Is Opus Dei really a cult?
402425
No...and I believe the following will enlighten you to some of the falsities of The Da Vinci Code.  It was a very good book, and I enjoyed it, but remember, it's fiction.  It's not a historical account, a classroom text, or any other nonfiction work.  It does not have to be (and is not) true.\n\n\nThe Da Vinci Code, the Catholic Church and Opus Dei\nA response to The Da Vinci Code from the Prelature of Opus Dei in the United States. \n\nApril 17, 2006 \nMany people are intrigued by the claims about Christian history and theology presented in The Da Vinci Code. We would like to remind them that The Da Vinci Code is a work of fiction, and it is not a reliable source of information on these matters. \n\nThe Da Vinci Code has raised public interest in the origins of the Bible and of central Christian doctrines such as the divinity of Jesus Christ. These topics are important and valuable to study, and we hope that interested readers will be motivated to study some of the abundant scholarship on them that is available in the non-fiction section of the library. \n\nThose who do further research and exercise critical judgment will discover that assertions made in The Da Vinci Code about Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene, and Church history lack support among reputable scholars. By way of example, The Da Vinci Code popularizes the idea that the fourth century Roman emperor Constantine invented the doctrine of the divinity of Christ for political reasons. The historical evidence, however, clearly shows that the New Testament and the very earliest Christian writings manifest Christian belief in the divinity of Christ. Other examples of discredited claims presented in The Da Vinci Code can be found in this FAQ from Catholic Answers or at the US Bishops' website, www.jesusdecoded.com. For those who are willing to take the time to get to the bottom of the issues raised in The Da Vinci Code, we recommend reading The Da Vinci Deception, De-Coding Da Vinci, or The Da Vinci Hoax. \n\nWe also want to point out that The Da Vinci Code’s depiction of Opus Dei is inaccurate, both in the overall impression and in many details, and it would be irresponsible to form any opinion of Opus Dei based on The Da Vinci Code. Those interested in learning more about the real Opus Dei may wish to read What is Opus Dei?, by Dominique LeTourneau, or Uncommon Faith, by John Coverdale. For those interested in further information about the various false impressions The Da Vinci Code gives of Opus Dei, please continue reading. \n\nPlease let us know if you need someone to speak about Opus Dei for a panel or other event about The Da Vinci Code -- we may have a speaker available in your area.  Also, free resource downloads for study groups and parishes are available from the group, Da Vinci Outreach.\n\n\n1. Opus Dei and monks \n\n\nThroughout The Da Vinci Code, Opus Dei members are presented as monks (or, rather, caricatures of monks). Like all Catholics, Opus Dei members have great appreciation for monks, but in fact there are no monks in Opus Dei. Opus Dei is a Catholic institution for lay people and diocesan priests, not a monastic order. \n\nOpus Dei’s approach to living the faith does not involve withdrawing from the world like those called to the monastic life. Rather, Opus Dei helps people grow closer to God in and through their ordinary secular activities. \n\n“Numerary” members of Opus Dei – a minority – choose a vocation of celibacy in order to be available to organize the activities of Opus Dei. They do not, however, take vows, wear robes, sleep on straw mats, spend all their time in prayer and corporal mortification, or in any other way live like The Da Vinci Code’s depiction of its monk character. In contrast to those called to the monastic life, numeraries have regular secular professional work. \n\nIn fact, The Da Vinci Code gets Opus Dei’s nature 180 degrees backwards. Monastic orders are for people who have a vocation to seek holi
584129
They've never been in any cults. Tom Araya is actually Catholic. But here's some other news!\n\nOn the 6th June, 2006 (the date for which the band's new album was scheduled due to Satanic connotations, but was later cancelled due to recording difficulties), an organization known as National Day of Slayer LLC are declaring that the day will be National Day of Slayer. People wishing to participate are encouraged to "play Slayer at full blast" in their homes, workplaces, or anywhere else for that matter. "Do NOT use earphones!", proclaims the official website. "The objective of this day is for everyone within earshot to understand that it is the National Day of Slayer." Their reasoning for this is that "National holidays in America aren't just about celebrating; they're about forcing it upon non-participants." The official website - which includes suggested activities for the day in question - can be found here http://www.nationaldayofslayer.org/
31956
Bob Mason was a god goalie for his time in Chicago.\nLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!I know this isnt what you meant.I would think none.Hockey players (although sometimes superstious)are not cult members and in general dont join cults.
