Stay away from cults!

a reply to: mysterioustranger

The pagans or "country dweller" like no in "the city" is what the city dwellers call the pagan religion(s) the cult. Not orthodox of the main order but a quasi bastard child or a branch of it.

Escape is what all of them are honestly seeking having bit the bullet of leadership expecting wealth but that wealth as always tied to the worlds or their "parishioners" sorrows.

An example would be folk remedy that will work until it is passed on and not from the "horse's mouth" when it gets back that it(the remedy) was shared? A curse is issued and the person asking for it becomes the full bouquet or load bearer called sickness although most people are blind to that load bearer thinking it oh so beautiful that they accept it in mass and the one "saved" through that begging becomes a slave or disciple depending on that person's disposition and that of the "saved"

When released the same stipulation apples DO NOT tell anyone where you have learned all of this trade I have passed to you... ignorant not knowing they are "stuck" see the above about being stuck? Well, it is only so long before they fall from the grace of the position they never should have accepted and instead embraced the arms of sickness and laughed at the coming hordes of death.

The end

originally posted by: olaru12

originally posted by: Smigg

originally posted by: DISRAELI
"Cult" is a subjective label without a clear objective definition, but the key warning sign to look for is "novelty".
Novelty in an institution. Especially if there is a clear focus on the present human leader. Especially if the present human leader is also the person who founded it.
Novelty in teaching. Any departure from traditional teaching (genuine "reformers" are always looking to restore the original form). Conformity with the Nicene Creed remains the simple acid test.

The Nicene Creed edited The Bible into a novelty book for the leader of Rome, who secretly worshiped pagan gods.

And they threw out all the good parts of the Bible because they didn't quite fit with the politics of the day.

The true teachings of Christ were intentionally left out because back then and as of now the evil one has reign over this Earth.

originally posted by: Terpene
a reply to: Jeremiah33three

The only diffrence between a cult and a religion is it's size and it's age, hence at one point in history Christianity was a cult.

The term “cult” is used loosely by many who may not be fully aware of its connotations. To prevent confusion, some theologians actually avoid using the term.

The World Book Encyclopedia explains that “traditionally, the term cult referred to any form of worship or ritual observance.” By that criterion, all religious organizations could be classified as cults. However, in general usage today, the word “cult” has a different meaning. The same encyclopedia notes that “since the mid-1900’s, publicity about cults has altered the meaning of the term. Today, the term is applied to groups that follow a living leader who promotes new and unorthodox doctrines and practices.”

Endorsing the popular usage of the term, Newsweek magazine explains that cults “are normally small, fringe groups whose members derive their identity and purpose from a single, charismatic individual.” Similarly, Asiaweek magazine notes that “the term [cult] itself is vague, but it usually denotes a new religious creed built around a charismatic leader, who often proclaims himself to be the personification of God.”

The language used in a joint resolution of the 100th Congress of the State of Maryland, U.S.A., also conveys the derogatory connotation of the term cult. The resolution states that “a cult is a group or movement exhibiting excessive devotion to a person or idea and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control to advance the goals of its leaders.”

Clearly, cults are generally understood to be religious groups with radical views and practices that clash with what is accepted today as normal social behavior. Usually they conduct their religious activities in secrecy. Many of these cultic groups actually isolate themselves in communes.* Their devotion to a self-proclaimed human leader is likely to be unconditional and exclusive. Often these leaders boast of having been divinely chosen or even of being themselves divine in nature.

*: Shamanism retreats are also communes (I conversed some months ago with someone who adheres to shamanism, or even claimed to be a shaman, that's why the artice below is still fresh in my mind; I discussed the topic of cults and their tell-tale signs in that thread as well):

'I was sexually abused by a shaman at an ayahuasca retreat' - BBC News

Jesus Christ was accused of being a drunkard, a glutton, a Sabbath breaker, a false witness, a blasphemer of God, and a messenger of Satan. He was also accused of being subversive.​—Matthew 9:34; 11:19; 12:24; 26:65; John 8:13; 9:16; 19:12.

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, his disciples were likewise the target of serious accusations. One group of first-century Christians were dragged to the city rulers by people crying out: ‘These men have overturned the inhabited earth.’ (Acts 17:6) On another occasion the apostle Paul and his companion Silas were taken to the authorities and charged with greatly disturbing the city of Philippi.​—Acts 16:20.

Paul was later accused of being a “pestilent fellow and stirring up seditions among all the Jews throughout the inhabited earth” and of trying “to profane the temple.” (Acts 24:5, 6) The principal men of the Jews in Rome accurately described the situation of Jesus’ followers when they acknowledged: “For truly as regards this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”​—Acts 28:22.

