The Problem of Free Will of Adherents of New Religions. From the Concept of Brainwashing to the Concept of Charismatization
Abstract
In 1970s, the concept of brainwashing became a popular explanatory clue to questions caused be seemingly strange and in some cases even dangerous social behavior of adherents of new religious movements ("cults"). In the course of time, the "brainwashing" metaphor has been abandoned by almost all social scientists as the seemingly irrational behavior of religious adherents can be explained by means of well-known social psychology theories.
But even with knowledge of these theories, the adherents of new religious movements can be seen as victims of cult leaders who misuse psychic condition and social needs of their followers. The author expresses conviction that these concepts should be supplemented by the theory of charismatization.
In this theory, both sides are responsible for consequences of this relationship. Those followers and apostates who accept appropriate part of responsibility for creating the charismatic authority have better prospect to take their future lives into their own hands.