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Jehovah Witness is in fact a cult. Several ex followers have spoke out about them and there is a ton of anti sites and articles on them. \n\n I personally don't have any respect for cults period.
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http://www.cultwatch.com/
844145
If it looks like a duck (religion), walks like a duck, and talks like a duck, but doesn't believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour and God, it is a cult.
635957
Depends on what your definition of "cult" is. Seventh-Day Adventists definitely consider themselves Christian, but they do have some very unique teachings and Biblical interpretations that no other Christian Church has. If you hold very specific beliefs about what is the "proper" or "true" definition of Christianity, you might very well \ndefine SDAs as a cult--i.e., they likely won't conform to your belief system.\n\nMy definition of a cult is based on the intensity of its indoctrination, strength of the hold it has on its adherents, and to what degree it literally controls every aspect of its members lives. Although I was fairly well indoctrinated while growing up SDA, and still have some fairly strong issues about it, I don't consider it a cult. I cannot agree with the theology of SDAs in particular, nor traditional Christianity in general, so I left the church as soon as I was grown. There was no particular difficulty in doing this--merely relief. For those people who have difficulty leaving, it is often because of the loss of identity and friends, not because of any "cultish" hold the church has on them.\n\nJust as with any other evangelical Christian denomination, the SDAs hold that their particular belief system is the only true way to practice Christianity. They are very inflexible when it comes to their doctrine, but there is currently much discussion and dissent going on, despite efforts from the church headquarters to discourage this.\n\nIf you would like to learn more about this question of "SDAs--cult or not", try going to the Former Adventist Friendship Forum at \n\nhttp://64.227.85.187/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi\n \nJust click on "discussion." This is a very hot topic right now with the former SDAs. Or try this link\n\nhttp://www.christiandiscussionforums.org/v/forumdisplay.php?f=31\n\nfor discussions by current SDAs.
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I DO NOT BELIEVE THEY ARE THE TRUE CHURCH AND THEY DO HAVE POSSESSIONS. THEY DO NOT GIVE BLOOD AND DON'T VOTE, BUT THEY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS SUCH AS WELFARE, UNEMPLOYMENT, HOUSING ETC...  I HAVE FRIENDS THAT BELONG AND I HAVE BEEN TO THE HALL, BUT IT IS NOT FOR ME!
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originally it is theorized but not proven that they intended to as noted by the Sub Prefecture of St Julien-en-Genevois. Article VII says that its members are expected, “to carry out good deeds, to help the Catholic Church, teach the truth, defend the weak and the oppressed”. \n\nthe founder, Plantard, originally hoped that the Priory of Sion would become an influential cryptopolitical lodge (similar to the P2 cabal) dedicated to the restoration of chivalry and monarchy, which would promote Plantard's own megalomaniacal claim to being a legitimate pretender to the abolished throne of France.\n\nOver time however associatin with the priory became perverted and steeped in mystisism.  No one probably has even discussed it till popularity of Dan Brown.  But please remember that Dan Brown writes fiction.
