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The Conversation USA

The Conversation USA

Why the label 'cult' gets in the way of understanding new religions

  • Written by Mathew Schmalz, Associate Professor of Religion, College of the Holy Cross
A 1979 image that shows disciples of Rajneesh lying on the ground, in meditation at the mystic's headquarters in Poona, India.AP Photo/Eddie Adams

“Cults” are back in the news.

The Netflix documentary “Wild Wild Country” has revived interest in the “free-lovecult” founded by Indian guru Rajneesh, or “Osho,&r...

Read more: Why the label 'cult' gets in the way of understanding new religions

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