John Saliba's approach to new religious movements is secular (despite his position as a Jesuit priest) and well-balanced. It begins by exploring how new religious movements are perceived today, how they have been responded to in the past, and why. It examines the original definition of the word "sect" as well as its modern derivations and how it affects these new religious movements. By considering multiple views on new religious movements as well as examining the historical, psychological, sociological, legal, and theological context in which these religions arose and attracted new followers, he is able to argue for an approach more open of these new religions. and offer a better way to manage them; We must respond to it rather than react. The word "sect" has a very negative connotation in modern society because it is applied to several religious groups who have violated fundamental moral or societal rules. It is regularly applied by the media to groups considered “deviant, dangerous or corrupt” (1). “The theological use of the word 'worship' is most evident in evangelical Christian literature. " (2) Here, a cult is described by Walter Ralston Martin as "a group of a religious nature surrounding a leader or group of teachers who deny or misinterpret essential biblical doctrine. » (2) Another definition from Charles Braden is "those religious groups which differ significantly from those religious groups which are considered the normative expression of religion throughout our culture." And “a group of people gathered together over a specific person or a person’s misinterpretation of the Bible” (2). Two very vague definitions that could apply to almost any religion that doesn't fit what middle of paper...... performs strange rituals, they have elitist attitudes and don't conform to social norms traditional. and moral behavior. The Middle Ages saw the rise of many “cults” or “sects”; notably the Cathars and the Flagellants. The Cathars appeared in 1143 and were the subject of rumors about their supposedly immoral acts, such as consuming the ashes of dead babies. They became so influential that they were considered a major threat to the mainstream Church. After the Cathars managed to assassinate one of Pope Innocent III's legates, a crusade was organized against them and they were ultimately annihilated. Their views were partly Gnostic, and their view of dualism ranged from radical to moderate. They subscribed to high ethical standards, rejected the Old Testament, and denied the Trinity. Works Cited Saliba, John; Understanding New Religious Movements, Second Edition