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11/13/2007 08:37:00 AM · #1 |
I think a lot of groups are unfairly labeled as cults. The only reason Heaven's Gate was considered a cult by many people was because all the current members killed themselves.
There are so many groups that are considered cults just because they have a different religious view that doesn't agree with much of society. Even the AP stopped using the word "cult" because of the negative connotations that come with it.
So I ask, what exactly is a "cult?" |
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11/13/2007 08:40:16 AM · #2 |
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11/13/2007 08:42:34 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by FocusPoint:
DPC |
LOL! Are you sure there's just one at DPC? |
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11/13/2007 08:42:58 AM · #4 |
I think Wikipedia have a pretty good definition;
"Cult roughly refers to a cohesive social group devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture considers outside the mainstream, with a notably positive or negative popular perception."
There is an earlier definition of the word 'cult' in relation to religious groups. But I think the definition above is more accurate for its modern usage.
I don't think it's unfairly used. Groups such as Heavens Gate were cults, I can't think of any other way of describing them. |
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11/13/2007 09:16:45 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by jhonan:
I think Wikipedia have a pretty good definition;
"Cult roughly refers to a cohesive social group devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture considers outside the mainstream, with a notably positive or negative popular perception."
There is an earlier definition of the word 'cult' in relation to religious groups. But I think the definition above is more accurate for its modern usage.
I don't think it's unfairly used. Groups such as Heavens Gate were cults, I can't think of any other way of describing them. |
By that definition, the whole NASCAR thing could be considered a cult, or the Penn State fan club, right?
Bizarre behavior, unwillingness to concede that there's anything outside their sphere of interest......8>)
Message edited by author 2007-11-13 09:17:10.
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11/13/2007 09:25:41 AM · #6 |
Here's some warning signs you might have joined a cult. Adapted from information available at //www.cultawarenessnetwork.org/. These are some common tactics used by cults to get/keep "converts". Does the DPC qualify? Do I need help?
Hypnosis
Inducing a state of high suggestibility by hypnosis, often thinly disguised as relaxation or meditation.
Peer Group Pressure
Suppressing doubt and resistance to new ideas by exploiting the need to belong.
Love Bombing
Creating a sense of family and belonging through flattery.
Rejection of Old Values
Accelerating acceptance of new life style by constantly denouncing former values and beliefs.
Confusing Doctrine
Encouraging blind acceptance and rejection of logic through complex lectures on an incomprehensible doctrine.
Metacommunication
Implanting subliminal messages by stressing certain key words or phrases in long, confusing lectures.
Disinhibition
Encouraging child-like obedience by orchestrating child-like behaviour.
Uncompromising Rules
Inducing regression and disorientation by soliciting agreement to seemingly simple rules which regulate behaviour.
Chanting and Singing
Eliminanting non-cult ideas through group repetition of mind-narrowing chants or phrases.
Confession
Encouraging the destruction of individual ego through confession of personal weaknesses and innermost feelings of doubt.
Financial Commitment
Achieving increased dependence on the group by 'burning bridges' to the past, through the donation of assets.
Finger Pointing
Creating a false sense of righteousness by pointing to the shortcomings of the outside world and other cults.
Flaunting Hierarch
Promoting acceptance of cult authority by promising advancement, power or salvation.
No Questions
Accomplishing automatic acceptance of beliefs by discouraging questions.
Guilt
Reinforcing the need for 'salvation' by exaggerating the sins of the former lifestyles.
Fear
Maintaining loyalty and obedience to the group by threatening soul, life or limb for the slightest 'negative' thought, word or deed.
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11/13/2007 09:34:27 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by david_c:
My version
Hypnosis
"Update" button
Peer Group Pressure
DPL
Love Bombing
SC Posts
Rejection of Old Values
DPC Winners Archive
Confusing Doctrine
DNMC
Metacommunication
PMs
Disinhibition
FocusPoint
Uncompromising Rules
Langdon
Chanting and Singing
Female DPC members
Confession
Male DPC members
Financial Commitment
Paid members
Finger Pointing
All DPC members
Flaunting Hierarch
Ribbons
No Questions
SCs
Guilt
SCs
Fear
below 6 points
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Yeap... Cult=DPC
Message edited by author 2007-11-13 09:35:50. |
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11/13/2007 11:32:28 AM · #8 |
There is only one cult!
Blue Öyster Cult
Don't Fear the Reaper :-P |
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11/13/2007 12:00:13 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:
There is only one cult!
