New England Institute of Religious Research
Encyclopedia
New England Institute of Religious Research (NEIRR) is a ministry located in Massachusetts
which provides information on organizations it considers cult
ic. It provides training, counseling, and assistance to individuals who are involved with such groups. The organization also runs a retreat center called the Meadow Haven Retreat and Recovery Center.
described Pardon as "a cult deprogrammer". Pardon is a former pastor.
In 1993, Mather served as the organization's co-director, and in 2005 as its director. Pardon's article on determining when Bible study can degrade into a destructive cult
was cited in the book When Prayer Fails. Pardon served as director of the organization in 1999. In 2000, Pardon served as the court-appointed guardian for 13 children of a religious sect in Attleboro, Massachusetts
. The Institute worked with former members of the Attleboro sect, and in order to gain insight into the group, Pardon studied the sect's diaries. The group was led by Roland Robidoux. Attleboro District Court Judge Kenneth Nasif appointed Pardon to serve as guardian ad litem for the children that were previously removed from the group. The investigation into the Massachusetts group gained national media coverage. Pardon and the Institute has extensively studied the new religious movement
, Twelve Tribes
. In his capacity as director of the New England Institute of Religious Research, Pardon presented at a conference of the International Cultic Studies Association
in 2001, and again in 2003, and 2004. The Institute is referenced as a resource for information on religious groups, in books including The Cult Next Door, Reflected Truth, Twisted Scriptures
, and When Prayer Fails.
, intended to serve as a treatment center for up to 25 former members of cults. Pardon told The Boston Globe
that residents will be given three months to reacclimate themselves to society and their families after leaving controversial groups. Other than this facility, as of 1999 the only other two such locations of treatment centers for individuals leaving cults include Wellspring in Ohio
, and Odenwald Residence in Leibenstadt, Germany
– both of which maintain treatment programs of two-weeks in duration.
The center opened on May 25, 2002, at a luncheon benefit celebrating the tenth anniversary of the New England Institute of Religious Research. The treatment center, called Meadow Haven, utilizes a three-pronged approach to recovery. First, individuals are assisted in identifying their religious problems and setting goals for recovery. Next, the treatment center helps them understand the dangers of being a member in a cult, and learn methods to put their life back together. Then, the final phase includes improving one's self-esteem, developing ways to reenter the community, and building a focus towards the future. Full recovery can take up to six months, though according to Pardon after a month at the treatment center individuals begin to feel better. As of 2005, Pardon served as the director of Meadow Haven.
described the Institute as "a clearinghouse for cult information in Massachusetts". The Buffalo News
cited the Institute for research on a controversial group known as "the Community", noting it performed "an in-depth study" of the group. The Boston Herald
also cited the Institute's research, on a controversial sect in Attleboro, Massachusetts
.
The Boston Globe commented on an incident in the Attleboro case specifically a letter written in which Robert Pardon told an individual that if they would not accept that their leader was a "false prophet
, "I will have no choice but to inform the judge that the Court should proceed to a hearing on your competency as parents." Associated Press
described the institute as "an anti-cult organization". The Morning Call
quoted a director of the Institute, George Mather, as instructing community residents that Satanists perform rituals during Halloween
to summon demons. Mather said that parents should not dress up as witches and devils for Halloween, as it would promote the wrong value system in youth. Andrew Walsh of Trinity College
in the journal Religion in the News criticized the Institute's representation of Bob and Judy Pardon citing statements from the Institute that they hold "advanced degrees in their field" which he wrote were actually standard M.Div and M.Ed. degrees respectively. Walsh criticized the Institute's labeling of groups as cult
s including Unitarian Universalists
, Mormons
, Baha’i, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches.
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
which provides information on organizations it considers cult
Cult
The word cult in current popular usage usually refers to a group whose beliefs or practices are considered abnormal or bizarre. The word originally denoted a system of ritual practices...
ic. It provides training, counseling, and assistance to individuals who are involved with such groups. The organization also runs a retreat center called the Meadow Haven Retreat and Recovery Center.
