Do you think destructive cults exist?

Question

Many people seem to be under the illusion that destructive cults don't exist, or that intelligent clever people aren't duped into joining them and it is always the adults informed choice - Cult Apologists...

What do you think? Can well-adjusted adults be mind-controlled without there knowledge?

You can read about cults here:
http://www.cultinformation.org.uk/faq.html#cult

Any Current Examples? Mine is the Church of Scientology - http://www.clambake.org

I read a question on the difference between cults & religion on this site, and about half said it was just the size of the following, and mentioned nothing of destructive cults.

whoezthere, well done for looking and a good answer.

The list provided is not an absolute nor do destructive cults have to exhibit all the signs; it says "CAN have the following disastrous effects"

Actually all those have taken place within scientology as can be found from the court transcripts, government investigations & ex-member accounts at the site I provided.

I meant on the second list when I said the list is not absolute...

Foxtel, thank you for you opinion,

I would very much like to clear this up though, if you are willing? I would like to present my information to you about why scientology is a cult. I shall use a world accepted model such as BITE (not singers 6 point model, as I know scientology doesn't like her), and we shall discuss the hard evidence surrounding scientology, i.e., no anecdotes, nothing you can't demonstrate time and time again, no slander.

The hard evidence means just court trials, official documents from Ron's past, government investigations and video evidence.

What do you say, and I'll send you an email address so we can debate this sensibly and in detail.

You have the chance to change my mind that scientology is a destructive cult, what about it?

And Foxtail, no offence, but as your just really beginning scientology i'm willing to bet I know more than you do...

Answer 1

Thank you for all the info you imparted. I am glad it was only a personality test and, after much coercion, the book "Dianetics". They were definitely a weird lot. And I say that from a one time sociopath's point of view. I am glad you broke free.
Peace and Love

Answer 2

Interesting link . . . I have copied a few of the principles of definition.

Every cult can be defined as a group having all of the following five characteristics:
1. It uses psychological coercion to recruit, indoctrinate and retain its members
2. It forms an elitist totalitarian society.
3. Its founder leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable and has charisma.
4. It believes 'the end justifies the means' in order to solicit funds recruit people.
5. Its wealth does not benefit its members or society.

Are Cults Harmful?
To remain within the strict mental and social confines of a cult for even a short time can have the following disastrous effects:

1 Loss of choice and free will.
2 Diminished intellectual ability, vocabulary and sense of humour.
3 Reduced use of irony, abstractions and metaphors.
4 Reduced capacity to form flexible and intimate relationships.
5 Poor judgement.
6 Physical deterioration.
7 Malnutrition.
8 Hallucinations, panic, dissociation, guilt, identity diffusion and paranoia.
9 Neurotic, psychotic or suicidal tendencies.

Although, I don't agree with the Church of Scientology's beliefs, I am unsure their members exhibit the characteristics listed above. I do agree that Jim Jones, Waco and Heaven's Gate were destructive cults.

It just always seems to me that a certain segment of people believe if you aren't a mainstream Protestant or Catholic that you are in a cult. Better yet, if your religion was established in the US before the 18th century, then you are in a cult. (Nevermind this entire rapture theory never was accepted prior to the 1800's.) Tons of money is made on feeding the "cult conspiracies" with books, websites and ministries. Afterall, didn't Hitler prove you can garner a lot of power by identifying a common enemy?

Answer 3

Well if you think Scientology is destructive....you are seriously misled and sad. Jim Jone's church was destructive, Hitler's regime was destructive, Xenu.net is destructive and the previous Cult Awareness Network was destructive.

Scientology is one of the most helpful organizations in the word:
* Volunteer ministers follow the call of need anywhere in the world
* Narconon - Helped many thousands to kick drug habits and has the highest success rate.
* CCHR has revealed attrocoties like Chelmsford Hospital here in Australia
* Church of Scientology - Helps millions of people on an individual basis each and every day though L R H's tech.

So please stop saying that we are destructive without really knowing what you are talking about!

Answer 4

I do not believe in judging religion groups coz everyone has a right to worship what seem deem to them, but they are some cults that are just so destructive. The leader predicts the end of the world, and then when that day come, all religious members decide to commit suicide in order to this to come true. There are so many of them, it is just that we tend to ignore them. In Kenya the church of yahweh has predicted that the world will end on 12 September 2006 through missile act. They have decided to sell their property (you wonder if they will need the money in the after life). We are waiting to see what happens.

Answer 5

Yes, and keep a rational mind if you do not want to fall into their trap. Always remember that irrational beliefs cannot and should not be allowed to replace rational thinking. Even if there is no explanation to a phenomenon, it may be because that there is not yet an explanation; after all if you were to talk on a mobiole phone in the 19th century (presuming you can set it up then without anyone knowing), you will be treated as a supernatural being.

Answer 6

Of course there are destructive cults, and religious groups that only care about getting your money. Look at Scientology, or the Lutherans

Answer 7

yes, destructive cults exist, always have, always will. It is pretty much the other side of the coin to accepted religion. So its a yin & yang then in the end

Answer 8

Scientology is barely slightly much less risky than leaping into an lively volcano. learn their teachings in case you like, yet stay faraway from their church. Noone might desire to might desire to spend 4 situations what they make in a life-time to alter into enlightened.

Answer 9

Cults do exist and it seems the more the intellegence, the more "bored" they are, and are willing to submit themselves to strange diversions...

Of course, that also applies to the disenchanted, and rebellish people who hate the "norm", like athiests :)


I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 10

oh yes, I used to belong to one, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints(the Mormons). Thank goodness that's over now.