University of Virginia sociology Prof. Jeffrey Hadden, who has studied religious movements for over 30 years, agrees. Every new religion experiences a high level of tension with society because its beliefs and ways are unfamiliar. But most, if they survive, we come to accept as part of the religious landscape. He cites Mormons , Jehovah's Witnesses , and Christian Scientists as examples. Still, experts say the label has nothing to do with radical beliefs and everything to do with behavior.
Students are particularly easy prey.
Cults provide answers. How to deal. Private universities have more leeway in determining who's on campus. Last month, Matthew Hale, a white supremacist and self-proclaimed pastor of the World Church of the Creator , visited Northwestern University in an attempt to establish a chapter. School officials don't know if they'll consent to the admittedly racist, antisemitic organization, even if Hale obtains the 15 required signatures to form a student group.