Here’s something on the heavy side for a weekend question, and something I think about occasionally:
Q: Are people who proclaim a religion (e.g., Christians, Jews,
Muslims) cult members? Why/why not?
What is a cult, really? Webster defines it as:
- Is calling religion “a cult” just a mean, emotionally-charged claim and not really being fair (objective) about it?
- What does it take to call/refer to some organization as a cult? I.e., what are the necessary components for cultism (e.g., distinct leader(s), focal points, specific ideology, mission, etc.)?
- What are the dividing line distinctions between cult/not a cult (e.g., enough/not enough group think to qualify, real versus non-real/non-verifiable claims, etc.)?
- Is being in a cult “shameful?” If yes, why (e.g., stereotyping, insulting, etc.)? If not, why not (e.g., has mass appeal, has lofty goals, etc.)?
- If you are religious or have some religious leanings, do you consider yourself a cult member? Explain your position.
Take some time to think about it in earnest.
by PrimalSoup
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