What REALLY defines a cult?

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   Say Yes To Lifeposted 10 years ago

   What REALLY defines a cult?
   
   I'm suffering PTSD because nearly 20 years ago I joined a cult without knowing it, and my life was put in danger as a result. Their belief system was not strange, but they did not practice what they preached, yet threatened me with eternal hell if I chose to leave. They also taught modes of living that did not help me in this life, so how was it supposed to help me in the next? It wasn't until they encouraged my 16 year old niece to drop out of high school that I realized it was a cult. Isn't religion supposed to help people live the best life possible here? Are those that don't, cults?

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2. 60

   MickSposted 10 years ago

   A moral code, whether sound or not, a bunch of leaders that crave power, and a congregation that craves a leadership and who will preach the 'moral' code and control their lives.

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      Say Yes To Lifeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      "A congregation that craves a leadership" - these are definitely prototypes of those that join cults!  That's why cults proliferate during hard economic times and social upheaval.  Both were happening to me at the time.

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   Rayne123posted 10 years ago

   I had a friend that was involved in a cult and didnt know it. I have a little trouble believing that one would not know, only because its quite simple to me,never get involved in any kind of group you are unsure about. God does not work that way at all. 
   
   I dont trust anyone and trust me, I would be the last person they would want in their cult. I was just watching a video on utube about this man that claims to be send from God I think his name is "vision" or something like that. All his followers lived in this what seems to be heavenly land, with freedom and they all believed him. To me the heavenly land was a cover up for illegal goings on of course.
   
   An interviewer went there for a couple of days and spoke with the so called "master/teacher". Either he has mental problems or he really believes to be Jesus. he even dresses like him. Although looks no where close to the "real face of Jesus"
   Or it could be a greed/power tripping situation.
   
   I dont believe in religion, I believe in God only. Sometimes certain religions are false prophets, certain pastors are false prophets. I dont trust priests/pastors. Look what has been going on with them, to mention one thing....sexual molestation.
   
   I ask God everything before I trust and wait for his answer.
   
   So with that said, do not join any religious group, anything you are not sure of. If you have to ask and have doubts then its wrong, (this is the way I look at it).Always remember God does not live in groups or give his word to pastors/priest only.
   
   One never has doubts about God.
   
   Now that you have been through what you have, you should have no problem picking out a cult. Go watch this video I talk about, its quite interesting. I could see how people are fooled, its like heaven on earth when in reality its hell on earth.
   
   However I would never follow that, as God/Jesus does not work that way and when he comes we all will see him in the clouds.
   
   I would be interested to hear your whole story
   God bless you
   Laurie.

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   1. 80

      Say Yes To Lifeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Please post the link to the video.  Also be aware that people don't deliberately CHOOSE to join cults.They do because it meets their needs. We all know to avoid the outrageous, like child molestation, so cults don't show that until it's too late.

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      Rayne123posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      sorry I meant to post the link, here it is, it looks heaven on earth, dont be fooled any1. If u say it meets their needs are they not "choosing" to go their, in a way they are
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2Cv5hZfOmk

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   3. 80

      Say Yes To Lifeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That looks beautiful and fascinating! It's easy to see how seductive joining such a group can be.
      
      I posted my story on my HubPage.  It's titled, "My Experience in a Cult".

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   Lady Guinevereposted 10 years ago

   I did write an article about this a while ago.  Took it off of HP and put it on Wizzley:  http://wizzley.com/cults-of-the-religio … be-fooled/

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   1. 80

      Say Yes To Lifeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the article; it was very interesting! The cult I was in fit 6 of those 10 descriptions. Another disturbing thought; it was in the "good old days", when people were more religious, when the US committed atrocities against the Natives...

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      Lady Guinevereposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      There is a pattern with them when u dont agree with them, 1 they tell U they R afraid 4 UR Soul. 2 that U R 2 far gone and will pray 4 UR soul.  3. They will start calling you names. 4. Twist UR words.  Some will stalk U,

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      Rayne123posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      wow great article, very informative. I understand all this, its almost like they become robots, and brainwashed and satan worshipers without knowing so.

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      Lady Guinevereposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You are exactly right Rayne.

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   Freeway Flyerposted 10 years ago

   The key to the success of modern cults is their ability to keep members socially isolated. If a religious group tries to cut you off from friends and family members, it's time to run.
   
   But when you think about it, all religions when they began were basically viewed as cults. If a religion stands the test of time, however, then they tend to become mainstream, and beliefs that initially sounded strange are viewed as "normal." It's not strange, after all, to believe that Jesus rose from the dead. But if I stand up tomorrow and claim to be God's last prophet, then I will probably end up in a mental institution.

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   1. 80

      Say Yes To Lifeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It's true that social isolation is a common tactic cults use. They also get them to not trust their judgment. The ultimate definition though is threatening members with eternal hell and damnation if they ask too many questions or try to leave.

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