Opponents of President Bush's faith-based intitiatives often express fear that the plan would fund alternative religious movements. In this 10-part series, Don Lattin, religion writer at the San Francisco Chronicle, looks at four such groups--the Moonies, Scientologists, the Hare Krishnas, and the Children of God--and examines whether they will be able to make the transition from alternative sect to mainstream religion.

INTRODUCTION
THE MOONIES | SCIENTOLOGISTS
HARE KRISHNAS | CHILDREN OF GOD

Introduction:
Making the Leap
ARTICLE
From Cult to Religion
Coming of new age for alternative religions.

COMMUNITY

Do alternative religions have a future in America? Discuss.

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Unification Church
(a.k.a. the Moonies)
ARTICLES
Next Generation Moonies
The Unification Church looks to its youth for survival.

Life as Moonchild Far From Blessed
The first child born in the West to members of the Unification Church--the Moonies--leaves her parents' religion behind.

COMMUNITY & RESOURCES

Does the Unification Church have a future in America? Discuss.

More Unification Church discussions

Unification Church links

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Scientology
ARTICLES
Leaving the Fold
Third-generation Scientologist grows disillusioned with faith.

When Scientology Is Passed Down
Second-generation disciple dedicates his life to the church.

One Legacy of L. Ron Hubbard
The Scientology founder's family life was far from what he preached.


COMMUNITY & RESOURCES

Does Scientology have a future in America? Discuss.

More Scientology discussions

Scientology links

Visit the Beliefnet Scientology page.

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The International Society for Krishna Consciousness
(a.k.a. the Hare Krishnas)
ARTICLES
A Test of Faith
Allegations of past child abuse threaten Hare Krishnas' existence.

Growing Up in the Hare Krishnas
Couple have mixed views about upbringing in sect and continuing to keep their faith.

COMMUNITY & RESOURCES

Does the Hare Krishna movement have a future in America? Discuss.

Other ISKCON discussions

ISKCON links

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The Children of God
(a.k.a. The Family)
ARTICLES
Escaping a Free-Love Legacy
The Children of God sect hopes it can overcome its sexy image.

Daughter of Family's Founder Renounces His Teachings
Deborah Berg, once crowned "Queen of God's New Nation," writes a tell-all book about the group founded by David Berg.

COMMUNITY & RESOURCES

Does the Children of God movement have a future in America? Discuss.

Children of God links

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