Aum Shinrikyo
Running Head: Aum Shinrikyo
Aum Shinrikyo
Adrian Chisholm
Wilmington University
Nicci Koban CRJ 472
06/14/2011
Abstract
There are many cults, not all are terrorists. The Oxford dictionary defines cult as, “ritualistic religious system, devotion to a person or thing.” The FBI’s definition of terrorism is “the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.” Aum Shinrikyo (or Aum Supreme Truth) is the name of a terrorist cult operating in Japan, though the cult is now known by the name Aleph. The group is considered a cult due to the fact they have a combination of different belief systems which include Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Shamanism and New Age. Aum Shinrikyo is considered a terrorist organization because of previous actions and their participation in various attacks, and for previous attempts to use chemical and biological weapons on innocent people. This paper will cover the origination of the group, the background of the leaders, their activities and countries where they are located. It will also cover their present status and what is being done in the country they reside.
Shoko Asahara
On March 2, 1955 Shoko Asahara was born in a remote town called Chizuo Matsumoto located in southern Japan. He was born in a large but poor family of mat makers. Suffering from birth with glaucoma, he was totally blind in the left eye and partially in the right. Asahara attended a school for the blind, at the age of twenty-two (1977) he graduated and went on to study Chinese medicine in the field of acupuncture. This was a traditional trade for the blind. In 1978 he married a college graduate, who later became a senior leader of Aum. Asahara was arrested in 1981 for practicing pharmacy without a license; he was convicted and fined 200,000 yen.
Religious Quest
While working to support his family
Aum Shinrikyo
Adrian Chisholm
Wilmington University
Nicci Koban CRJ 472
06/14/2011
Abstract
There are many cults, not all are terrorists. The Oxford dictionary defines cult as, “ritualistic religious system, devotion to a person or thing.” The FBI’s definition of terrorism is “the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.” Aum Shinrikyo (or Aum Supreme Truth) is the name of a terrorist cult operating in Japan, though the cult is now known by the name Aleph. The group is considered a cult due to the fact they have a combination of different belief systems which include Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Shamanism and New Age. Aum Shinrikyo is considered a terrorist organization because of previous actions and their participation in various attacks, and for previous attempts to use chemical and biological weapons on innocent people. This paper will cover the origination of the group, the background of the leaders, their activities and countries where they are located. It will also cover their present status and what is being done in the country they reside.
Shoko Asahara
On March 2, 1955 Shoko Asahara was born in a remote town called Chizuo Matsumoto located in southern Japan. He was born in a large but poor family of mat makers. Suffering from birth with glaucoma, he was totally blind in the left eye and partially in the right. Asahara attended a school for the blind, at the age of twenty-two (1977) he graduated and went on to study Chinese medicine in the field of acupuncture. This was a traditional trade for the blind. In 1978 he married a college graduate, who later became a senior leader of Aum. Asahara was arrested in 1981 for practicing pharmacy without a license; he was convicted and fined 200,000 yen.
Religious Quest
While working to support his family
References: http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Shoko_Asahara Kyle B. Olson (Emerging Infectious Diseases, Vol. 5, No. 4, July. August 1999) http://www.japan-101.com/culture/aum_shinrikyo_cult.htm http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Fumihiro_Joyu