Research institute
New England Institute of Religious Research was co-founded by George Mather, coauthor of Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult, along with Robert Pardon. The organization was founded with the intention to provide "training in ministering to those caught up in such destructive groups". The New England Institute of Religious Research studies cult-like organizations. The Boston HeraldBoston Herald
The Boston Herald is a daily newspaper that serves Boston, Massachusetts, United States, and its surrounding area. It was started in 1846 and is one of the oldest daily newspapers in the United States...
described Pardon as "a cult deprogrammer". Pardon is a former pastor.
In 1993, Mather served as the organization's co-director, and in 2005 as its director. Pardon's article on determining when Bible study can degrade into a destructive cult
Destructive cult
A destructive cult is a religion or other group which has caused or has a high probability of causing harm to its own members or to others. Some researchers define "harm" in this case with a narrow focus, specifically groups which have deliberately physically injured or killed other individuals,...
was cited in the book When Prayer Fails. Pardon served as director of the organization in 1999. In 2000, Pardon served as the court-appointed guardian for 13 children of a religious sect in Attleboro, Massachusetts
Attleboro, Massachusetts
Attleboro is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States and is immediately north of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Once known as "The Jewelry Capital of the World" for its many jewelry manufacturers, Attleboro had a population of 42,068 at the 2000 census, and a population of 43,645 as of...
. The Institute worked with former members of the Attleboro sect, and in order to gain insight into the group, Pardon studied the sect's diaries. The group was led by Roland Robidoux. Attleboro District Court Judge Kenneth Nasif appointed Pardon to serve as guardian ad litem for the children that were previously removed from the group. The investigation into the Massachusetts group gained national media coverage. Pardon and the Institute has extensively studied the new religious movement
New religious movement
A new religious movement is a religious community or ethical, spiritual, or philosophical group of modern origin, which has a peripheral place within the dominant religious culture. NRMs may be novel in origin or they may be part of a wider religion, such as Christianity, Hinduism or Buddhism, in...
, Twelve Tribes
Twelve Tribes (new religious movement)
The Twelve Tribes , formerly known as The Vine Christian Community Church, Northeast Kingdom Community Church, The Messianic Communities, and the Community Apostolic Order is an international confederation of religious communities founded by Gene Spriggs that sprang out of the Jesus Movement in...
. In his capacity as director of the New England Institute of Religious Research, Pardon presented at a conference of the International Cultic Studies Association
International Cultic Studies Association
The International Cultic Studies Association , formerly the American Family Foundation, describes itself as an "interdisciplinary network of academicians, professionals, former group members, and families who study and educate the public about social-psychological influence and control,...
in 2001, and again in 2003, and 2004. The Institute is referenced as a resource for information on religious groups, in books including The Cult Next Door, Reflected Truth, Twisted Scriptures
Twisted Scriptures
Twisted Scriptures: Breaking Free from Churches That Abuse is a non-fiction book by Mary Alice Chrnalogar, published by Zondervan. Chrnalogar instructs readers on how to determine if a religious group is manipulative or abusive, and describes techniques of mind control...
, and When Prayer Fails.
Treatment center
In 1999, the New England Institute of Religious Research purchased a nursing home in Lakeville, MassachusettsLakeville, Massachusetts
Lakeville is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 9,821 at the 2000 census.For geographic and demographic information on the village of North Lakeville, please see the article North Lakeville, Massachusetts.-History:...
, intended to serve as a treatment center for up to 25 former members of cults. Pardon told The Boston Globe
The Boston Globe
The Boston Globe is an American daily newspaper based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Globe has been owned by The New York Times Company since 1993...
that residents will be given three months to reacclimate themselves to society and their families after leaving controversial groups. Other than this facility, as of 1999 the only other two such locations of treatment centers for individuals leaving cults include Wellspring in Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, and Odenwald Residence in Leibenstadt, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
– both of which maintain treatment programs of two-weeks in duration.
The center opened on May 25, 2002, at a luncheon benefit celebrating the tenth anniversary of the New England Institute of Religious Research. The treatment center, called Meadow Haven, utilizes a three-pronged approach to recovery. First, individuals are assisted in identifying their religious problems and setting goals for recovery. Next, the treatment center helps them understand the dangers of being a member in a cult, and learn methods to put their life back together. Then, the final phase includes improving one's self-esteem, developing ways to reenter the community, and building a focus towards the future. Full recovery can take up to six months, though according to Pardon after a month at the treatment center individuals begin to feel better. As of 2005, Pardon served as the director of Meadow Haven.
