2016-06-30
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.

    (Back to Index)

  • 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

    (Back to Index)
  • 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.

    (Back to Index)

  • 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

    (Back to Index)

  • 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

    (Back to Index)
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