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Dear Mitchell:  Actually, the dictionary states that cults have the stigma attached to them of being "misguided and unorthodox."\n\nI think we need to consider main stream religions and doctrines as not falling into that category.  Perhaps, spirituality or non-denominational traditions could be called that by some people, but as long as it is not Occult, the above should not be a stigma attached to these traditions, either.  The great prophets of the ages have been mystics meaning they delve into the Truths of soul or spirit-mind (which is what God Created).  Spiritual experiences come from strengthening the position of our souls within us, and bringing the soul to the Center of Mind.  These spiritual experiences bring God to us more potently, as in the Prophets, and are thought of as Mystical experience.  Perhaps not main-stream, but not Occult.  Certainly not misguided, either.  \n\nThis is why I find it difficult to think of most all religions as cults.  \nI think Interpretations have fragmented the original Church Jesus had in His Mind; and,  that would take the word of a singular God out into a Pagan world.  He aimed to teach the Nature of that God and to demonstrate that the physical world of matter and brain is a type of reality that can be overcome by the Ultimate Reality.  The fragmentations of His Church are so numerous as to divide mankind more greatly than the babbling of different languages confused mankind's ability to communicate - at the Tower of Babel.  Interpretations led to the adding and subtracting from what Jesus had taught.  So religion contains impurities ; for mankind's Intellect has turned His beloved singular Church into a literal Tower of Babel, itself.\n\nIn all religions there are certain unalterable truths.  Perhaps, the wording sounds a bit different; but, when examined more closely, at least some of the basics that Jesus taught are present.  The soul recognizes those Truths and witnesses to them despite the human Intellect's logic and deductions.  \n\nBest regards, Lana
138877
YES, do not confuse enthusiasm with fanaticism. Remember David korash, Jim Jones, Charles Manson,cults during the 60s &70s and many others through the years.\n\nBlubla
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Any church can be considered a cult.  It's a very subjective term.
37483
Yes, actually, I believe I do. If I remember correctly, they are part some kind of secret society of very wealthy people such as the Rothchilds, who worship satan and stuff like that. There are some political implications and the demonic influences are involved, but that's about all I can remember of what I have read about them.
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It is a cult.  This is what Scientologists ACTUALLY believe:\n\nXenu was an alien ruler of the "Galactic Confederacy" who, 75 million years ago, brought billions of people to Earth in spacecrafts resembling Douglas DC-8 airliners, stacked them around volcanoes & blew them up with hydrogen bombs. Their souls then clustered together & stuck to the bodies of the living. The alien souls continue to do this today, causing a variety of physical ill-effects in modern-day humans. L. Ron Hubbard (a science-fiction writer & the creator of Scientology) called these clustered spirits "Body Thetans," & the advanced levels in Scientology place considerable emphasis on isolating them & neutralizing their ill effects.\n\nTo rid ourselves of "Body Thetans" & also “engrams” (past negative experiences stored in our unconscious mind) so that we can become “clear”, we have to go through "auditing" with a member of the “church” who uses an "e-meter" to measure our “reactive mind”...... & we have to pay lots & lots & lots of money for “auditing” (purchased in 12.5-hour blocks, costing anywhere from $750 for introductory sessions to between $8,000 & $9,000 for advanced sessions) & to take courses on Scientology to advance to higher “levels” in the “church”.  The “church” has also taken a very hostile stance towards psychiatry & psychiatric drugs irrespective of the fact that some people require medication to remain adequately functional in everyday life.  They deny the reality of chemical imbalance & profound mental disturbance & accordingly do NOTHING to effectively stabilize the dangerously unstable. The “church” has been known to withhold prescription pharmaceuticals from member (with deadly results).\n\nScientology is undeniably a cult. Every cult can be defined as a group having all of the following five characteristics:\n\n(1) It uses psychological coercion to recruit, indoctrinate & retain its members [convincing potential members that they are unhappy & Scientology is the only means of helping themselves]. (2) It forms an elitist totalitarian society. [they label everyone who disagrees or questions as a “Suppressive Person” & requires members to “disconnect” from them] (3) Its founder leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable & has charisma. [Yes, that would be Hubbard] (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. [self evident proof for 4 & 5 as it does milk members for virtually everything they have & it’s wealth doesn’t find it’s way back to it’s members or society at all]\n\nCults are extremely harmful. To remain within the strict mental & social confines of a cult for even a short time can have the following disastrous effects:\n\nLoss of choice & free will. Diminished intellectual ability, vocabulary & sense of humor. Reduced use of irony, abstractions & metaphors. Reduced capacity to form flexible & intimate relationships. Poor judgment. Physical deterioration. Malnutrition. Hallucinations, panic, dissociation, guilt, identity diffusion & paranoia. Neurotic, psychotic or suicidal tendencies.
