When did so many (not all) "christians" become hateful psychopaths?

[Tigress DEM]

289. Here is a different perspective.

I realize that by saying "all religions are cults" and using a definition that is not really demeaning that you aren't trying to be anyone's enemy.

However, when you say "cult" and mean the definition you gave:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cult


1. a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.

2. an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult.

A Christian and most others don't hear that non-demeaning definition.

It brings to mind the idea of a cult as a place that doesn't allow freedom of thought or action and literally enslaves people once they are "in" as in places that people have to be deprogrammed from in order to lead ordinary lives again. (1)

I realize any religion is still not the place for many people like yourself and I respect that.

All I'm asking is a little respect in return. A blanket asessment of "all Christians belong to cults" is as disrespectful as saying anyone who runs on a consistent basis is an adrenilan junkie only doing it for the runner's high.

It isn't accurate and it accomplishes nothing except to piss a possible ally off and that is really cross purpose of DU, so it would be good to find some better ways to talk about it. I'm not saying I have all the answers and I haven't been on DU for awhile, so honestly though it does still seem to be an issue, I do see SOME progress in this area. Still room for growth as always.


Peace
Tig







(1) http://www.cultclinic.org/qa3.html

The difference between a cult and a religion

Within a healthy religious environment, family bonds are upheld and even strengthened, questioning of the leader and basic tenets is accepted, and the leader lives in a similar manner to the followers. One is offered all the information necessary to make an educated decision about joining, and once involved, people can choose the amount of involvement that feels right to them.

A cultic environment tears families apart, does not accept any questioning, and has a leader who claims to have an exalted position and to be above reproach. The cult is designed to solely advance its own goals, to abuse the members’ trust, and to use fear and shame to manipulate the followers. It freely utilizes deceptive techniques while recruiting new members and fundraising, misuses scripture, and declares other belief systems as false. Because it is not under the umbrella of a recognized religion, there is no governing body and the leader is, therefore, free to do as he or she pleases.

We have compiled the following comparative list to address this question, though there is no definitive answer.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A DESTRUCTIVE CULT AND A RELIGION

CULT, CULTIC GROUP<***> RELIGION
Deceit in recruitment <***> Information offered up front
Totalitarian <***> Allows freedom of thought and members have a say
Destroys that family unit <***> Promotes the family unit
Isolates its members <***> Works within society
Keeps non-believers out <***> Open to general community
Limits development of individual <***> Interested in promoting potential
Exploits and manipulates its members <***> While there are guidelines members are not with mind control techniques <***> systematically controlled
Commitment is encouraged during <***> Thought before commitment is encouraged
recruitment process <***> as part of conversion process
Criticism is met with threats <***> People are free to speak out against the
of legal action <***> tenets of a religion
Leader and follower consider <***> Clergy are expected to be responsible
leader to be above reproach <***> for their words and actions
Questioning the leader, <***> Critical thinking is allowed and sometimes
or basic tenets, is not allowed <***> even encouraged