Cults

[Star]

The Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields thread brought up an interesting topic. Scientology, a cult.

Do you think any of you would be subject to a cult? If so, why? If not, Why?

I don't think I would be a subject to that at all. I'm not quick to start believing in anything to do with any religion so being brainwashed into a cult, I don't think that would fly with me.

I think that people who do become cult subjects are people with serious self issues. They're looking for acceptance from themselves and/or someone else. They feel their lives are empty so they look for a way to fill in the emptiness. I think these types of people become targets for cults.

What has me wondering though is why these famous people are joining the scientology cult. This is shocking for me because you would think, being a big movie star like Tom Cruise, John Travolta and many others that they have all the self confidence and self acceptance in the world. What can possibly drive them to become subjects to this cult? how can they not realize that their money is being stolen from them? This is all so puzzling for me.

What are your thoughts about all of this?

[Vautrin]

Replace "religion / cult" with "politics / political party." One seems to be a secular expression, the other seems a religious expression. And we all know that politics (whatever your opinion) has a hard time to accept the facts too.

As for the issues, they are not necessary in most cases. The rich and excentric are always expressing themselves in excentric ways. Scientology is no different from that.

[Luba]

I would never be subject to a cult, my belief is in God. When I moved out on my own at 19, and was going through a difficult time, the Jehovahs Witnesses came around to try and get me join them. They were all sympathetic to my problems, which, of course, at that age everything seems huge. I can't recall how I got them to stop coming, but after a few visits, they left me alone.
Now, if they come to the door, I either don't answer (I can always tell it's them, they come in twos with a briefcase) or just say "I don't have time" or "I'm not interested".
Now I'm not saying they are a cult, there are many Kingdom Halls around where I live, and my husband has been a friend to a couple of Contractors, very nice men, hard working.

[Star]

the jehovahs have come to my door too in every place that i've lived. they only come once. I tell them i'm not interested and not to waste their time knocking at my door again and they don't come back.

I don't think they're a cult. They're a religion. One that I would never consider being a part of but they're not a cult.

A cult brainwashes and hurt people. they exploit their members. either take their money or make them have baby after baby or some of the owrst cults will do actual sacrifices on animals and people or convince every member that they need to commit suicide.

I read a book years ago called Michelle Remembers. If you can find that book, it's a must read. The library must carry it. it's her true story of the life she was forced to live in a satanist cult. the things that girl went through is unbelievable. it's a miracle she made it out of there alive. I couldn't put the book down until i reached the end.

From what i was reading about scientology, that is deffinately a cult. While i was reading about it, i kept thinking OMG! how in the world can anyone even believe this crap? it all sounds so rediculous to me.

[Merika]

The problem with a cult...is that the peoplewho are in it don't think it is one. Much like Vautrin said....anyone can look at anyone else's personal belief and consider it a 'cult' as compared to what they believe.

As for me personally, any religion which doesn't designate Jesus as being Lord...would be a 'cult' to me. However, if someone is Hindu in belief....then I'm the one who is in the 'cult'. It's all relative.

Truth is....I really don't care what someone chooses to believe. I may totally disagree....but they can worship their pet goat for all I care. If they can find a gullible group of neighbors to also worship their goat....well...so be it. It's their choice.

At the same time...I want my own choice of religion accepted and not constantly stomped on as some evil thing in this world. I happen to love Jesus with all my heart. I don't care what people have done wrong using His name, I don't care about all the so called Christian crooks, I don't care what anyone says...I'm not moving or changing because TO ME....He's loving, kind, always there when I need Him and most of all....He's alive.

I guess, each person who makes a 'religious' choice....feels equally as adamant about what they believe. Whatever it is... it certainly can't hurt any more people than Christianity has....so there is nothing I can say about it. Maybe it works for them.

[Adonaicole]

I believe that lifesupporters is a cult and anyone who posts on it is a part of said cult. :roll:

[Merika]

Originally Posted by Adonaicole

I believe that lifesupporters is a cult and anyone who posts on it is a part of said cult. :roll:

Don't make me have to stick your fine self with my LS voodoo pin!

[Adonaicole]

Don't make me have to stick your fine self with my LS voodoo pin!

OUCH!....Stop that! 8O

[Duke]

Originally Posted by Adonaicole

I believe that lifesupporters is a cult and anyone who posts on it is a part of said cult. :roll:

I actually thought this was a rather out there statement until I actually looked up the meaning of "cult" in Websters Dictionary:

http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionar...cult&x=24&y=17

2 entries found for cult.
To select an entry, click on it.
cultcargo cult

Main Entry: cult
Pronunciation: 'k&lt
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: French & Latin; French culte, from Latin cultus care, adoration, from colere to cultivate -- more at WHEEL
1 : formal religious veneration : WORSHIP
2 : a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents
3 : a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents
4 : a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator <health cults>
5 a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad b : a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion
- cul·tic /'k&l-tik/ adjective
- cult·ish /-tish/ adjective
- cult·ish·ly /-lE/ adverb
- cult·ish·ness /-n&s/ noun
- cult·ism /'k&l-"ti-z&m/ noun
- cult·ist /'k&l-tist/ noun
- cult·like /-"lIk/ adjective

[Vautrin]

I doubt if we would qualify as a cult. We are both too messed up in different ways, and too different to be considered one group.

[Duke]

That's certainly not the most flattering description I've seen to date :?

[Vautrin]

Originally Posted by Duke

That's certainly not the most flattering description I've seen to date :?

No. But in my case, it is what is called "self-awareness."