Some extremist cults in the United States have committed communal suicides resulting in hundreds of deaths of adults and often children too. So what really is a cult?
Dear Ones,
Here are universal meanings of the term "cult":
1. A particular way of worship, rites and ceremonies
2. Belonging to group with similar beliefs in the supernatural
3. Total devotion to one person or thing
4. Highly organized body of professed adherents
5. Control over other people's minds emotionally, physically and through other means
6. False prophets guaranteeing Heaven on Earth or in the afterlife, based on one condition of belief.
7. Radical ideas and patriotism mingled with religion and politics
8. Belief that a god takes sides in battles and wars
9. Fixation that sin causes natural tragedies worldwide
10. Need for powerful charismatic, authoritarian leader to follow
11. Necessary attraction for life pledge or group approval
12. Biblical end of Earth, one man's revelation now taken on by entire commune or community
13. Obsession with apocalyptic end of Earth by revelation of one man banished to Greek Island of Patmos when he was 100, a date moved to a new deadline from time to time
14. Esoteric magic or mysterious devices to frighten people into submission, such as making statues cry
15. Brainwashing for members to commit deaths by burning non-believers alive on stakes, lynching, beheading or by some other deadly means
16. Mindset for strong leader to direct one's life
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my ship."–William Ernest Henley
Mame,
helenesmith1.blog spot.com
