Kevin the Soldier remarked
A cult is defined as “A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.” I think that Catholics would not generally be classified as extremist or living unconventionally. They certainly have the guidance of an leader but I think the pope’s charisma and true authority over the individual people is non-existent. Under this definition though, I’m not sure that Scientology fits either. I’m not aware of a living leader of the church of scientology, I’m sure there must one but they are not very well known. Unconventional living… I really don’t know enough but I think yes. Extremist, yes as long as the beliefs that Tom Cruise spouts are in line with the church.
Christopher the Pyro pontificated
“Catholics would not generally be classified as extremist or living unconventionally” So if a cult gets big enough that it begins to create a social norm, (changing what is a conventional way of living) then it becomes a religion as opposed to a cult?
Kevin the Soldier remarked
I suppose that would be true. Normal shifts over time.
The question would be whether all cult characteristics need to be met for a group to be considered a cult. Would the AARP, UAW, etc. be a cult?
Christopher the Pyro thought this
I don’t know but PETA and ACLU are for sure.
Kevin the Soldier hunt n' pecked this
No shit! I’d add NOW, MoveOn, and the Democrats to that list.
Democrats:
Extremist… check
False… check
Unconventional… check
Authoritarian and Charismatic leader… umm, Howard Dean? Maybe not.
wallybanners the Virgin added
yeah what Christopher said.
Daydreaming the Virgin uttered
definately a cult.
Trouble the Pirate uttered
But do they stockpile arms?
Christine the Lioness uttered
No… that would be the Republicans doing that…
Chris the Virgin up'n wrote this
haha..while the Democrats sit back and Bitch about the high oil prices!! lol
Kevin the Soldier remarked
LOL, nothing wrong with a little love for the second amendment. Someone has to take care of the Democrats incase Canada decides to invade.
Trouble the Pirate added
I’m a leg man myself…
Miss M the Virgin remarked
Living right next to Occupied Clearwater, trust me, it is not only a cult, but a very dangerous one. More then one person has died already because of it. They require you to submit literally every aspect of your life to them including deciding your job, who you can marry, whether or not you can get medical help, among many other things.
Ben the Kingpin added
Scientology was made up by a science-fiction author who–in his own writings!–said that (paraphrase) “the best way to make money and fame is to create a religion, so that’s what I’m going to do.”
Scientology is not just a cult, it is a *militant* cult.
Leigh Ellwood the Virgin mentioned
In thinking in terms of a cult, it’s my understanding with Scientology that there is “coursework” involved wherein the follower coughs up all this cash to become “clear”. If you put “Scientology” and “cult” in Google you’ll find more in-depth explanations. As for any comparison to Christianity as a cult - one might argue similarities, but at least with organized religions it’s easy to just leave. Not so much with a cult.
Derek the Virgin remarked
I have known many Scientologists and they seem to be fine. As a therapist,I looked into their procedures and think it has had a lot of bad press although personally I do not share their belief systems.
The Small Town Hick the Virgin mentioned
Scientology is an organization who’s goal is to get control of your life, and to benefit from that control - financially, to begin with. Call it a cult, or pick a new title. This is what they are.