I think a lot of groups are unfairly labeled as cults. The only reason Heaven's Gate was considered a cult by many people was because all the current members killed themselves.
There are so many groups that are considered cults just because they have a different religious view that doesn't agree with much of society. Even the AP stopped using the word "cult" because of the negative connotations that come with it.
"Cult roughly refers to a cohesive social group devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture considers outside the mainstream, with a notably positive or negative popular perception."
There is an earlier definition of the word 'cult' in relation to religious groups. But I think the definition above is more accurate for its modern usage.
I don't think it's unfairly used. Groups such as Heavens Gate were cults, I can't think of any other way of describing them.
"Cult roughly refers to a cohesive social group devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture considers outside the mainstream, with a notably positive or negative popular perception."
There is an earlier definition of the word 'cult' in relation to religious groups. But I think the definition above is more accurate for its modern usage.
I don't think it's unfairly used. Groups such as Heavens Gate were cults, I can't think of any other way of describing them.
By that definition, the whole NASCAR thing could be considered a cult, or the Penn State fan club, right?
Bizarre behavior, unwillingness to concede that there's anything outside their sphere of interest......8>)
Here's some warning signs you might have joined a cult. Adapted from information available at //www.cultawarenessnetwork.org/. These are some common tactics used by cults to get/keep "converts". Does the DPC qualify? Do I need help?
Hypnosis Inducing a state of high suggestibility by hypnosis, often thinly disguised as relaxation or meditation.
Peer Group Pressure Suppressing doubt and resistance to new ideas by exploiting the need to belong.
Love Bombing Creating a sense of family and belonging through flattery.
Rejection of Old Values Accelerating acceptance of new life style by constantly denouncing former values and beliefs.
Confusing Doctrine Encouraging blind acceptance and rejection of logic through complex lectures on an incomprehensible doctrine.
Metacommunication Implanting subliminal messages by stressing certain key words or phrases in long, confusing lectures.
Disinhibition Encouraging child-like obedience by orchestrating child-like behaviour.
Uncompromising Rules Inducing regression and disorientation by soliciting agreement to seemingly simple rules which regulate behaviour.
Chanting and Singing Eliminanting non-cult ideas through group repetition of mind-narrowing chants or phrases.
Confession Encouraging the destruction of individual ego through confession of personal weaknesses and innermost feelings of doubt.
Financial Commitment Achieving increased dependence on the group by 'burning bridges' to the past, through the donation of assets.
Finger Pointing Creating a false sense of righteousness by pointing to the shortcomings of the outside world and other cults.
Flaunting Hierarch Promoting acceptance of cult authority by promising advancement, power or salvation.
No Questions Accomplishing automatic acceptance of beliefs by discouraging questions.
Guilt Reinforcing the need for 'salvation' by exaggerating the sins of the former lifestyles.
Fear Maintaining loyalty and obedience to the group by threatening soul, life or limb for the slightest 'negative' thought, word or deed.
there are some incredible videos on youtube about scientology. I didnt know they had their own NAVY the seaorg. If you speak out against them they persecute you in a very public way... so I think they are all REALLY nice chaps! ;)
Its disputed, but L Ron Hubbard (founder of scientology) once said "I'm going to invent a religion that's going to make me a fortune..." Is that why DPC has a membership fee?
Hypnosis Peer Group Pressure Love Bombing Rejection of Old Values Confusing Doctrine Metacommunication Disinhibition Uncompromising Rules Chanting and Singing Confession Financial Commitment Finger Pointing Flaunting Hierarch No Questions Guilt Fear
Sort of like parenthood. It's all those along with sleep deprivation.
there are some incredible videos on youtube about scientology. I didnt know they had their own NAVY the seaorg. If you speak out against them they persecute you in a very public way... so I think they are all REALLY nice chaps! ;)
Its disputed, but L Ron Hubbard (founder of scientology) once said "I'm going to invent a religion that's going to make me a fortune..." Is that why DPC has a membership fee?
A little more Scientology info. Pretty interesting.
Hypnosis DPC-Check!
Peer Group Pressure DPC-Check!
Love Bombing DPC-Check!
Rejection of Old Values DPC-Check!
Confusing Doctrine DPC-Check!
Meta-communication DPC-Check!
Dis-inhibition DPC-Check! (See Cheese)
Uncompromising Rules DPC-Check!
Chanting and Singing DPC-Check! (See Song threads)
Confession DPC-Check! (See Rikki)
Financial Commitment DPC-Check!
Finger Pointing DPC-Check!
Flaunting Hierarchy DPC-Check!
No Questions DPC-Check!
Guilt DPC-Check!
Fear DPC-Check!