Evidently, this new group established by Jesus Christ was considered by some to be a religious group with radical views and practices that clashed with what was accepted in those days as normal social behavior. Undoubtedly, many today would have considered the Christians a destructive cult. The accusers were often prominent and respected members of the community, and this seems to have added weight to the allegations. Many believed the accusations against Jesus and his disciples. Yet every one of these charges was false! The fact that people said these things did not make them true.

a reply to: whereislogic


Organised religion has propably killed more people over the course of time than all suicidal cults together.

so the ones that kill themselves are like really really bad and the ones that killed his fellow humans for not adhering to their belive are the absolute bestest? I don't actually get the logic...


If there will ever be a religion that reaches the scope of Christianity , and has such an aggressive approach towards non believers, their followers will definetly say the same...
Oh wait your story ends with the non believers suffering, some here even mandated us to perish, and the believers miraculously saved just before it really gets ugly for the rest. Sure sounds a little ominous...

Nevermind, you know what they say about the ones who come out victorious, and Hystory....

Evidently, this new group established by (insert leader) was considered by some to be a religious group with radical views and practices that clashed with what was accepted in those days as normal social behavior. Undoubtedly, many today would have considered the (insert cult name) a destructive cult. The accusers were often prominent and respected members of the community, and this seems to have added weight to the allegations. Many believed the accusations against (name) and his disciples. Yet every one of these charges was false! The fact that people said these things did not make them true.

See you in a thousand years

a reply to: Terpene

I get that Christianity somehow stung you as a child, or at least you had a bad experience with those who used it to justify their ill treatment of you, but you really are right on off the rails.

a reply to: Terpene

Please don't hate God/Christ because his followers suck.
Lord, Save Us from Your Followers.

Mahatma Gandhi — 'I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.'

I am a Christian by the way.

a reply to: Terpene

It's not my fight to defend Christianity history but whereislogic is one individual, not Christianity. You may want to check out Islam though before if you want to point fingers on "aggressive approach".

For the one who does it (more or less) it's expression of their faith. It wouldn't be faith if one does not believe in it. So naturally that's the right thing for the person, the only way.

It reaches a unhealthy level once others are looked down at for not accepting that individual truth. How many times I have been in discussions with a Christian trying to tell me I am satanic though. And with other religions. It's not the religion itself although it gives base guidelines. It's the people not adhering to their own rules.

For example the commandment "Love your next like you love yourself" is broken when Christians try to convert others. If you love somebody you accept the person like it is.

I would break The Rede if I would ever judge or challenge someones faith or even try to convert someone to Wiccan or Pagan teachings. I mention this exactly because Christianity lent a lot from Paganism world view. There is no general "pagan" religion, it depends on who you ask. Mono/Poly gods, some say it's Satanism that it is definitely not.

The only reason I write about it is because I was of Catholic faith but never felt quiet right, dropped the dogmatic worldview and found that Paganism is much more speaking to my heart than Christianity ever did.

Yet if you disagree with me, you disagree with me, not Paganism. Long story short, you are talking to a person, not a whole religion.

a reply to: Jeremiah33three

Through use of the divine ear where an old friend sits a throne after his father's passing I heard him say in lament; "I could use less useless followers." His tone wasn't angry, nor sad ...but complacent with the situation he found himself in. As Nasrudin as that comment is? It was very telling in the former days of friendship that had yet to grow old.

Perhaps he was merely deleting his social networking account and said that as the reasoning in the why box.

a reply to: ketsuko

You are right i need to vent... So here goes more rambling, there is no ill will intended.
From all the gods i met yours is quite an ok dude, he's not happy about how his name is treated though.....

I supose there are good people in all places as there are bad people...

Let's say I'm a democrat satanist, just for the lulz and the sake of the next sentence...
Unfortunately if I'm labeling myself being whatever group, many will judge me to an extent by the action my group did, and is doing, you can't expect to be exempt from that very human thing to do.

From what I have gathered christ seemd to have had some good thoughts for his time, i would dare to say he was revolutionary.
what makes anyone think he won't be next time around?

It seems to me most that are looking forward to him entering the stage again have some nostalgia going on, it might even be that the doctrin has been altered in a way that such a figure might never enter the stage again without being seen as the antichrist.

I really don't thrust religions I admit, there is no proof that would imply they hold some absolut truth, never has and the proofs they claim to be, have been described by almost every religion as being their gods miracles too.

