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People considering some religions a cult.

Sutekh

Sutekh

Priest of Odin
Premium Member
I wanted to hear other peoples opinions of this. I myself have my own belief system, however my father for example would oftenly consider my belief system to be a cult, and I tend to disagree. Do you think the reason why many people would consider religions that are independent as a cult because its a threat to their own beliefs? Or is it because its a threat due to its intellect and challenges among the objective and the subjective world?
 
YmirGF

YmirGF

Bodhisattva in Recovery
Sutekh said:
I wanted to hear other peoples opinions of this. I myself have my own belief system, however my father for example would oftenly consider my belief system to be a cult, and I tend to disagree. Do you think the reason why many people would consider religions that are independent as a cult because its a threat to their own beliefs? Or is it because its a threat due to its intellect and challenges among the objective and the subjective world?
Click to expand...
I'm hesitant to call most religions "cults", but where applicable, I have no problem labeling some religions as personality cults around a central founder.
 
allfoak

allfoak

Alchemist
All religious organizations are cults.

According to the accepted definition of the term cult, it is any religious organization that is contrary to the truth.
The way in which it is determined is quite arbitrary.
Some people's whole lives have been ruined over this problem.
 
A

Acim

Revelation all the time
Both (threat to their own beliefs, and challenges intellectual understanding of objective/subjective world).

I think if it doesn't conform to what is fundamental to their interpretation of ancient doctrine, then it is seen as so divergent that it is not worth contemplation/discernment to understand in any other way than it must be bad for that individual, and that it would only lead to loss of self, identity, control.

I think sometimes it is a concern that is followed up with compassion, but not a willingness to understand the nature of the belief system. I find much of the time, it is a label applied to essentially criticize and be done with the person given that they have chosen to stray so far away from what is 'normal' and 'good.' Ya know, like the people in the cult of the Climate Change religion. LOL.
 
YmirGF

YmirGF

Bodhisattva in Recovery
allfoak said:
Would that include the Catholic church?
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If the shoe fits... Though I'm thinking more along the lines of Ahmadiyya Muslims who fanatically follow the teachings of their founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad... much to the chagrin of the rest of the Muslim world.

Similarly, Scientology also qualifies as a (very expensive) personality cult as the entire charade is based on the ramblings of L. Ron Hubbard.
 
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allfoak

allfoak

Alchemist
YmirGF said:
If the shoe fits... Though I'm thinking more along the lines of Ahmadiyya Muslims who fanatically follow the teachings of their founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad... much to the chagrin of the rest of the Muslim world.
Click to expand...

I understood of course that you were referring to more radical groups, i decided to point out the elephant in the room.
The Catholic church claims to be the measuring stick of truth.
They have had better success at hiding it.

The term cult seems to fit most of religion nowadays.
I have escaped and been thoroughly reprogrammed..
 
YmirGF

YmirGF

Bodhisattva in Recovery
allfoak said:
I understood of course that you were referring to more radical groups, i decided to point out the elephant in the room.
The Catholic church claims to be the measuring stick of truth.
They have had better success at hiding it.

The term cult seems to fit most of religion nowadays.
I have escaped and been thoroughly reprogrammed..
Click to expand...
One could also describe Islam as being a personality cult that has grown out of the every word, deed and thought of its founder, Muhammad.
Oddly, Christianity was not created by Jesus Christ, LOL.
 
Revoltingest

Revoltingest

Pragmatic Libertarian
Premium Member
"Cult" is imprecisely used regarding religion.
It works this way.
Cults have these traits.....
- They're typically new kids on the block (eg, Scientology).
- They're different from the mainstream religions.
- They don't have much real estate.
(When they own a lot of churches, a Vatican or two, & own stock in companies, then they're considered mainstream.)
- There is a charismatic leader, often prone to mating with many young female members.
- Undue control over members.
 
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jeager106

jeager106

Learning more about Jehovah.
Premium Member
Definition of cult: Painting with a broad brush hey?
  • cult1
    /kəlt/
    0910aaolr02_icon_sound.png

    noun
    1. a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object.
 
George-ananda

George-ananda

Advaita Vedanta, Theosophy, Spiritualism
Premium Member
Sutekh said:
I wanted to hear other peoples opinions of this.
Click to expand...
I think your father is right in calling Satanism a 'cult' per Webster's Dictionary.

Simple Definition of cult
  • : a small religious group that is not part of a larger and more accepted religion and that has beliefs regarded by many people as extreme or dangerous
But remember, the word 'cult' does not neccesarily mean bad. Christianity was a cult in the first century.
 
Katzpur

Katzpur

Not your average Mormon
Sutekh said:
I wanted to hear other peoples opinions of this. I myself have my own belief system, however my father for example would oftenly consider my belief system to be a cult, and I tend to disagree. Do you think the reason why many people would consider religions that are independent as a cult because its a threat to their own beliefs? Or is it because its a threat due to its intellect and challenges among the objective and the subjective world?
Click to expand...
"Cult" is a word that is thrown about much too freely. To many people, it means nothing more than "a religion I don't like." I do believe there are groups that can be legitimately considered to be "cults" but I'm pretty selective in using the word myself.
 
Mackerni

Mackerni

Libertarian Unitarian
There is a new, PC-friendly term for cult. New Religious Movement. There's even a WIkia for these. www.nrm.wikia.org The website promises you that you can create a new religion today! How enticing.
 
Covellite

Covellite

Active Member
I will dare to give you some tips, if I may...
Try not to promote your religion to other people, including your father, family and friends.
Pretend to be "normal". The easiest way is to say that you became an atheist.
Remove all signs from your place that can make you suspicious. Dress normally, whatever that means.
Do not show your rings, pendants, tattoos, or anything else that is not "normal".
Learn to be a silent and do what ever you love to do.
I find that calling someone's religion a cult an insult (modern inquisition).
Best wishes, and take good care :)
 
Jumi

Jumi

Well-Known Member
jeager106 said:
    1. a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object.
Click to expand...
This is what I think first when I hear of the word cult. Second is the negative meaning, but only if the context tells me it's a dangerous or destructive cult.

Good to see you back, by the way!
 
Shadow Wolf

Shadow Wolf

Certified People sTabber
Really, there is the social science definition of a cult, which includes all religions with their rituals, worships, mythos, and an ideology that is considered sacred.
And then there is the more common use definition, which tends to be used more as a derogatory term for new/er/ish religions, religions someone does not approve of, or religions that promote destructive behaviors such as Heaven's Gate or the People's Temple.
 
Sutekh

Sutekh

Priest of Odin
Premium Member
Covellite said:
I will dare to give you some tips, if I may...
Try not to promote your religion to other people, including your father, family and friends.
Pretend to be "normal". The easiest way is to say that you became an atheist.
Remove all signs from your place that can make you suspicious. Dress normally, whatever that means.
Do not show your rings, pendants, tattoos, or anything else that is not "normal".
Learn to be a silent and do what ever you love to do.
I find that calling someone's religion a cult an insult (modern inquisition).
Best wishes, and take good care :)
Click to expand...


I do not promote my religion to other people, and nor do I dress differently in pendants or tattoos. And I personally agree with you on calling somebody's religion a cult as an insult.
 
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