(May 9, 2014 at 11:35 pm)Zidneya Wrote: Whats the difference between a cult and a religion to you guys?
Because for me those are just two sides of the same coin.
No…. Why I lie to you guys I'm gonna be honest for me theres no difference between those two.
Excellent question!! And...I don't really know the answer (at least any official answer). I've read thru the thread and it appears that no one else really knows the answer either.
Just a few thoughts.....
If "size" is the differentiator - then at what "size" (assuming size=membership) does the cult transform into religion?
If money is the differentiator - then what amount of money transforms a cult into a religion?
If leadership is the differentiator - then how many "leaders" turn a cult into a religion?
I suppose I could go on with the questions, but you get the drift.
Here's a few thoughts:
It seems that within a cult - almost all (or virtually all) members are "rabid". That is to say, they will follow whatever the leader demands them to do.
It seems that within a cult, the "leader" is almost always charismatic - it is rare indeed to find a cult leader with a "beige" personality.
It seems that within a cult, there is little history supporting the present ideology of the cult. Therefore, almost any idea/theory/ideology the leader wishes to enforce is fine.
With respect to religion....apply these same thoughts.
In a religion, tho many are....many members are anything but "rabid".
In a religion, many of the leaders are anything but charismatic. However, the "leaders" within fundamentalist or radical brands of religion do indeed take on the charisma of a true cult leader.
In a religion, there is some history - or lots of history - used by the religion to support its position (see muslim, jew, catholic/christian, shinto, budahism, and the rest).
Just my thoughts...but a great question!
People don't go to heaven when they die; they're taken to a special room and burned.
