A measurement of Islamic religiousness among Pakistani migrants in Spain: analysis of their sectarian affiliations

ICSA Annual International Conference: Manipulation and Victimization Trieste, Italy, July 4–6, 2013   Session Abstract

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The study we present here is the result of a PhD research on Islamic sectarianism in Pakistan. The fieldwork was done on the Pakistani community in Spain, mainly settled in Barcelona. Extensive qualitative interviews were undertaken with leaders of the different religious communities as well as its members, whereas quantitative data was provided through the analysis of questionnaires based on the Psychological Measure of Islamic Religiousness (H. Abu Raiya, K.I. Pargament, A. Mahoney & C. Stein, 2008), where some scales were used, and some not (the conversion scale was not included, considering we were interested in Pakistani Muslims not converts): items of Islamic religious dimension, Islamic wellbeing, purpose of life, satisfaction with life, religious struggle and fundamentalism were added, plus new questions focused on belonging to different sects, cults, and denominations, and their attitudes towards their in-group and out-group.

The main purpose was to find out how Pakistani Muslims live their religion, a deeper understanding of Islamic religiousness, and how the migration experience affects them. The biggest difficulty was to convince them to fill in a questionnaire, considering the closeness of the community, their distrust for the purposes of the research, or the fact that many of them are illiterate and might find the questions too hard to answer. For that reason, we have relied more on the qualitative analysis of the discourses of the leaders and members of the different religious groups: among the Sunnis, Deobandis: Tablighi Jama’at; Barelvis: Minhaj ul-Quran, Dawat-ul Islam; Ahl-e Hadith; Jamaat-e Islami; Sufis; Ahmadiyya and Shias.

Constructive activism: what can I do?

Constructive activism: what can I do?

ICSA Annual International Conference: Manipulation and Victimization Montréal, Canada; July 5-7, 2012

Abstract

Colon, Michele  Newton, Tyler; Grosswald, Paul

Constructive activism: what can I do?

Families affected by controversial groups often feel helpless and frustrated concerning the plight of their loved ones.  Constructive activism is a productive way to channel these feelings, to increase the amount of information publicly available about a group, and ultimately to prevent others from becoming victims.  Controversial groups go to great lengths to eliminate any negative information about them (Singer, 2003), which creates an even greater need for public information.  This workshop will cover methods that families can use to inform the public about controversial groups in their area, what type of information should be made available, and the potential legal pitfalls they can face while speaking out.  Constructive activismreempowers the family, enabling them to make a positive difference in their lives and in the lives of others. 

This workshop will cover the following topics:

1. Topics covered by Ms. Colon (the Why):

• The importance of making information that is critical of the group available to the general public.  Cults do not disclose the group’s true requirements, expectations, and agenda at the time of recruitment (source).  Making this information available to others will allow people to make an informed decision about whether or not they will become a member of the group.  This information will also help people leave who are questioning their membership in a controversial group.

2. (the What):

• The importance of networking.
• How different people bring different resources to the table.
• The importance of numbers, and how a support group can also serve as a resource pool.
• The importance of providing historical information about the group.  Pointing out how the group’s doctrine or practices have changed over time demonstrates that the group is not subject to the strict rules that the members are expected to adhere to.  Documentation of failed apocalyptic predictions and contradictory statements found in the group’s own literature are the best tools.  We will cover challenges that may be faced in obtaining literature, and how these can be overcome.
• The importance of former member testimony.  A collection of personal accounts from former members will provide the most accurate description of what the group is really like.  While reading the former members’ personal accounts, current members of the group will likely be able to identify with the struggles of group membership, thoughts of leaving, or beingdisfellowshiped by the group.  We will discuss anonymity and challenges in finding former members and family members willing to post their stories online.
• The importance of showing how behavior within the group fits the definition of a cult.  We will cover drawing comparisons to various thought-reform models described by Lifton, Singer, Hassan, and the like, and common cult replies and how to handle them.
• The importance of researching publicly available records.  Finances can often be the exit ramp necessary for a questioning cult victim.

