FYI: We're all cult members!

[HistoryMamaX3]

What an interesting topic for discussion. The definition of a cult, according to the American Heritage Dictionary

1. 1. 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.
   2. The followers of such a religion or sect.
   3. Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
   4. The object of such devotion.
2. A system or community of religious worship and ritual.
3. The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual.
4. A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease.
5. 1. Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
   2. The object of such devotion.
6. An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest.

Wow- under this technical definition, we all belong to a cult of some form and fashion. However, the term is usually used in the negative connotation. This meaning is stated by one party to infer a zealous and even dangerous belief by another.

It has come to my attention that there is a group to be found who has made it their mission to "expose the demons" of the world. And by demons they mean the following groups:

Astrology
Atheism
Buddhism
Catholicism/Catholics
Christian Cults
Christian Science
Evolution
Freemasonry and the Masonic Lodge
General Cultism
Hinduism, Yoga, and Reincarnation
Humanism
Islam
Jehovah's Witness
The Korean Messiah: Sun Myung Moon and the Unification Church
The Occult and the Quija Board
Miscellaneous Cults
Mormonism
New Age Movement
Prosperity Theology: The New Idolatry
Satanism
Transcendental Mediation

Didn't find your particular cult named- don't worry, they will be adding to the list as they seem fit!

I'm putting myself out here- but the religious zealousness of some is getting to be extreme! This type of attitude boggles my mind and makes me fear for my children... I want them to grow up as Jesus' taught us- with love and respect for everyone of God's creatures, no matter who they are and what they do/believe.

I befriend people based upon their character, not their religion, sex, race- whatever! I hope to instill the same values upon my children... Sadly, not everyone will follow the same path.

You know, if you look at most of these "cults" they all have one important similarity... loving of people, honor of self and others and respect for the world that we live in. Even those "devil worshipping pagans" (used in much jest here) have a belief that discourages them from even THINKING bad thoughts against another person... Sadly, the same cannot be said for some women that claim to be the highest and most worthy of God's followers.

What a world we live in!

and for those ladies with such small minds, I will keep you in my prayers...

I'm not a sister, but I assume she's praying to the rosary- which is what I want here! lol

Tags: cults, demons, devil, god, groups, hogwash, sad

Add A Comment

[ivansmom07]

Sep. 9, 2008 at 3:12 PM

YES!  My cult made the list! YA-HOO!!

[tinamatt]

Sep. 9, 2008 at 3:14 PM

You have a good point.

Psychiatrist Robert J. Lifton has eight criteria a group should meet before it can be considered to be a group that practices thought reform and mind control (which is what I think most people think of when they refer to "cults").  The link to a Wikipedia article about the is below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_control

[daisy975]

Sep. 9, 2008 at 3:24 PM

I'm in two cults!  Wow,  I feel like I've accomplished something.

All kidding aside.  Great post!  Some very good points made. 

[RanaAurora]

Sep. 9, 2008 at 3:28 PM

Whoo hoo!  I think I'm a TRIPLE sinner!

I DO think Scientology is a cult...

[JoyeAustin]

Sep. 9, 2008 at 5:52 PM

And may I delicately point out that Jesus and his followers were the very definition of a cult.

[KristiS11384]

Sep. 9, 2008 at 5:57 PM

I don't get how Evolution is a cult, I thought it was a scientific theory! Same with Yoga, that's just a physical fitness techinique of discipline.

[ErikaRobin]

Sep. 9, 2008 at 6:02 PM

I made the cut!  Yee-haw!

[RanaAurora]

Sep. 9, 2008 at 8:24 PM

Same with Yoga, that's just a physical fitness techinique of discipline. KristiS11384

Chakras, Kristi.  Those evil chakras.

[onezenmom]

Sep. 10, 2008 at 9:13 PM

Meh. This is too ridiculous to even be offensive. It's just sad.