Blue Öyster Cult
Don't Fear the Reaper :-P |
:-D I need to toss this on the turntable and give it a spin tonight. Haven't listened to it in ages. Thanks for the reminder/incentive! :-P |
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11/13/2007 12:08:55 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by david_c:
Here's some warning signs you might have joined a cult. |
Here's some warning signs you might have joined a cult.
Are you worried that you might be in a cult ? Then you are. |
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11/13/2007 12:27:58 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:
There is only one cult!
Blue Öyster Cult
Don't Fear the Reaper :-P |
ROCK ON! |
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11/13/2007 12:42:17 PM · #12 |
there are some incredible videos on youtube about scientology. I didnt know they had their own NAVY the seaorg. If you speak out against them they persecute you in a very public way... so I think they are all REALLY nice chaps! ;)
Its disputed, but L Ron Hubbard (founder of scientology) once said "I'm going to invent a religion that's going to make me a fortune..." Is that why DPC has a membership fee?
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11/13/2007 12:49:03 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by sher:
Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:
There is only one cult!
Blue Öyster Cult
Don't Fear the Reaper :-P |
ROCK ON! |
Maw Cowbell!!!
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11/13/2007 01:21:06 PM · #14 |
What is this place? Mmmm... looks better than Mo's...
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.
WO-HOOOO!
CAN I JOIN? |
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11/13/2007 01:29:18 PM · #15 |
Hypnosis
Peer Group Pressure
Love Bombing
Rejection of Old Values
Confusing Doctrine
Metacommunication
Disinhibition
Uncompromising Rules
Chanting and Singing
Confession
Financial Commitment
Finger Pointing
Flaunting Hierarch
No Questions
Guilt
Fear
Sort of like parenthood. It's all those along with sleep deprivation. |
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11/13/2007 01:45:35 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by cheekymunky:
there are some incredible videos on youtube about scientology. I didnt know they had their own NAVY the seaorg. If you speak out against them they persecute you in a very public way... so I think they are all REALLY nice chaps! ;)
Its disputed, but L Ron Hubbard (founder of scientology) once said "I'm going to invent a religion that's going to make me a fortune..." Is that why DPC has a membership fee? |
A little more Scientology info. Pretty interesting. |
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11/13/2007 01:46:49 PM · #17 |
Hypnosis DPC-Check!
Peer Group Pressure DPC-Check!
Love Bombing DPC-Check!
Rejection of Old Values DPC-Check!
Confusing Doctrine DPC-Check!
Meta-communication DPC-Check!
Dis-inhibition DPC-Check! (See Cheese)
Uncompromising Rules DPC-Check!
Chanting and Singing DPC-Check! (See Song threads)
Confession DPC-Check! (See Rikki)
Financial Commitment DPC-Check!
Finger Pointing DPC-Check!
Flaunting Hierarchy DPC-Check!
No Questions DPC-Check!
Guilt DPC-Check!
Fear DPC-Check!
Sweet when does the spaceship arrive?
:-P
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11/13/2007 01:53:09 PM · #18 |
Yeeees... here it is.. all you want is to "click"  here... what's your latest score? how many people looked at your photo? every answer only "click" awaaaaaay... You are feeling sleepy, and listening to me is goooood. Now, go vote 10 for my photo called "*****"... wait, you don't hear what I am saying? loooook at the "update" butooooon...
now, give 10 to my photo.... go... go now. |
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11/13/2007 01:57:58 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:
Sweet when does the spaceship arrive? |
June, 2004. ;-P |
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11/13/2007 01:58:57 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by scalvert:
Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:
Sweet when does the spaceship arrive? |
June, 2004. ;-P |
Man... that's some gas there :P |
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11/13/2007 01:59:19 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by scalvert:
Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:
Sweet when does the spaceship arrive? |
June, 2004. ;-P |
DAMN missed it again! :-P |
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11/13/2007 03:05:39 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by david_c:
Here's some warning signs you might have joined a cult. Adapted from information available at //www.cultawarenessnetwork.org/. These are some common tactics used by cults to get/keep "converts". Does the DPC qualify? Do I need help?
Hypnosis
Inducing a state of high suggestibility by hypnosis, often thinly disguised as relaxation or meditation.
Peer Group Pressure
Suppressing doubt and resistance to new ideas by exploiting the need to belong.
Love Bombing
Creating a sense of family and belonging through flattery.
