We bandy this word about frequently without defining it
therefore here is the definition I have come up with from more than 15 years research on the subject!
What is a Theological Cult?

A cult is an egalitarian exclusionary organization which seeks to control its members in all aspects of their lives. The word is a derivative of the word culture which indicates a specific group. If you take the letters ure off the word culture what you have left is cult.
An additional definition is any group which has a pyramid type authoritarian leadership structure with all teaching and guidance coming from the person or persons at the top. The group will claim to be the only way to God; Nirvana; Paradise; Ultimate Reality; Full Potential, Way to Happiness etc, and will use thought reform or mind control techniques to gain control and keep their members.

This definition covers cults within all major world religions, along with those cults which have no OBVIOUS religious base such as commercial, educational and psychological cults. Others may define these a little differently, but this is the simplest to work from for me.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/24/2020 04:18PM by thedesertrat1.

Isn't that the case with any strict institution. For example IBM?

I am not sure about IBM my research and conclusions are based on my research which did not include that path

thedesertrat1 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Others may
> define these a little differently, but this is the
> simplest to work from for me.

It can't be cut with Ockham's Razor because it oversimplifies individual human experiences and can lead to feelings of religious persecution in less dangerous cults and increase feelings of exclusivity in victims of dangerous cults.

You paint with a very broad brush for your own comforts in judging things.

Elder Berry Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> thedesertrat1 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Others may
> > define these a little differently, but this is
> the
> > simplest to work from for me.
>
> It can't be cut with Ockham's Razor because it
> oversimplifies individual human experiences and
> can lead to feelings of religious persecution in
> less dangerous cults and increase feelings of
> exclusivity in victims of dangerous cults.
>
> You paint with a very broad brush for your own
> comforts in judging things.
So are you disagreeing with me?

Yes.

Is it mt definition of a cult that you disagree with or something else?

The thread, but specifically your definition. Just because you think about things, and have experiences in life doesn't mean your judgements are much more than oversimplification of a complex phenomenon.

Like what are we supposed to comment. You've done all the thinking.

"Cult" at core is immutable belief.

That everything on this planet changes presents a threat; so cult features/characteristics are actually a supreme effort to maintain immutability of belief while confronted with a living changing world, therefore:

- A strong rank hierarchy, the core of which is the source of belief (think Jim Jones, Koresh);

- Strongly delineated boundaries separating the cult "us" from "them" (either physical boundary or dress, food, word of wisdom, etc);

- Sameness/uniformity and abolishment of individualism within the boundary (so it superficially appears egalitarian) which further reinforces the us/them boundary;

- Ideologically incestuous i.e. rejection of alternate methods of exploring reality (science) or external sources of information - isolation from the greater world;

- Prompt banishments / shunning of those contaminated by external ideas or free thought (lest the remaining adherents be also contaminated)

Most recently prevalent during the Dark Ages, the Enlightenment was a way out.

What is curious:

What psychological/personality characteristics make a person susceptible to a cult?
Not everyone is.