Hoe kultes menseregte sien en vorm – ’n kritiese beoordeling

Abstract

How cults regard and form human rights – a critical evaluation

Since a cult is regarded as a very closed group whose members seemingly voluntarily subject themselves to the authority and rules of the group, and since human rights usually include freedom of religion, the issue of the upholding of human rights within such religious groups has not really been given proper thought. This article argues that this aspect should be rectified, especially in the light of injustices suffered by people within cults. The reasons why cult members allow leaders to deprive them of their rights are also explored and evaluated. The conclusion arrived at is that rightful attention should be given to the disregard of the rights and responsibilities of people caught up in cults.