Is it just me, or is youth group a cult?

Question

I went once. It was boys vs girls night. The first contest was a questionaire. They'd ask the guys five questions girls would most likely know, and they'd ask the girls five questions only guys would know. Then there was the part of who "cared" the most, and each group went through with the collection basket. Then there was the contest of which side brought the most new people to Youth group that night.

It was a bad experience. I was dragged there and used as part of winning a prize. I know that a lot of you will give me answers agreeing that it is not normally like that, but is it ever like that?

Answer 1

haha well my youth group doesn't do stuff like that, but basically ya it's a cult, but the good kind! Youth groups are amazingly fun things where you can go and chill out with other cool people and talk about anything and everything. I know people who are in their late 20's and 30's who are still friends with people they met in youth group when they were like 14. The only problem is that sometimes when new people come in to youth groups, it's a bit of a culture shock cause we're all just really crazy, haha

Answer 2

Sometimes things like that happen, and it's unfortunate that they do. That still doesn't make it a cult though. In order to have any type of organized group (or organized religion for that matter) like this, there must be funding and the group must grow and gain new members. Some chose to do it in upfront ways like that and others do not. My guess is that specific group is desperate right now and thought a little competition would help out. I will tell you though that in reality, you're more than part of winning a prize, maybe not to the person who brought you, but you're important to the group as a whole. You probably don't want to go back to that group again, but don't look that way upon all groups cause they're all not alike. Also, if you're a "nice person", have a little meeting with the leader of that group and tell them what you think; sometimes it's very helpful to see things from an outsiders point of view.

Answer 3

Well youth groups arent fun for everyone. Some Im sure have been harmful, as they are run by humans and humans can be sick puppies! They can be good for you but they wont do you any good if you really arent interested. I personally don't like sports but occasionally I get dragged to a Phillies game with a friend of mine (and the Phillies suck too, if I liked baseball I wouldnt be a Phillies fan) I could sit there and moan and groan but because I care about my friend I don't. I enjoy the hotdogs and take my ipod... it's not so bad if you dont concentrate on what you dislike about it.

You right now probably arent interested in religion or you have your own beliefs so Christian Youth Group is probably like getting a root canal right? But if you go again, Im sure there is something likable about it, maybe just being with your friend and bringing a smile on their face. But if it's TRUELY bad, then I dont suggest going at all.

Answer 4

I have seen similar things. I don't agree with what amounts to bribing kids for prizes. As far as who cared the most by who donates the most? I can't picture Jesus ever doing that! It just seems like a really bad message to send.

While I understand that they want to get more kids to come, that should be able to be accomplished by offering fun things to do and advertising rather than make kids feel like you did. Sorry about your bad experience, but it isn't always like that.

You should let the youth group leaders know how you feel. If you don't feel comfortable actually telling them, write an anonymous note. Maybe it would help them not to make more kids feel used like you did.

Answer 5

I think you're reading a little bit into it! No different than salespeople enticing you to bring up their commission, only their selling peace found through Christ, not a bad investment in my book! Try and go there open minded instead of trying to fins something, anything, that you can to nit pick about. Who knows you may just like it, and at the very least make some friends.

Answer 6

the only distinction between a cult and a church is that one is deemed valid by using church authority and the different is seen unconventional. bear in mind that Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism all had cult status at one factor for his or her novel innovations that ran opposite to the frequently happening theory of the "dazzling" perception equipment. those grew to alter into massive shot religious movements by using the years. If ever uncertain, only bear in mind that each physique religions progression as follows: a million) Cult, 2) faith, 3) Mythology. It only takes longer for some to die out.

Answer 7

From my standpoint, youth group is NOT a cult. My youth group are a great bunch of people who love to hang out together. Last weekend we had a lock-in, at which we played competitive games, but nothing cult-ish. I LOVE MY YOUTH GROUP!!!!!!!

Answer 8

I've had that exact same experience.

Youth Group was certainly a brainwashing institution in Hitler's Germany.