A test of the Stark-Bainbridge theory of affiliation with religious cults and sects

This study tests the Stark-Bainbridge theory of sect and cult affiliation (1987) using a sample of 12,415 subjects from the National Survey of Families and Households. Polytomous logistic regression was used to determined the log odds of cult, sect, and church affiliation versus no religious preference. Independent variables drawn from the Stark-Bainbridge theory included education, stake in conformity, ''turning points,'' and the strength of conventional religious organizations in the subject's area. With some exceptions, the results supported the Stark-Bainbridge theory. As predicted, low stakes in conformity increased the log odds of membership in cults and sects. Each year of additional educational attainment increased the log odds of cult membership and decreased the log odds of sect and church membership, as predicted. Furthermore, the strength of conventional religious organizations in the subject's area increased the log odds of sect and church membership as predicted.