Yeeees... here it is.. all you want is to "click" here... what's your latest score? how many people looked at your photo? every answer only "click" awaaaaaay... You are feeling sleepy, and listening to me is goooood. Now, go vote 10 for my photo called "*****"... wait, you don't hear what I am saying? loooook at the "update" butooooon...
Here's some warning signs you might have joined a cult. Adapted from information available at //www.cultawarenessnetwork.org/. These are some common tactics used by cults to get/keep "converts". Does the DPC qualify? Do I need help?
Hypnosis Inducing a state of high suggestibility by hypnosis, often thinly disguised as relaxation or meditation.
Peer Group Pressure Suppressing doubt and resistance to new ideas by exploiting the need to belong.
Love Bombing Creating a sense of family and belonging through flattery.
Rejection of Old Values Accelerating acceptance of new life style by constantly denouncing former values and beliefs.
Confusing Doctrine Encouraging blind acceptance and rejection of logic through complex lectures on an incomprehensible doctrine.
Metacommunication Implanting subliminal messages by stressing certain key words or phrases in long, confusing lectures.
Disinhibition Encouraging child-like obedience by orchestrating child-like behaviour.
Uncompromising Rules Inducing regression and disorientation by soliciting agreement to seemingly simple rules which regulate behaviour.
Chanting and Singing Eliminanting non-cult ideas through group repetition of mind-narrowing chants or phrases.
Confession Encouraging the destruction of individual ego through confession of personal weaknesses and innermost feelings of doubt.
Financial Commitment Achieving increased dependence on the group by 'burning bridges' to the past, through the donation of assets.
Finger Pointing Creating a false sense of righteousness by pointing to the shortcomings of the outside world and other cults.
Flaunting Hierarch Promoting acceptance of cult authority by promising advancement, power or salvation.
No Questions Accomplishing automatic acceptance of beliefs by discouraging questions.
Guilt Reinforcing the need for 'salvation' by exaggerating the sins of the former lifestyles.
Fear Maintaining loyalty and obedience to the group by threatening soul, life or limb for the slightest 'negative' thought, word or deed.
Sounds a lot like "marriage" :P Staying single here and loving it!
Christianity for sure. Ask any of them "Why does it take a belief?" Because it's not real.
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
Originally posted by david_c:
Here's some warning signs you might have joined a cult. Adapted from information available at //www.cultawarenessnetwork.org/. These are some common tactics used by cults to get/keep "converts". Does the DPC qualify? Do I need help?
Hypnosis Inducing a state of high suggestibility by hypnosis, often thinly disguised as relaxation or meditation.
Peer Group Pressure Suppressing doubt and resistance to new ideas by exploiting the need to belong.
Love Bombing Creating a sense of family and belonging through flattery.
Rejection of Old Values Accelerating acceptance of new life style by constantly denouncing former values and beliefs.
Confusing Doctrine Encouraging blind acceptance and rejection of logic through complex lectures on an incomprehensible doctrine.
Metacommunication Implanting subliminal messages by stressing certain key words or phrases in long, confusing lectures.
Disinhibition Encouraging child-like obedience by orchestrating child-like behaviour.
Uncompromising Rules Inducing regression and disorientation by soliciting agreement to seemingly simple rules which regulate behaviour.
Chanting and Singing Eliminanting non-cult ideas through group repetition of mind-narrowing chants or phrases.
Confession Encouraging the destruction of individual ego through confession of personal weaknesses and innermost feelings of doubt.
Financial Commitment Achieving increased dependence on the group by 'burning bridges' to the past, through the donation of assets.
Finger Pointing Creating a false sense of righteousness by pointing to the shortcomings of the outside world and other cults.
Flaunting Hierarch Promoting acceptance of cult authority by promising advancement, power or salvation.
No Questions Accomplishing automatic acceptance of beliefs by discouraging questions.
Guilt Reinforcing the need for 'salvation' by exaggerating the sins of the former lifestyles.
Fear Maintaining loyalty and obedience to the group by threatening soul, life or limb for the slightest 'negative' thought, word or deed.
Sounds a lot like "marriage" :P Staying single here and loving it!
I think a lot of groups are unfairly labeled as cults. The only reason Heaven's Gate was considered a cult by many people was because all the current members killed themselves.
There are so many groups that are considered cults just because they have a different religious view that doesn't agree with much of society. Even the AP stopped using the word "cult" because of the negative connotations that come with it.
here... what's your latest score? how many people looked at your photo? every answer only "click" awaaaaaay... You are feeling sleepy, and listening to me is goooood. Now, go vote 10 for my photo called "*****"... wait, you don't hear what I am saying? loooook at the "update" butooooon...
