People considering some religions a cult.

[Sutekh]

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]

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?

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]

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.

 

[allfoak]

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.

Would that include the Catholic church?

 

[Acim]

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]

Would that include the Catholic church?

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.

 

[allfoak]

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.

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]

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..

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]

"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.

 

[jeager106]

Definition of cult: Painting with a broad brush hey?

• cult1
  /kəlt/
  
  
  noun
  1. a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object.

 

[George-ananda]

I wanted to hear other peoples opinions of this.

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.

 

[Sapiens]

In common parlance "cult" involves a level of mind control and manipulation, you can check in, but you can't check out.

 

[Katzpur]

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?

"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.

 

[Sapiens]

For me the first indicator of a cult is an organized practice of shunning.

 

[Mackerni]

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]

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

 

[Acim]

Ya know, like the people in the cult of the Climate Change religion. LOL.

For me the first indicator of a cult is an organized practice of shunning.

 

[Jumi]

• 1. a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object.

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]

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]

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

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.