Creeds and Cults

Creeds and Cults

The word “cult” was originally used to describe a group of people who worship a deity. This definition would essentially make all religions a cult. The modern interpretation of a cult is a group who deviates from the norm. Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam may all be considered cults at their beginnings when one considers this definition. When cultism is defined as a religious group with violent tendencies, this would also make practically all of the most popular religions cults, seeing as that in the world’s history, practically all wars were fought over religion. In reality, there is no universal or precise definition for a cult. Both cults and religion are groups of people who share the same belief system and uses those beliefs to explore their spirituality, explain mysteries, and offers them a meaning of life. However, religions and cults are not the same thing. There is a very thin line between cults and genuine religion. The difference between cults and genuine religion lies in their involvement in the community, their attitudes towards outsiders and members, and the length of time that they have existed.

Religious communities consist of people who share similar belief system that uses their religion to explore their spirituality, explain the mysteries of the world, and offer a meaning of life. The sisters of Bon Secours, have lived in a religious community for most of their lives. The group consists of a Christian group of nuns. In an essay written by one of the sisters, she explains life in her community. She says, “We’re here to carry on the mission of Christ. How you carry on that mission is evident on how you live and treat people” (Life). This shows that they are not occupied with money making, proselytizing, etc. They carry on their mission through kindness and caring of others. Mary Pellegrino, author of Life On the Margins, lives in a community similar to the Sisters of Bon Secours. On her parish, they focus on the ideas of charism which they define as the founding inspiration of actions initiated by the Spirit (also known as “The Holy Ghost” as defined in Christianity). This idea of charism is what directs their missions and decision making on the parish (Pellegrino 13). The important thing about genuine religious communities is their lives are not confined to only religious life. One sister states that “It is important to share a life together in the community, while still allowing each member of the community to express herself in her own way” (Life). The sisters help and work with those who are around them. They take the “essence of charism that shaped the past”(Life) and apply it to everyday, modern life. They are not caged to a certain way of thinking, but they can express their beliefs through modern day life and practical uses.

The sisters are active members of the community. They are accepting of anyone who needs their help. Their work involves nursing the sick and impoverished, caring for orphans, helping children get education, and rehabilitating prostitutes (Life). One of the sisters said, “our life is about compassion, acceptance, respect, listening, trust, and service to humanity” (Life). While these are only two examples of people who live within a religious community or group, most legitimate religious groups are devoted to helping and acceptance of others. They will often honor the past and use its knowledge to apply to everyday life (Pellegrino 14). They can live a fluid, modern life while still following their beliefs because of this.

Religious groups turn into cults when an overly charismatic leader gains the trust and following of dispirited people. Michael D. Langone who has a Phd in psychology, and specializes in cults, has found a phenomenon that happens within cults. He found that cult members often have susceptibility to influence and often have had a traumatic experience earlier in their life (Langone). When recruiting, cults often influence others through advertising and, mainly, propaganda. Tim Guest, author of My Life In Orange, was a part of a cult as a child. His mother struggled with drugs before joining the cult. She was suicidal and thought she was going insane (Guest 14). When she heard of the cult on a tape her friend gave to her, the voice said, “Surrender to me, and I will transform you. That is my promise. Rajneesh” (Guest 15). After hearing this, the mother converted (Guest 15). This follows the classic cult conversion. A leader who preys on those who are self-doubting and promise to change them if they convert.

While members of cults often share the same belief system, they are often persuaded into it or lead astray from normal life. Life within a cult is isolated from the outside world and is often a danger to everyone involved. Tim Guest said, “I felt isolated, strange, shabby, and alone.” (Guest 3). The Rajneeshism movement that the Guest family because a part of, focused on “religious enlightenment” through meditation (Guest 33). Their communities consisted of around 2,000 people and were often involved in conflicts with surrounding towns (Guest 26). They were given sanskrit names, dressed only in orange, and were encouraged to surrender themselves into their new family. They lost touch with their friends and family and had to live on a restricted diet and mandated worship. Tim’s toys and books were taken away and on the commune. At the school on the commune, history was not taught to the children (Guest 13). On the commune, child neglect and abuse was high as Tim rarely ever saw his mother and group leaders often took advantage of the “trust” the children had in them and had inappropriate relations with teenage girls (Guest 102). Guest describes his childhood as “somewhere between Peter Pan and Lord of the Flies.” (Guest 104). After Guest left the cult at age 11, he struggled with social interactions, drugs and alcohol and his addiction ultimately led to a fatal heart attack from an overdose at the age of 34 (Guest 205). This is shows how dangerous cults really are. Even after one separates themselves from it, they will most likely have troubles performing in a normal society.

Joyce Davis was born into and grew up in a cult. He said that nobody was allowed to socialize outside the group. As a child, the leaders told him that “anyone outside of the church was possessed by the Devil.” (Davis 2). Much like the Guest family, they had lost