ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the relatively under-examined problem of personal feelings of scepticism and concern in the sociological study of New Religious Movements (NRMs) within the specific research setting of the charitable organization Information Network Focus on Religious Movements (INFORM), established in London in 1988 to conduct academic research about NRMs and to provide information and advice. It draws out the epistemological, methodological and ethical dimensions to this problem which brings the insider or outsider debate in the sociology of religion into sharp relief. The presentation is framed by the categories of final, empirical and ethical knowing. Final knowing concerns the veracity of assertions about the nature of reality. Empirical knowing is the acquisition of knowledge through observation and experiment. Ethical knowing involves the discernment of the right or wrong of actions and situations. Knowledge of the ultimate truth' of a movement's religious claims is impossible and the question has to be put aside.
