The Politics of Religious Apostasy: The Role of Apostates in the Transformation of Religious Movements (Religion in the Age of Transformation (Hardcover))

The current controversy surrounding new religions has brought to the forefront the role of apostates. These individuals leave highly controversial movements and assume roles in other organizations as public opponents against their former movements. This volume examines the motivations of the apostates, how they are recruited and play out their roles, the kinds of narratives they construct to discredit their previous groups, and the impact of apostasy on the outcome of conflicts between movements and society. Social Construction Of Contested Exit Roles / David G. Bromley -- Apostasy And The Management Of Spoiled Identity / Armand L. Mauss -- Standing At The Cross-roads / Eileen Barker -- Exploring Factors That Shape The Apostate Role / Stuart A. Wright -- Apostates Who Never Were / Daniel Carson Johnson -- Apostasy, Apocalypse, And Religious Violence / John R. Hall And Philip Schuyler -- Apostates, Whistleblowers, Law, And Social Control / James T. Richardson -- Apostates And Their Role In The Construction Of Grievance Claims Against The Northeast Kingdom/messianic Communities / Susan J. Palmer -- Role Of Apostates In The North American Anticult Movement / Anson Shupe -- Carriers Of Tales / Lewis F. Carter. Edited By David G. Bromley. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. This book has as its subject one of the most dramatic roles that has emerged around the conflict between some new religious movements and the social orders in which they have emerged, the apostate. An analysis of the role, motivation, and impact of apostates in the current controversy surrounding new religions.