Commentary
The Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Sun-Times
The Chicago Sun-Times is an American daily newspaper published in Chicago, Illinois. It is the flagship paper of the Sun-Times Media Group.-History:The Chicago Sun-Times is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the city...
described the Institute as "a clearinghouse for cult information in Massachusetts". The Buffalo News
The Buffalo News
The Buffalo News is the primary newspaper of the Buffalo – Niagara Falls metropolitan area, and the area's only daily newspaper. It is the only newspaper owned by Berkshire Hathaway.-History:...
cited the Institute for research on a controversial group known as "the Community", noting it performed "an in-depth study" of the group. The Boston Herald
Boston Herald
The Boston Herald is a daily newspaper that serves Boston, Massachusetts, United States, and its surrounding area. It was started in 1846 and is one of the oldest daily newspapers in the United States...
also cited the Institute's research, on a controversial sect in Attleboro, Massachusetts
Attleboro, Massachusetts
Attleboro is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States and is immediately north of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Once known as "The Jewelry Capital of the World" for its many jewelry manufacturers, Attleboro had a population of 42,068 at the 2000 census, and a population of 43,645 as of...
.
The Boston Globe commented on an incident in the Attleboro case specifically a letter written in which Robert Pardon told an individual that if they would not accept that their leader was a "false prophet
False prophet
In religion, a false prophet is one who falsely claims the gift of prophecy, or who uses that gift for evil ends. Often, someone who is considered a "true prophet" by some people is simultaneously considered a "false prophet" by others....
, "I will have no choice but to inform the judge that the Court should proceed to a hearing on your competency as parents." Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
described the institute as "an anti-cult organization". The Morning Call
The Morning Call
The Morning Call is a daily newspaper based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The newspaper is owned by the Tribune Company, whose other publications include the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and Baltimore Sun....
quoted a director of the Institute, George Mather, as instructing community residents that Satanists perform rituals during Halloween
Halloween
Hallowe'en , also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the night before All Saints' Day...
to summon demons. Mather said that parents should not dress up as witches and devils for Halloween, as it would promote the wrong value system in youth. Andrew Walsh of Trinity College
Trinity College (Connecticut)
Trinity College is a private, liberal arts college in Hartford, Connecticut. Founded in 1823, it is the second-oldest college in the state of Connecticut after Yale University. The college enrolls 2,300 students and has been coeducational since 1969. Trinity offers 38 majors and 26 minors, and has...
in the journal Religion in the News criticized the Institute's representation of Bob and Judy Pardon citing statements from the Institute that they hold "advanced degrees in their field" which he wrote were actually standard M.Div and M.Ed. degrees respectively. Walsh criticized the Institute's labeling of groups as cult
Cult
The word cult in current popular usage usually refers to a group whose beliefs or practices are considered abnormal or bizarre. The word originally denoted a system of ritual practices...
s including Unitarian Universalists
Unitarian Universalism
Unitarian Universalism is a religion characterized by support for a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning". Unitarian Universalists do not share a creed; rather, they are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth and by the understanding that an individual's theology is a...
, Mormons
Mormons
The Mormons are a religious and cultural group related to Mormonism, a religion started by Joseph Smith during the American Second Great Awakening. A vast majority of Mormons are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while a minority are members of other independent churches....
, Baha’i, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches.
See also
- Anti-cult movementAnti-cult movementThe anti-cult movement is a term used by academics and others to refer to groups and individuals who oppose cults and new religious movements. Sociologists David G...
- Combatting Cult Mind ControlCombatting Cult Mind ControlCombatting Cult Mind Control: The #1 Best-selling Guide to Protection, Rescue, and Recovery from Destructive Cults is a non-fiction work by Steven Hassan. The author describes theories of mind control and cults based on the research of Margaret Singer and Robert Lifton as well as the cognitive...
- DeprogrammingDeprogrammingDeprogramming refers to actions that attempt to force a person to abandon allegiance to a religious, political, economic, or social group. Methods and practices may involve kidnapping and coercion...
- Opposition to cults and new religious movements
External links
- New England Institute of Religious Research, official website
- MeadowHaven, treatment center run by New England Institute of Religious Research