."
FACT: A number of psychologists have written books and papers on the influence of
cults, alleging that many such groups use a form of mind control to get and keep
members. The consensus of professional psychologists is that these allegations are
unfounded. Most recruits enter religious groups of their own volition, usually for
the emotional support and certainty of belief that these groups offer. They also
leave on their own when the experience is no longer a positive one. The average stay
is only 2 years.
"All cults are dangerous and destructive."
FACT: As previously mentioned, a cult is not inherently a bad group. These
new religious movements are simply small and unorthodox in their beliefs. Some
groups, commonly known as doomsday cults, believe that the end of the world is near.
They have committed violent acts - either suicidal or homicidal - in the name of their
faith. These groups make up only a small percentage of religious groups, however: 7
violent and 2 potentially violent groups have been identified from the thousands of NRMs.
"Members of some faiths are involved in a sinister conspiracy to murder,
maim, and destroy civilization."
FACT: Tales of the Satanic conspiracy supposedly existing for generations around
the world began surfacing in the 1970s. Since then, this evil plot has grown to
include Wiccans, New Age followers, and just about everyone else who isn't a WASP.
All of the religions concerned have vehemently denied any type of conspiracy - and, more
importantly, no evidence of any type of plot has ever been discovered in over 30 years of
searching. Sociologists point to the phenomena of rumor panic and cultural legend to
explain the unfounded stories.
"Non-Christians have no moral foundation."
FACT: Christian fundamentalist groups continually warn of the immoral attitudes
among many of the non-Christian religions in the United States. In truth,
practically all religions offer their believer some type of moral guidelines. These
guides are, in most cases, in tune with some Christian laws and all civic laws in the
United States. They teach accountability, honor, reverence for life and charity.
"Alternative religious groups perform horrific acts, such as sacrificing
children and drinking blood."
FACT: Satanism and Paganism (especially Wicca) often bear the brunt of these
allegations. The accusers are usually Christian fundamentalists looking for a reason
why these religions are 'evil'. In reality, pagans and Wiccans abhor violence in any
form. Reports connecting them to violent acts fall under the headings of urban legend and
propaganda. Although a few people professing allegiance to Satan have committed violent or
bizarre acts, the organized Satanic groups, such as the Church of Satan, have never been
connected to any murders or assaults.
"All members of alternative religions are evil Satan worshippers."
TRUTH: Some Christian denominations believe that all religions other than their own
are influenced by Satan, or secretly worship Satan. Nothing could be farther from
the truth. Satanists, for the most part, do not worship the Christian entity of
Satan but the ideals that he represents. Other faiths, such as Wicca, do not even
believe a being such as Satan exists. Wiccans worship a male and female deity.
They have connections to Celtic and other Indo-European deities, but no connection
whatsoever to the Christian ideology.
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