Is there a difference between a cult and a religion? Are those who join cults brainwashed? How do conspiracy theories and alien encounters relate to each other? How can we make sense of the violence associated with cults and conspiracy theories?

In SCAR 2QQ3 Cults, Conspiracies, and Close Encounters, we will explore the evolution and social impact of so-called cults, conspiracies and close encounters, and examine the historical, cultural, political and religious dynamics that inform all three using a variety of critical methods.

We’ll examine models of conversion, belief maintenance, cognitive biases, charisma, and secularization theories by examining several groups and communities. These include, but are not limited to, Scientology, the Branch Davidians, the Raëliens, Q-Anon, health and wellness culture, and others.