ICL: Cults, Sects, and New Religious Movements - April 03 – May 22

Cults, Sects, and New Religious Movements

Course Instructor - Dr. Adam Daniels

This course is an exploration of what religious scholars have termed NRMs, or New Religious Movements, and their cultural, political, and sociological impact. Issues raised and discussed will include but are not limited to: Understanding apocalyptic beliefs, government intervention in NRMs, violence and NRMs, “brainwashing,” gender issues in NRMs, and the role of media in portrayal of NRMs. Special attention will be given to the Branch Davidians, The People’s Temple, Heaven’s Gate, the Children of God, Aum Shinrikyo, Scientology, Nxivm, and the modern Christian megachurch movement, among others.

Rev. Dr. Adam Daniels is the Chaplain at Young Harris College and also teaches classes in the Department of Religion. He has been in ministry for 16 years and holds a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry. He has traveled all over the globe but believes it's hard to beat the community here in the Enchanted Valley.