Do you know what's "cult"?
958178
In religion and sociology, a cult is a cohesive group of people (often a relatively small and recently founded religious movement) devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture or society considers to be far outside the mainstream. Its separate status may come about either due to its novel belief system, because of its idiosyncratic practices or because it opposes the interests of the mainstream culture. Other non-religious groups may also display cult-like characteristics.
544578
Please, join our cult...we have lottsa fun and we're fine.  Honest.  Would you like some kool-aid?
1059843
Yes...you are a crazy cult
1044827
To find a cult, just type in these words into a search box: "an organization that promotes love, friendship, ..." etc.  You'll be sure to find one, believe me ;-)\n.
144572
Absolutely a cult. Just because people are considered stars doesn't mean they're considered well educated or intelligent. Consider the high profile people who tout scientology who are also getting publicity for jumping on sofa's on national television.  That don't impress me much!  It is unfortunate that so many otherwise logical people are so deceived. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only one who raised from the dead...I mean aren't all of the others dead...budda, confusious, etc...People need to get into the truth, not into what just "feels good"...Perception of the truth does not alter the truth...give Jesus a call...he's expecting you...
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.
272681
Short answer is it is a cult.  Here is a basic rundown of their belief system...\nThe word Scientology literally means "the study of truth." It comes from the Latin word "scio" meaning "knowing in the fullest sense of the word" and the Greek word "logos" meaning "study of." \n\nScientology is the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, others and all of life. The Scientology religion comprises a body of knowledge extending from certain fundamental truths. Prime among these: \n\nMan is an immortal, spiritual being. His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime. His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized — and those capabilities can be realized. He is able to not only solve his own problems, accomplish his goals and gain lasting happiness, but also achieve new, higher states of awareness and ability. \n\nIn Scientology no one is asked to accept anything as belief or on faith. That which is true for you is what you have observed to be true. An individual discovers for himself that Scientology works by personally applying its principles and observing or experiencing results. \n\nThrough Scientology, people all over the world are achieving the long-sought goal of true spiritual release and freedom. \n\nSee the following links for more info.
1155850
Pack your bags and run. No man or religion can force you to stay with that particular religion otherwise it's a cult. Yes and people say don't judge other religions. What a religion, huh?
319488
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.
224112
It can't be a cult.  You can leave and no one notices!
342545
no, it's a cult, a lifestyle
791016
It is a CULT. Despite what a few fanatical members may say, it IS a cult. The 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.\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. Even members of the Church of Scientology who know of Xenu will publicly deny the existence of Xenu & Body Thetans, or attempt to minimize their importance. Scientology has many graduated levels through which one can progress. Many who remain at lower levels in the church are unaware of much of the these doctrines, which mostly begin at Operating Thetan level three, or "OT III". Because the information imparted to members is to be kept secret from others who have not attained that level, the member must publicly deny its existence when asked. OT III recipients must sign a waiver promising never to reveal its secrets before they are given the manila envelope containing the Xenu knowledge.\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.
975445
Yes, I don't know if they even come up to the level of cult. It looks as though "Rev. Moon" just uses his followers as sale people to advance his personal wealth...   Jim
672923
http://www.cultwatch.com/jw.html\nhttp://www.rickross.com/groups/witness.html\nEvery reputable organization who studies cultic activity classifies them as a cult. It if walks like a duck, talks like a duck...\nFor in depth info read Kingdom of Cults by Walter Martin, it's in all the versions of it.
721332
From what I can tell it is strictly a cult.  A specifically states they want your money and your soul.  It also appears to be sanctioning any behavior in order to get what you desire sexually, no matter how normal or deviant.  What was your take on it?
983756
Sounds like a cult to me.
324912
I guess that a cult requires people to follow without questioning, requires people to break contact wiht loved ones and a commitment of all the person's time and money.\n\nA religon is a faith that is freely chosen, the member is free to join and free to leave. Hopefully, the religon inriches the person's life and inspires that person to be a better human being and to help others.