Comment by Strega on February 13, 2013 at 9:07pm

The only difference between a cult and a religion is the amount of real estate they own

~Frank Zappa~

Comment by Val Wuthrich on February 13, 2013 at 10:22pm

Exactly, and the fundi xiani would like nothing better than to have the USA be a Xianity nation. "One nation under God!", not just any god though, the god of the Bible.

Comment by Val Wuthrich on February 13, 2013 at 10:22pm

Exactly, and the fundi xiani would like nothing better than to have the USA be a Xianity nation. "One nation under God!", not just any god though, the god of the Bible.

Comment by Ward Cressin on February 13, 2013 at 10:50pm

The religion is socially acceptable, the cult is not.

Comment by Val Wuthrich on February 14, 2013 at 12:37am

“It is time that we admitted that faith is nothing more than the license religious people give one another to keep believing when reasons fail.”

― Sam Harris, Letter to a Christian Nation

Is Scientology socially acceptable?

Comment by Val Wuthrich on February 14, 2013 at 12:55am

Four Major Cults in America: Christian Science, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, Seventh-day Adventism

Any more to add to the list.

Comment by Val Wuthrich on February 14, 2013 at 1:12am

From www.bible.ca - The Interactive Bible

A "cult" needs to be defined in order to be classified and understood, but it may be more easily described than defined. Indeed, there are differences of opinion among scholars as to the proper definition of a "cult" and which religious groups should be so classified. Though not all the following characterizations may be applicable to every religious group labeled a "cult," together they form a general picture of one.

(1) A cult differs radically from what are conceived to be the fundamental beliefs of the mainstream of religious thought.

(2) A cult is centered around a specific authority figure and his teachings or interpretations.

(3) A cult looks to some extra-Biblical source of authority, perhaps a set of writings it regards as equally authoritative and inspired as the Bible, for guidance. "The Book of Mormon" for example.

(4) A cult conceives of itself as being the one true faith and the exclusive possessor of the truth.

(5) A cult is close-minded to the extent that it is uninterested in hearing what outsiders have to say or even unwilling to admit the possibility of being instructed by them.

(6) A cult is possessed with a missionary zeal to propagate its message.

(7) A cult enforces a radical alteration in lifestyle which may involve subordination of every aspect of the individual's life to the control of the cult.

(8) A cult possesses a personal antagonism toward outsiders.

(9) A cult has a goal that is physical or earthly in nature, relating to things that are near, visible, and tangible.

Comment by James Cox on February 14, 2013 at 2:14am

"The religion is socially acceptable, the cult is not."

Unless, you and a thousand of your closest friends are members...;p)

 

Comment by archaeopteryx on February 14, 2013 at 3:21am

"The only difference between a cult and a religion
is the amount of real estate they own."
-- Frank Zappa --

Comment by Val Wuthrich on February 14, 2013 at 11:59am

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about the fantasy and delusion of religion (Cult). Once I was outside my religous (Cult) belief bubble it became very clear to me. Now when I read or listen to Christian dogma, particularly when thy discuss the scriptures or gospels. It is like listening to people discussing some sort of D&D fantasy. I have come to the conclusion that religion(s) are nothing more than delusional fantasy cults. Every one of them.

I just can't figure out what happens in a persons brain to allow the delusion to take hold. Can anybody shed some light on this for me? I have read about the God MEME and think that makes a lot of sense. A self replicating mental virus, cunning, baffling and evolving.

Need some Feedback!

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