905529
It is a CULT. Despite what a few fanatical members may say, it IS a cult. Tom Cruise is so crazy about it because they have completely, utterly, absolutely BRAINWASHED him.  He of course was a willing participant in the beginning and could have left (with a bit of a struggle) but after a while, they had him under their control.\n\nThe "church" harasses & bullies anyone who they deem an "enemy" (basically anyone who has anything negative to say about the "church"). They will RUIN YOUR LIFE if you speak out against them long enough.\n\nThe founder is L. Ron Hubbard, the science FICTION writer who once told a friend that the best way to make lots of money is to start your own religion. Though being a very outspoken critic of psychiatric drugs, it was discovered upon Hubbards death that the anti-anxiety drug hydroxyzine (Vistaril) was present in his body, which several of his assistants would later attest was only one of many psychiatric & pain medications Hubbard ingested over the years. (visit this link to read about the uses of hydoxyzine: http://www.drugs.com/mtm/v/vistaril.html )\n\nScientologists believe the evil alien ruler Xenu killed a lot of aliens (Thetans) from around the universe by bringing them to earth & blowing them up inside volcanoes. They believe the souls of these aliens (these souls are "Body Thetans") have attached themselves to us & cause many of our mental & physical ills. Members who know about Xenu will attempt to deny it or pretend like it doesn’t matter.  They are required to sign a contract binding them to silence on the matter.  Lower level members don’t know about Xenu & accordingly deny everything because they honestly don’t know.\n\nTo rid ourselves of "Body Thetans" & also “engrams” (past negative experiences stored in our unconscious mind) so that we can become “clear”, we have to go through "auditing" with a member of the “church” who uses an "e-meter" to measure our “reactive mind”...... & we have to pay lots & lots of money for “auditing” (purchased in 12.5-hour blocks, costing anywhere from $750 for introductory sessions to between $8,000 & $9,000 for advanced sessions) & to take courses on Scientology to advance to higher “levels” in the “church”. The “church” has also taken a very hostile stance towards psychiatry & psychiatric drugs irrespective of the fact that some people require medication to remain adequately functional in everyday life. They deny the reality of chemical imbalance & profound mental disturbance & accordingly do NOTHING to effectively stabilize the dangerously unstable. The “church” has been known to withhold prescription pharmaceuticals from member (with deadly results).\n\nScientology is undeniably a cult. For more information on what a cult is & what their damaging effects are, please visit the link provided at the bottom of the sources. Just know that Scientology DOES qualify by meeting these 5 criteria:\n\n(1) It uses psychological coercion to recruit, indoctrinate & retain its members. (2) It forms an elitist totalitarian society. (3) Its founder leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable & 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.
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Mormons may not like the idea of being labeled a cult, but that's what they are.\n\nOne of the primary red flags in Christianity is to ask about the Deity of Jesus Christ. \nJesus states repeatedly in the Gospels that He is God in fleshly form. He says it so emphatically that the Jews picked up stones to stone Him for such a blasphemous claim. \n\nChristian denominations all support Jesus' Deity, and they worship Him as God.\n\nMormons deny Jesus' Deity, and then also deny the accepted  doctrine of the Trinity of mainline Christian Churches. The Apostle Paul would take GREAT exception to Mormons claiming that they are Christian. \n\nOther Red Flags? \n*Exclusivity for salvation. They believe they are the only true church and the rest of us are going to hell. "Membership" in their church is required to get to heaven.\n*Exclusivity for interpreting the Bible. Without their unique explanations of the Bible, a person cannot fully understand the scriptures. Therefore, they added books to the scriptures to further explain God's plan. (additions and subtractions to or from are clearly prohibited in the Bible.) \n\nI wonder what the Angel Moroni (source of Joseph Smith's Golden Plates) would have to say to Paul?
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A cult is \n\n1. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. \n2. The followers of such a religion or sect. \n3. A system or community of religious worship and ritual. \n4. The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual. \n5. A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease. \n\nObsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing. \nThe object of such devotion. \nAn exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest. \n\n\n[Latin cultus, worship, from past participle of colere, to cultivate. See kwel-1 in Indo-European Roots.]\n\nreligion-\n\n1. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. \n2. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship. \n3. The life or condition of a person in a religious order. \n4. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader. \n5. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion. \n\n\nhope this helps.