how do you differentiate between a cult and a religion? (salvation, soul)
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how do you differentiate between a cult and a religion? between cult thinking and spiritual guidance? between a cult leader and a helpful presence? how does a person stay safe and discern between these?
This came up on another thread, and bears exploring.
thank you everyone for your insights and contributions
There is a specific definition for cult when it is used as a Theolory term. Actually it has no specific definition but all cults have 6 Characteristics in common. It requires all 6 to be considered a cult. All Releigions and even non-Religious organization will have some of these Charecteristics
Quote:
[1] Authoritarian Leadership
Authoritarianism involves the acceptance of an authority figure who exercises excessive control on cult members. As prophet or founder, this leader’s word is considered ultimate and final. . . .
Often this authoritarianism involves legalistic submission to the rules and regulations of the group as established by the cult leader (or, as in the case of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, submission to the Watchtower Society). Cult members are fully expected to submit, even if they do not agree with the requirements. Unquestioning obedience is compulsory.
[2] Exclusivism
Cults often believe that they alone have the truth. The cult views itself as the single means of salvation on earth; to leave the group is to endanger one’s soul. . . .
[3] Isolationism
The more extreme cults sometimes create fortified boundaries, often precipitating tragic endings (we have already mentioned the tragedies in Waco and Jonestown). Some cults require members to renounce and break off associations with parents and siblings. . . .
[4] Opposition to Independent Thinking
Some cultic groups discourage members from thinking independently. The “thinking,” as it were, has already been done for them by the cult leadership; the proper response is merely to submit. . . .
[5] Fear of Being “Disfellowshiped”
It is not uncommon in cults that people are urged to remain faithful to avoid being “disfellowshiped,” or disbarred, from the group. Again, the Jehovah’s Witnesses are a prime example, for a person can be disfellowshiped merely for questioning a Watchtower doctrine. . . .
[6] Threats of Satanic Attack
Finally, some cults use fear and intimidation to keep members in line. Members may be told that something awful will happen to them should they choose to leave the group. Others may be told that Satan will attack them and may even kill them, for they will have committed the unpardonable sin. Such fear tactics are designed to induce submission. Even when people do muster enough courage to leave the group, they may endure psychological consequences and emotional baggage for years to come.
Have the cult be created a good time ago, preferably before regular written history and certainly before it can be verified with any actual accuracy. Add sufficient adherents and try to keep the clearly loopy stuff under the rug. Don't base it on an animal god or a mountain god, go for a divine being who is completely intangible. The give it the patina of age (500 yrs at least, preferably a 1000) for it to become respected religion. Ta daaa!
how do you differentiate between a cult and a religion? between cult thinking and spiritual guidance? between a cult leader and a helpful presence? how does a person stay safe and discern between these?
This came up on another thread, and bears exploring.
thank you everyone for your insights and contributions
for me its freedom. In religion you can come and go as you please. Cult is more extreme. But when they lock you in and claim they are a "profit", run. Jesus was against literal religion. If they teach literal religion it is not of Christ. really simple.
how do you differentiate between a cult and a religion? between cult thinking and spiritual guidance? between a cult leader and a helpful presence? how does a person stay safe and discern between these?
This came up on another thread, and bears exploring.
thank you everyone for your insights and contributions
A cult is the one that you can see is spewing out foolish misrepresentations and nonsense. A religion is the one spewing out foolish misrepresentations and nonsense that you happen to subscribe to.
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