Faqs about Cults

Discussion in 'Cults' started by Meagain, Mar 28, 2005.

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  1. MeAgain

    MeAgain Dazed & Confused Lifetime Supporter Super Moderator

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    What is a cult?
    The term cult has a variety of meanings. It may mean formal religious worship, a system of religious beliefs and rituals and or its body of adherents, an unorthodox religion and or its body of adherents, a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator, great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book) or an usually small group of people characterized by such devotion.

    What does the word cult mean?
    The word cult comes from the French culte, which is derived from the Latin cultus, which means "care" and "adoration."

    What kind of cults are there?
    Cults can be divided into three main types, positive, negative, or neutral. A positive cult could be any small but devoted following, such as a cult band, film, song, wine, etc. A negative cult could refer to a movement that claims to be a religion, but which in reality is harmful to its followers and/or to others. Or it could be group that has separated itself from the mainstream religion it claims to represent. A neutral meaning of the word cult would be its use by sociologists to describe a new religion or movement without implying good or bad values to it.

    What type of cults can be identified?
    Aberrant Religious: groups that claim to be religion-based but which deviate in practice or belief from major religious teachings.
    Psycho spiritual or Self-Improvement: groups offering seminars or workshops providing self- improvement or personal transformation.
    Eclectic/Syncretistic: a combination of several religious traditions.
    Psychic/Occult/Astral:these groups offer ''secret wisdom'' and ''lost truths”.
    Established Cults: cultic religious movements, which have achieved mainstream status.
    Extremist/Political/Social Movements: groups cultic in the psychological or social sense.

    What are some characteristics of destructive cults?
    A destructive cult may claim to be part of a certain group, but their teachings misrepresent that groups beliefs. It may be authoritarian. Members who disobey to the slightest degree may be punished severely or excommunicated. Free thought and dissent may be restricted and a person may have to rely on the group's leader for all of their instruction. Group members may be subject to psychological, physical, or spiritual harm. Members may be intimated or deceived within the group or in relations with outsiders
    Secrecy may be a major part of the group.



    These questions are offered as a simple introduction to Cults.
    They are presented as an opportunity for further exploration and understanding. No claim is made as to their accuracy or validity.


     
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