Deconversion from Religious Movements: An Analysis of Charismatic Bonding and Spiritual Commitment

Abstract

In this paper deconversion from authoritarian religious movements is studied from the perspective of disaffection as it is expressed through the severing of socio-emotional bonds to the religious leader. Within this framework, a two-stage process of separation is elaborated in which bonds to the group are severed first, followed by the emotional disengagement from the charismatic leader. The bond between the leader and follower is shown to be most significant in determining the strength of continued commitment to the movement. An in-depth analysis of the leader-follower bond is offered, identifying specific sources of disillusionment. Principles of power dependency theory are then elaborated in order to explain the strength of commitment to the charismatic figure. Data for the study were collected through forty in-depth interviews of former religious devotees, representing seventeen different religious movements. Each of the respondents had left the movement voluntarily after an intense commitment to the group. The average length of religious involvement was four and one-half years and data were gathered on the process leading to conversion, the respondent's experience once inside the group, and the events which led to deconversion.