What's the difference between how a cult brainwashes adherents, and how major religions give "Instruction"?

Answer 1

there isn't

Answer 2

The line is very thin which is why you seeks answers in the first place. It's quite a challenge for a layman to make the distinction really. However, the answer may lie in 1) how they present the "teachings" -- which means, the Bible verses should be interpreted in the proper context. The brainwashers, as you call them, will take out and splice verses to use only those that serve their purposes; and this brings us to the second point, 2) towards which are the "teachings" expounded directed? At the end of the day, much is left to the individual's judgment. My simple rule is, no matter what bases the admonitions may be, "when in doubt, don't!"

Answer 3

No religion should ever limit your reading to THEIR books and ideas.

Christ is the head of the church (His Body) and God's Word is our source, not a cult leader's twisted version of the Holy scriptures.

Every religion may have started as a "Cult" and become acceptable latter on.

Christianity for sure might have been considered a dangerous Cult by the Roman Empire, but Jesus is THE WAY to heaven!

I could say much more. do you want more?

There is a lot of literature on religious cults' "brainwashing", divided into those who tend to see brainwashing as a devious and almost paranormal phenomenon and those (including most psychologists) who treat brainwashing as consistent with other techniques of attitude change which can be used for good or bad purposes.

In the name of the democratic freedom to worship, cults should never be banned. They should, however, be monitored.

Once again, the activities of religious cults are in the spotlight. While the Ugandan authorities continue to unearth the bodies of members of a religious sect, the followers of another cult in Peru are rescued from death by the police.

There is lot of literature on cults (general or specific cults), but it is sharply divided along ideological grounds with those who are opposed to cults (often, but not always, on religious grounds) obviously finding fault with the ideologies of cults, as well as their practices and recruiting devices.

Answer 4

There is really no difference between the two. Religions have become established over time, and so have integrated into mainstream society, such that what they 'do' is accepted. They do perform 'brainwashing' upon their believers/followers via the constant repetition of dogma and rhetoric ("Only if you believe in Jesus Christ will you be saved!" - feeding us myths which have only a grain of truth in them, if any...? Using circular logic for their proof - that the "Holy Bible" is the Word of God. If it is in the Bible it must be true. After all it is holy and the Word of God... etc.
Jehovah's Witness is regarded as a cult --- because they maintain a strict and carefully orchestrated recruitment program, and their members are always actively involved with recruitment - it is part of the chores they do, which they happily comply with.

Most major religions have their insiduous nature attached to them, in which the insitution has become a monster, that will not die out (is self maintaining) - it will never apologise for any mistakes made, as it seeks to grow in greater and greater numbers - that is their primary goal, merely to survive - and spirituality is only a pretence which they maintain.

Answer 5

The first few answers seem to know nothing about how cults operate. I have studied a little so I will give a few points. There are techniques used by soe of the dangerous cults which include taking nutrients out of food without the devotees knoledge so they are not getting sufficient nutrition. Add to that keeping them up late night after night. Add emotionally charged meetings with loud hypnotic chanting such as Hare Krishna's. Then add other techniques such as love bombing( Giving large amounts of attention to new devotees) and withdrawal of love from those who question them so as to make them feel alone. I wasn't referring to fireball or other but the ones who saying there is no difference.

Answer 6

Validity.
Pantheists accept every religion and cosmology that goes with it and is most unscientific.
Islam was made up 600 years after Christianity by Muhammed who cut and pasted Judeo-Christian beliefs into Islam.
Judeo Christianity is the most validated historically, and by archeology, cosmologically, biologically, psychologically.etc.

Answer 7

Most cults don't give you wine and a wafer.

Answer 8

Major religions have more political clout.

Answer 9

total mind control is different..good question dear...Methodism doesnt control my personal decisions...some groups say what to wear, what to eat, what to watch tec its nuts