I read somewhere that the cults always use guilt over some natural act or desire to keep people loyal to the cult.
what are your thoughts on this?
2007-11-09 05:42:26 · 21 answers · asked by bregweidd 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Religion is always about following some set of rules or another. It is natural to feel guilt if you aren't following the rules (unless you're a sociopath) so its natural for religious leader to use this to get people to follow the rules.
2007-11-09 05:47:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The use of guilt in religion . . .?
I read somewhere that the cults always use guilt over some natural act or desire to keep people loyal to the cult.
what are your thoughts on this?
Can't agree with you more. I watch too much Davinci Code and felt ridden with guilt too.
2007-11-09 13:55:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The largest thing I had to get over when I became an atheist was the astounding amount of guilt. I'd say that guilt plays an important part in all religions and cults.
2007-11-09 13:49:42 · answer #3 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think a cult qualifies as a religion, but it's true that they are both used to control people, and GUILT is the way they do it. They also use shame and fear.
2007-11-09 14:08:27 · answer #4 · answered by nolajazzyguide 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can see how some people would succumb to that tactic. Guilt can be a very powerful weapon, especially for people who cannot forgive themselves for their mistakes.
A friend of mine was raised Catholic and she said the church constantly used guilt as a method to motivate people. Does that make Catholicism a cult?
2007-11-09 13:52:42 · answer #5 · answered by HorseTrainer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not exactly. It's use of guilt/shame specifically as an active tool to control members. Yes, Virginia, this does mean that Christian groups can be cults. No, Virginia, it does not mean that all Christian groups ARE cults.
2007-11-09 13:55:52 · answer #6 · answered by Hoosier Daddy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guilt or threat? Which is more effective?
Response to Guilt requires a degree of self motivation but over time, compliance leads to loyalty. Response to Threat does not require self motivation and over time either breeds sheep or wolves: wolves often rising against their master.
Go with Guilt. Always a winner.
2007-11-09 13:53:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It makes sense to me. Many people I know follow religion out of guilt. You know, the old "look what this man did for you...he was beaten and nailed to a cross FOR YOU!!!! Don't you think you owe it to him to follow his wisdom, if for nothing else, than how he suffered so you might live???!!!"
How is this NOT guilt tripping????
2007-11-09 13:48:14 · answer #8 · answered by Adam G 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
this is what is known in debating circles as an atruism.
It is a well known and understood fact that religion uses guilt, it is the primary tool of religionists...
I think it is wrong to do this but sheeple go along with it so what is an independent thinker to do?
2007-11-09 13:54:41 · answer #9 · answered by coatofskin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is true. Guilt is a very strong tool in which the religious sects implement to gain power over the masses.
2007-11-09 13:46:36 · answer #10 · answered by Zay Bones 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