Rejection of Old Values
Accelerating acceptance of new life style by constantly denouncing former values and beliefs.
Confusing Doctrine
Encouraging blind acceptance and rejection of logic through complex lectures on an incomprehensible doctrine.
Metacommunication
Implanting subliminal messages by stressing certain key words or phrases in long, confusing lectures.
Disinhibition
Encouraging child-like obedience by orchestrating child-like behaviour.
Uncompromising Rules
Inducing regression and disorientation by soliciting agreement to seemingly simple rules which regulate behaviour.
Chanting and Singing
Eliminanting non-cult ideas through group repetition of mind-narrowing chants or phrases.
Confession
Encouraging the destruction of individual ego through confession of personal weaknesses and innermost feelings of doubt.
Financial Commitment
Achieving increased dependence on the group by 'burning bridges' to the past, through the donation of assets.
Finger Pointing
Creating a false sense of righteousness by pointing to the shortcomings of the outside world and other cults.
Flaunting Hierarch
Promoting acceptance of cult authority by promising advancement, power or salvation.
No Questions
Accomplishing automatic acceptance of beliefs by discouraging questions.
Guilt
Reinforcing the need for 'salvation' by exaggerating the sins of the former lifestyles.
Fear
Maintaining loyalty and obedience to the group by threatening soul, life or limb for the slightest 'negative' thought, word or deed. |
Sounds a lot like "marriage" :P Staying single here and loving it! |
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11/13/2007 11:48:06 PM · #23 |
Christianity for sure. Ask any of them "Why does it take a belief?" Because it's not real.
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
Originally posted by david_c:
Here's some warning signs you might have joined a cult. Adapted from information available at //www.cultawarenessnetwork.org/. These are some common tactics used by cults to get/keep "converts". Does the DPC qualify? Do I need help?
Hypnosis
Inducing a state of high suggestibility by hypnosis, often thinly disguised as relaxation or meditation.
Peer Group Pressure
Suppressing doubt and resistance to new ideas by exploiting the need to belong.
Love Bombing
Creating a sense of family and belonging through flattery.
Rejection of Old Values
Accelerating acceptance of new life style by constantly denouncing former values and beliefs.
Confusing Doctrine
Encouraging blind acceptance and rejection of logic through complex lectures on an incomprehensible doctrine.
Metacommunication
Implanting subliminal messages by stressing certain key words or phrases in long, confusing lectures.
Disinhibition
Encouraging child-like obedience by orchestrating child-like behaviour.
Uncompromising Rules
Inducing regression and disorientation by soliciting agreement to seemingly simple rules which regulate behaviour.
Chanting and Singing
Eliminanting non-cult ideas through group repetition of mind-narrowing chants or phrases.
Confession
Encouraging the destruction of individual ego through confession of personal weaknesses and innermost feelings of doubt.
Financial Commitment
Achieving increased dependence on the group by 'burning bridges' to the past, through the donation of assets.
Finger Pointing
Creating a false sense of righteousness by pointing to the shortcomings of the outside world and other cults.
Flaunting Hierarch
Promoting acceptance of cult authority by promising advancement, power or salvation.
No Questions
Accomplishing automatic acceptance of beliefs by discouraging questions.
Guilt
Reinforcing the need for 'salvation' by exaggerating the sins of the former lifestyles.
Fear
Maintaining loyalty and obedience to the group by threatening soul, life or limb for the slightest 'negative' thought, word or deed. |
Sounds a lot like "marriage" :P Staying single here and loving it! |
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11/20/2007 02:11:39 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by JBHale:
I think a lot of groups are unfairly labeled as cults. The only reason Heaven's Gate was considered a cult by many people was because all the current members killed themselves.
There are so many groups that are considered cults just because they have a different religious view that doesn't agree with much of society. Even the AP stopped using the word "cult" because of the negative connotations that come with it.
So I ask, what exactly is a "cult?" |
From a Christian perspective...
//www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Cults/marksof.htm
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11/20/2007 02:48:07 PM · #25 |
Back to Wikipedia
Dictionary definitions
Christianity and definitions of cults
I believe the origin of cult is from the word cultivate.
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here... what's your latest score? how many people looked at your photo? every answer only "click" awaaaaaay... You are feeling sleepy, and listening to me is goooood. Now, go vote 10 for my photo called "*****"... wait, you don't hear what I am saying? loooook at the "update" butooooon...
