Eileen Barker

thumb|Eileen Barker (1990s) Eileen Barker Eileen Vartan Barker OBE FBA (born 21 April 1938, in Edinburgh, UK) is a professor in sociology, an emeritus member of the London School of Economics (LSE), and a consultant to that institution's Centre for the Study of Human Rights. She is the chairperson and founder of the Information Network Focus on Religious Movements (INFORM) and has written studies about new religious movements. Quotes The rule of law is believed by most people to be “a good thing”—but that is only the case if the laws are just and fair laws and if they are followed honestly by legislators and implementers of the law, rather than being perverted by perverse motives. "When Human Rights Become Human Wrongs", Bitter Winter (January 2024) Some of the new religions have undoubtedly performed some bad things at some times and some places. But the same could be said about the established, “legitimate” religions. Why, one may ask, cannot the bad actions, whatever they be, be dealt with by legislature applicable to all religions and their members—indeed, all citizens—once it is alleged they have broken a law? "Why the New French Law on “Cults” is Wrong" Quotes about Eileen Barker Barker warned that, to determine whether abuses or manipulation occur within a group, the group must be defined independently of any prejudice: placing a diverse collection of groups into the same category precludes both neutrality and any genuine empirical finding. The guilt-by-association fallacy works the same way: if groups as different as peaceful mystery enthusiasts and controversial organizations are labeled under the same category—“flying-saucer cults”—the generalization casts suspicion on every leader, doctrine, and adherent of a non-traditional movement and strips them of their particular identity. Alejandro Agostinelli, "Cults, Moral Panic, and the Press: How to Construct a Perfect Enemy", Bitter Winter (September 19, 2026) Eileen Barker’s extraordinary work in religious studies and the defense of religious liberty has left an indelible mark on academia and society. Her significant role in fostering understanding, promoting religious freedom, and advocating for global tolerance cannot be overstated. Eileen Barker’s impact on religious studies is evident in her pioneering research on new religious movements. Through meticulous ethnographic research and the development of innovative methodologies, she has shed light on previously misunderstood or stigmatized religious groups. Her work has challenged stereotypes, aiding in the recognition of diverse faith traditions and fostering greater understanding and empathy among scholars and the general public alike. Massimo Introvigne, "World-Famous Sociologist Rings the Bell of World Peace and Love", Bitter Winter (January 16, 2024) Eileen Barker, Professor Emerita of Sociology at the London School of Economics, and arguably the world’s most senior scholar of new religious movements, explained to the audience [at the conference session New Religious Movements and Contemporary Threats to Religious Freedom] that there is a difference between the role of a sociologist of religion and the role of an advocate. To stress that you look at a religion with the neutral gaze of the social scientist is “the best way you can be an advocate,” Barker said. This does not mean, she added, that sociologists cannot have strong feelings for religious liberty, and they can help protecting it by debunking misinformation about religious minorities. Massimo Introvigne, "A Conference Discusses the Religious Liberty Crisis in Japan and Internationally", Bitter Winter (April 15, 2024) External links Category:1938 births Category:Sociologists from Scotland Category:Fellows of the British Academy Category:Women academics from Scotland Category:Living people Category:Researchers of new religious movements and cults