[QUOTE="mikeg0788"][QUOTE="Dracargen"][QUOTE="mikeg0788"][QUOTE="Dracargen"] "A cult is a group or movement exhibiting a great or excessive devotion or dedication to some person, idea or thing and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control (e.g. isolation from former friends and family, debilitation, use of special methods to heighten suggestibility and subservience, powerful group pressures, information management, suspension of individuality or critical judgment, promotion of total dependency on the group and fear of [consequences of] leaving it, etc) designed to advance the goals of the group's leaders to the actual or possible detriment of members, their families, or the community."--Louis Jolyon West.
Sounds exactly like Scientology.
Dracargen
I've been to Christian summer camps that fit 90% of that description.That's probably because there are pseudo-Christian cults. . . .
If you consider CIY, one of the biggest Christian youth camps in America, a pseudo-Christian cult then perhaps you're right.
I'm not saying it IS a cult, just that it uses similar techniques to those you listed to strengthen believability.
I don't know what "CIY" stands for.:|
If it uses those techniques, then it is showing signs of cultism, and I recommend calling the police or something. A few more signs are:
1. People are put in physically or emotionally distressing situations;
2. Their problems are reduced to one simple explanation, which is repeatedly emphasized;
3. They receive unconditional love, acceptance, and attention from the leader;
4. They get a new identity based on the group;
5. They are subject to entrapment and their access to information is severely controlled.
Christ in Youth.
Your descriptions of a cult are either wrong or vague. Watch:
isolation from former friends and family
Its a retreat; you're in a different city in a different state, away from 'former friends and family' and surrounded by Christians.
use of special methods to heighten suggestibility and subservience
Powerful guest speakers, cool, contemporary music, comedians, plays, skits, ect. all promoting the same message.
powerful group pressures
This one is open to interpretation, and is pretty subjective, though I think most would agree there's a strong feeling of obligation to go along with whats being preached. When I was younger, it was easy for me to get swept up in it and not stay rational and objective.
information management
There's countless times they've given slightly wrong, twisted, or shifted facts, or omitted details to help promote their message. Its never malicious and i doubt even conscious, but its still done.
suspension of individuality or critical judgment
There's a pretty heavy undertone of 'losing yourself in Christ', or to 'become one with the body of Christ', or trying to lose doubt and embrace faith and such. Subtle, subconscious affirmation that one needs to lose what they were to become what God 'wants' them to be. Again, its not malicious, but its there. Its also not as severe of a problem, since they have things like talent shows and sporting events throughout the week that reinforce individuality and such.
promotion of total dependency on the group
While it doesn't DIRECTLY promote utter dependence on the group, it can be inferred; it does preach total dependence on God, and that the church is the body of christ...i don't think i need to draw all the lines on this one.
Anyways i think you get the idea. Its all debatable stuff; you're definition was a little loose and vague. i'm gonna go, its nap-time.
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