3. Topics covered by Mr. Newton (the How):

• Cover the basics of setting up a Web site or blog to publish information about a group.  Can even a small site be effective?  What is the best way to get started?  How do you expand if need be later?  How to back up your site and why.  How to contact persons of interest in foreign countries if the group is based overseas.  How do services such as Skype and Google Translate help make this possible by bridging language and distance barriers? Show examples.  Briefly explain online privacy.  Briefly cover what a “WHOIS” search is and what it discloses.  Discuss what to consider when selecting a hosting company.  What is an IP address and how can it be used?  How can these controversial groups obtain and use this information to their advantage?  Discuss how to block your IP address.  The importance of aliases for former members and family members of current members when posting on public forums. Briefly cover Web site optimization (Google Analytics, stat counter, etc.).  What does this information tell you?  How does it guide you to proceed in respect to what information is popular and most relevant to your readers?
• Briefly cover how to have tracts or pamphlets cheaply and professionally made by online retailers.  Offer key points on maintaining a scholarly approach. The importance of peer review of online content when possible.  
• The importance of professionalism in journalism.
• Going door-to-door.  Often, people are unaware that there is a controversial group operating in their neighborhood.  Empowering the neighbors with knowledge of what is happening in their town increases pressure on the group. Cover strategies for talking with neighbors and getting others involved.

4. Topics covered by Mr. Grosswald (the Legal):

• Legal implications of activism.
• What is libel and defamation?
• What lengths do cults go to in order to silence their critics?  How can you protect yourself?  Cite examples.
• Should you be concerned about being sued for posting information online?
• How to find an attorney if need be.  Typical costs, and how to avoid legal troubles.

A personal perspective of residential treatment for the survivor of a cult or abusive relationship: thoughts, stories, and experiences as a support staff and a counselor

ICSA Annual International Conference: Manipulation and Victimization
Montréal, Canada; July 5-7, 2012 - more information
Abstract

Greg  Sammons   

This presentation will benefit mental health professionals, survivors of cults or survivors of abusive relationships, clergy, educators, students, and anyone else who is interested in learning about the model used in the treatment program developed at Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center.

Attendees will step away from this informative meeting with the knowledge of various dynamics of the treatment model utilized over a 25-year period.  The speaker will discuss the challenges of operating a small nonprofit agency, including the day-by-day coordination of training, and providing a treatment team for the best client care.  The presentation will include discussion about following up on the countless inquiries that come in day after day, and preparing workshops and other educational pieces that cater to the individual needs of each client. These topics will be presented to give conference participants an idea of what it takes to run a residential treatment facility that uniquely specializes in treating the cult survivor.

The presenter will also discuss the approaches of Wellspring’s short-term residential program vs. its treatment on an outpatient basis for the cult survivor.  Participants will get an opportunity to glimpse the perspective of cult recovery from someone who has worked full time in the field of recovery.  There also will be a discussion of how Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center networks with the academic community to continue research.  The speaker will talk about some of the strategies survivors and families can incorporate to begin the recovery process.  This session will be a positive and exciting report of what works in helping individuals begin their healing and recovery, and what is expected in the future of cult recovery at Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center.

ICSA Annual International Conference 
Manipulation and Victimization 


Montréal, Canada
July 5-7, 2012 /5 au 7 juillet 2012


Abstract



A new and unique attempt by The Almost Daily Cult Newspaper (Daily Cult News) of journalism concerning cults, religion, and spirituality The Almost Daily Cult Newspaper (Daily Cult News) is a news blog officially recognized as news media by Google News, which specializes in the issues of social problems concerning cults, religion, and spirituality. This publication was founded on Oct 1st, 2009, by Yoshiro Fujikura, a Japanese journalist who has zealously provided much coverage in this field. There are nine correspondents including Fujikura, all of whom are volunteers. Not all of the groups or individuals covered by the Daily Cult News are necessarily considered cults, because this paper handles all topics concerning the friction between religion, spirituality, and society. The Daily Cult News believes that wit, humor, and sarcasm, in addition to earnest coverage leveled at issues often passed over by conventional media, will help to foster and refine “cult-watch culture” among “Netizens.” One such attempt was the conferment of the “gluttony demonstration.” In September, 2011, the members of Unification Church were protesting against the article in the magazine Weekly Bunshun about fasting, so the members of the Almost Daily Cult Newspaper indulged in gluttony in front of the protesting fasters, saying, “Stop fasting!” After our protests, the UC placed Yoshiro Fujikura and Eito Suzuki on their “Wanted List” and distributed the list amongst their branch organizations. Also, Fujikura’s house was searched and raided by the police because a cultic group filed a charge that the Daily Cult News had infringed on their copyright. Although the nature of the topic attracts criticism and occasional pressure, the Daily Cult News continues to make a stand for free speech in the areas concerning cults, religion, and spirituality.