Posted by:
GNPE
(
)
Date: September 21, 2011 03:30PM
I'll examine one by one his 'tests' (and, add some of my own):
Keep in mind: Social Scientists use their tools for the Prediction & explanation of behavior... A 'dictionary definition' isn't valid, because it's static. A more meaningful one would be 'on the ground', an 'as applied' indication.
These things have everyday meaning, they're NOT confined to a self-selected 'definition'!
•Relatively small group
Well, in terms of World Population, they are.
•Excessive devotion to a person or idea
Excessive is difficult to define, but look at the way that Prophets receive adoration, from the rank-and-file, and from others: 'Donated' services & goods: (limos, jet planes, etc)
Wasn't there a GLOWING story of people chasing Hinkley's car as he left a meeting in a church publication?
FOLLOW THE PROPHET is Fast becoming the #1 value in Mormonism...
There's little denying that theres now a Mormon Royalty...
•Unethical techniques
Oh, like lying? Presenting only one side of a discussion?
Indoctrination of infants/children?
•Control by threats and isolation
In Mormonism, these are OBVIOUS:Threats: loss of family? Eternal Damnation? Oh. Isolation? It's called SHUNNING.
•Powerful group pressures
Peer pressure is VERY POWERFUL! Mormons use it Every Day!
•Fear of consequences of leaving
well documented.
•Abnormal dependency on the group
Again, a somewhat ambiguous term ('Abnormal'). Mormons Certainly are both Clanish & Dependant (it's a MoValue!) aren't they?
FOLLOW THE PROPHET!
•Strange beliefs
could that include: Baptizing dead people? Secret Handshakes, oaths & vows? aren't Miracles strange in general?
some of my own:
MOST IMPORTANT: (please note my mix of Objectives & Methods; they're inter-connected.)
*'they' have responsibility for defining/determining What's useful, what's not; the group (or its leaders) get to decide what the very definition of 'truth' is! Right under this is a somewhat skewed sense of proportions; the Groups priorities are ALWAYS more important that personal goals, rewards, feelings-emotions are subject to their values also;
*Boundaries? the Group gets to determine if not Control those instead of individuals...
*'Blind Obedience' may be denied at the surface level (and said to be offensive)... but it's there, even if slightly disguised or denied.
*Leaders' sayings are held to be infallible; sometimes this also is sub-rosa; Not included in the orientation of prospective members, etc.
1. Seek domination - control of others' lives, far out of proportion to their own population size:
-Prop 8, 'Defense of Marriage', etc. Almost COMPLETE influence over legislatures in ID, UT (AZ, NV,?any exceptions?)' anti-ERA
2. Diminish if not Destroy people's own sense of values & ability to make sound, reasonable decisions; this is a form of dependance. This is accentuated by the 'moving target' of philosophy, Doctrine, or ideology.
3. Manipulate public opinion with Rosy images (press & photos) of 'the cream of the crop'; don't mention less appealing aspects
4. Begin indoctrination AT A VERY EARLY AGE; Before the people (children) are able to understand, before they can apply reason/logic or arrive at independent ideas-decisions.
5. Members' outcome Depends on them financially supporting the group; any benefits of that are minimal or deferred-delayed. Most always, no accountability of those who collect/manage resources to the donors.
6. Closed Meetings; no agendas published. Decision-making is often murky if not undisclosed/informal.
7. Decision makers isolate themselves from the rank-and-file; communication is only one-way; Questions / <gasp> Doubts are Greatly Disrespected!
8. Cults OFTEN strike out when their enemies violate laws/rules/regulations, etc... BUT: when valued members... Insiders... violate the same things... they're often told that since what they did was 'for a Good Cause'... it's endorsed, condoned, excused, rationalized... if not Ignored (until-unless it becomes publicized) !
Mountain Meadows Massacre: Front & Center!
9. People who have searching questions are discarded; made to feel inadequate, Shamed. The substance of questions/objections is seldom addressed; they're quickly Spun into questions of 'Loyalty' to the leaders & program.
10. Channels of communication are Suspect if not Controlled; adherants are counseled to Restrict their information input;
11. Even the most minor of infractions are labled as threatening/undermining the organisation;
12. Greatly Diminished distinction between the cultural & doctrinal requirements.
Edited 14 time(s). Last edit at 09/21/2011 10:26PM by guynoirprivateeye.