Kevin the Soldier penned this

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.

October 20th, 2005

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?

October 20th, 2005

Kevin the Soldier mentioned

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.

October 20th, 2005

wallybanners the Virgin penned this

yeah what Christopher said.

October 21st, 2005

Daydreaming the Virgin added

definately a cult.

October 22nd, 2005

Trouble the Pirate added

But do they stockpile arms?

October 23rd, 2005

Chris the Virgin commented

haha..while the Democrats sit back and Bitch about the high oil prices!! lol

October 24th, 2005

Kevin the Soldier hunt n' pecked this

LOL, nothing wrong with a little love for the second amendment. Someone has to take care of the Democrats incase Canada decides to invade.

October 25th, 2005

Trouble the Pirate quibbed this

I’m a leg man myself…

October 25th, 2005

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.

http://www.xenu.net/

October 25th, 2005

Ben the Kingpin mentioned

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.

October 26th, 2005

Leigh Ellwood the Virgin pontificated

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.

October 27th, 2005

Derek the Virgin quibbed this

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.

November 4th, 2005

The Small Town Hick the Virgin commented

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.

November 16th, 2005