When Organized Religion Becomes a Cult

[cbayer]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eliyahu-federman/when-organized-religion-become_b_3996139.html
Eliyahu Federman

Posted: 09/27/2013 8:00 AM
Updated: 09/27/2013

The distinction between cult and religion lies squarely in how those leaving or those wanting to leave are treated


Diane Benscoter tells her harrowing story of leaving the "Moonie" cult. In highlighting the dangers of cults, Benscoter uses clear examples like David Koresh, Johnstown, suicide bombers, the Westboro Baptist Church, but often the line between conventional religion and cult is not so clearly defined.

Cults claim exclusivity, are highly secretive, and authoritarian. To many of my atheist friends, religion fits the bill. What distinguishes religion from cults is the ability to question without being shunned and ability to reject dogmatic tenets without being shunned.

Many religions make exclusive claims to truth. There is nothing wrong with that. Many systems of philosophy do the same. Kantianism's categorical truths are, for example, incompatible with utilitarianisms balancing of harm and good.

more at link

[msongs]

1. religion and cults are usually the same thing. charismatic leader + emphasis on money = cult nt

[cbayer]

2. So you would agree, then, that if a religious group does not have a

charismatic leader or an emphasis on money, they are not a cult?

What do you think of the distinction made in the article?

[pinto]

3. Interesting piece. I think using public shunning as the line between cult / religion is a good one.

Among other factors. Another snip from the piece -

"Any religious community can become a cult. It's not about how faith is expressed in a community but more importantly how people are treated if they want to leave and disbelieve."

[cbayer]

4. I like the distinctions the author makes as well.

Although there are often lots of grey areas, sometimes the line is bright if you use these criteria.

[el_bryanto]

5. Well when it's my faith it's a religion that deserves respect and consideration

When it's someone else's faith its a cult and frankly a little creepy and weird.

Bryant

[cbayer]

6. That's unfortunate.

[el_bryanto]

7. That's not what I really think, but that's usually where these arguments end up

Or that's where a lot of people are.

Because the truth is that it takes time to understand another belief system; and the process is inevitably a little uncomfortable. Rewarding I believe, but really taking the time to understand another belief system or ethical system forces you to look at your own a bit more closely. Confronts you with the possibility that you might not be right.

It's easier to just dismiss other religions/philosophies as simply cults. But less satisfying. And wrong.

Bryant

[cbayer]

9. It is unfortunate that some are in that place.

What do you think of the distinctions this writer makes?

What I like about this article is that is provides a way to make distinctions to some degree.

Clearly there is a spectrum.

[LostOne4Ever]

8. +100 (nt)

[dimbear]

10. Organized religions don't become cults. Cults become organized religions or die out.

It's just a semantic question. If you define a cult as a religion too small to have political power, you see the drift of the discussion.

Originally cult and religion were synonyms. 'Cult' just lost the linguistic contest.

[cbayer]

11. I'm not sure that's always the case.

There are many instances of organized religions developing splinter groups that become cults.

While I agree that they have a higher likelihood or burning out (or drinking poisoned koolaid in an all out blowout), I don't think they generally develop into organized religions.

[dimbear]

12. Only a few become organized religions. JWs, Mormons, so on. Most die out.

It's just a question of point of view whether a splinter isn't a new thing small enough to be a cult. Southern Baptists started as a splinter but they were plenty big enough to still be a religion. OTOH, lots of cults splinter into smaller cults.

Strange. A religious question which somehow quickly becomes complicated. Seems to happen now and then.

[cbayer]

13. It does become complicated, doesn't it.

What do you think of the author's take on making a distinction based on what kind of consequences there are for questioning or trying to leave?

I thought the information she shared on the Amish kids that go back was really interesting. I had not heard that before.

Using her criteria, that would make the Amish more of a cult than a religion.

[dimbear]

14. Probably either way, since the Amish choose not to take part in politics, usually.

The author shares my opinion that the Amish aren't the cute antique survival so many Americans imagine them to be.

Good catch, cbayer.