THE FRENCH AND GERMAN VERSUS AMERICAN DEBATE OVER 'NEW RELIGIONS' , SCIENTOLOGY, AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Abstract

This article critically examines the allegations of religious intolerance that United States officials and governmental staff have leveled against France and Germany (along with other European countries) for their policies on, and actions toward, Scientology and other controversial groups. It argues that American officials appear to be poorly informed about the bases for the Europeans' critical positions, and that those officials have been the recipients of selective information provided by Scientology itself along with Scientology's supporters. It concludes by offering a preliminary analysis of this Euro-American debate in the context of 'international social movements' theory within the social sciences.

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