In Defense of New Alternative Religions

Regarding the “The Cult Wars” (by Bob Sipchen, Nov. 17), I must confess I fear the witch-hunting mentality of groups like the Cult Awareness Network more than I do the new, alternative religions.

Keep in mind that throughout history all new religious movements have been feared, labeled “subversive” and often persecuted. The accusations, criticisms and claims made against early Christians in Greco-Roman culture, for example, are startlingly identical to the charges made today against unpopular new movements.

Such religious sects have faced this kind of opposition because they had strange beliefs and were following odd practices and so people simply didn’t like them. Whether directed against Jews, Mormons, Amish, Hare Krishnas or Jehovah’s Witnesses, Americans have a sad, long history of religious bigotry.

We live in a pluralistic society, and since we can tolerate Rastafarians, punk rockers and a wide variety of New Age philosophies, I see no reason why we can’t tolerate the existence of alternative religious groups. As long as they obtain their converts by fair, legitimate means and obey the law of the land, they have every right to be here. That’s what the First Amendment is all about.

JOSEPH KRAMER

San Diego