Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > The Seed Discussion Forum

Dear Art,

<< < (36/45) > >>

cleveland:
To parahrase someone else, saying that Tom Cruise is a successful Scientologist is like saying that Albert Speer was the best Nazi.

Ha Ha! And for the record, I detest Tom C. as an actor. He sucks.

But if you visit LA, you will see gorgeous mansions now owned by Scientology -  very successful. Someday, it will either fall apart, of maybe become a legit religion. (Sometimes it's hard to see the difference!)

I think Greg's list of cult characteristics can apply to many other groups like cops, Marines, gang members, and cheerleaders. Point well taken though - there are some groups which have clearly crossed the line. I bet many members don't see it coming. I don't think anyone joined Jim Jones' cult just so they could drink the Koolaid.

Walter

GregFL:

--- Quote ---On 2005-10-08 10:24:00, cleveland wrote:

"To parahrase someone else, saying that Tom Cruise is a successful Scientologist is like saying that Albert Speer was the best Nazi.


Walter"

--- End quote ---


I don't think that is really a fair comparison, Walter.

First, I detest the rantings of Tom Cruise and to a lesser extent the other celebrity Scientologists.  What I am saying is that, like him, hate him, or neutral, he is the living embodiement of a successfull cultist. Those who claim that cult association is automatic doom and gloom are thinking in black and white. :It isn't.

GregFL:
BTW, I think his acting sucks too, especially his last movie.

GregFL:

--- Quote ---On 2005-10-08 10:24:00, cleveland wrote:



I think Greg's list of cult characteristics can apply to many other groups like cops, Marines, gang members, and cheerleaders.

Walter"

--- End quote ---


Most "gangs" are just rudimentary cults..I will give you that one.  The other ones in your list no way, not even close.

Antigen:
No, cops too. They're getting more ganglike every day. Especially where you live, Greg. Just pay attention to the similarities in logic[sic] and attitudes among those ones who wear those Wackenhut colors all over the country.

Or ask Howard Wooldridge or any other cop who's come out against the drug war. They'll tell ya'.

But there are definitely degrees of control. And there are other no less important aspects of the whole dynamic. An equitable and mutually beneficial arrangement among any number of people for any sort of purpose can be high demand, exclusive and regimented. It may well even fall easily over the line of most people's definition of a cult. But it's not necessarily a bad thing so long as involvement is voluntary and, as I say, mutually beneficial and equitable.

Here's freedom to him who would read;
 
Here's freedom to him who would write;

None ever feared that the truth should be heard,

But them that the truth would indict.


--author unknown (circa 1914)
--- End quote ---

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page