What exactly is a cult?

mistyfox812 said:science is just another religion ☕

👍

He’s got some thoughts on science versus religion right here (feel free to jump back into the debate too, if you're feeling it).

mistyfox812 said:It basically boils down to a set of fundamental concepts and procedures that aren't questioned within science as long as everything keeps "working." (Of course, philosophers do question those "fundamental" ideas, and even scientists do during "crisis periods" or times of "scientific revolutions.") The internal consistency of that system is constantly being scrutinized in the scientific community.
But I think what makes cults unique is how they specifically deny the very act of questioning as a valid process. They use those usual excuses about "clinging to concepts" or an "inability to see beyond reason" and things like that. Basically, they refuse to even attempt to answer questions by loudly labeling anyone who asks them as "someone who just doesn't get it," unlike the rest of the cult members who "do get it." This builds group cohesion and introduces a fear of being cast out among current and potential members, which stops any further questioning.

That’s exactly the problem—those "fundamental concepts" aren't clear at all. At least, they aren't to me. 😬
What you described below is just a description of certain cults. 🙂

Casey Jones9 said:But that’s the whole point—these "basic concepts" aren't even clear. At least, they aren't to me. 😬

Yeah, tell me about it. That's why I'm out here philosophizing. 😁

kakosi said:🤣 🤣

Could John Doe's Great School of Enlightenment for the West (Spirituality/Religion) be considered a cult?

I'm asking because I was reading through the last two posts here

where there was a discussion about this...😕

If you need at least three people to qualify as a cult—to be generous—then we can call it one, since there are three present! Namely: me, myself, and I.😬

kakosi said:How would you define a "sect"?😲

What are the necessary prerequisites for a group of people to actually be called a sect?

The word "sect" stems from an ancient root meaning all towards that(m)—the "m" is just silent. 😬

In plain English, it implies a doctrine where every
single path leads to the same destination, or as they say, all roads lead to Rome. Just a visual way to make the point. 😁

By that definition, the Department of Defense is a sect because everything happening there is geared toward one thing: the bottom line. 👍 🙏 👋

http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/1527/1527_01.asp

This is such a textbook example of sectarian maneuvering. You see it all the time with these Protestant versus Catholic debates. They tear one lie apart just to push another one, all while trying to weaponize guilt and fear...
It’s honestly pathetic.