To ThatDamnDuckAgain

right I could as well have pointed the finger at any other bloody religion even buddhism is of the rails lately. But I grew up with Christianity, thats what surrounds me.
I like to call out absurdities even if they happen in my backyard.
I'm a firm believer tidying up at home first...

a reply to: Terpene

Note that in my commentary I make a distinction between Christianity (truly following in Jesus' footsteps) and Christendom (the religions claiming to represent Christianity, which are part of Babylon the Great/false religion as explained in my previous commentary, their god is "the god of this system of things", 2 Cor. 4:4, i.e. Satan the Devil).

(True) Christianity would have to include the following:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage warfare* [“We do not wage warfare.” Lit., “we are not doing military service.” ...; Lat., non . . . mi·li·ta'mus.] according to what we are in the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful by God for overturning strongly entrenched things. For we are overturning reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God;” (2 Cor 10:3-5)

Imagine if those who profess to be Christian would actually follow in the footsteps of the early (1st century) Christians and refuse military service (even when there is a draft and you would be sent to prison for that refusal, as has happened in countries like Canada and South Korea with Jehovah's Witnesses, yes, not North Korea, South Korea).

It'll be hard to fight a war or have a crusade with no soldiers.

The End of False Religion Is Near!

What Is False Religion?

Are you distressed about crimes committed in the name of religion? Do the warfare, terrorism, and corruption perpetrated by those who claim to serve God offend your sense of justice? Why does religion seem to be at the root of so many problems?

The fault lies, not with all religion, but with false religion. A widely respected religious figure, Jesus Christ, indicated that false religion produces bad works, just as a “rotten tree produces worthless fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-17) What fruit does false religion yield?

False Religion . . .
◼ MEDDLES IN WAR AND POLITICS: “Across Asia and beyond,” says the journal Asiaweek, “power-hungry leaders are cynically manipulating people’s religious sentiments for their own needs.” As a result, the journal warns: “The world threatens to sink into madness.” A prominent religious leader in the United States declared: “You’ve got to kill the terrorists before the killing stops.” His solution? “Blow them all away in the name of the Lord.” By contrast, the Bible says: “If anyone makes the statement: ‘I love God,’ and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar.” (1 John 4:20) Jesus even said: “Continue to love your enemies.” (Matthew 5:44) How many religions can you think of whose members engage in war?

◼ SPREADS FALSE DOCTRINE: Most religions teach that the soul or spirit is some invisible part of a human that survives the death of the physical body. By means of this teaching, many of these religions exploit their members, charging money to pray for departed souls. However, the Bible teaches a different doctrine. “The soul that is sinning​—it itself will die.” (Ezekiel 18:4) “The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5) Jesus taught that the dead will be resurrected​—an unnecessary action if humans had an immortal soul. (John 11:11-25) Does your religion teach that the soul does not die?

◼ ...

...

How to Identify True Religion

What good fruit should true religion produce?​—Matthew 7:17.

True Religion . . .
◼ PRACTICES LOVE: True worshippers are “no part of the world,” are not divided by race or culture, and display ‘love among themselves.’ (John 13:35; 17:16; Acts 10:34, 35) Rather than killing one another, they are willing to die for one another.​—1 John 3:16.

◼ TRUSTS GOD’S WORD: Instead of teaching “tradition” and “commands of men as doctrines,” true religion bases its doctrine on God’s Word, the Bible. (Matthew 15:6-9) Why? Because “all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight.”​—2 Timothy 3:16.

◼ ...

Remember, from my previous commentary:

originally posted by: whereislogic
...
Part 21​—1900 onward—​Skirts Splattered With Blood (Religion’s Future in View of It’s Past)

... The god of nationalism has clearly been able to manipulate the gods of religion. Thus, during World War II, while Catholics and Protestants in Great Britain and the United States were killing Catholics and Protestants in Italy and Germany, Buddhists in Japan were doing the same to their Buddhist brothers in southeast Asia.

...

So the bolded question, "How many religions can you think of whose members engage in war?", is quite pertinent. Something to think about when contemplating why I 'started'* my first comment with this video (*: after the video about cults):

I used a playlist link cause the subsequent video in that playlist relates to this and is the one I also shared under "Peace, kindness, goodness" (2nd video that I added later cause I know most if not all people would not click the playlist link, so perhaps they'll watch it when it's embedded in this thread; it's a very telling video regarding the behaviour, or resulting fruits of both Christendom and Christianity as they stand in contrast to one another and in relation to war, nationalism, worship of the state and its symbols and in contrast, love, peace and the true worship of the God of peace).

Even adherents of Jainism (hailed by some to be the most peaceful religion in the world) do military service, they even have a military academy called Jain University in India. Complete with pro-military propaganda video reminiscent of the propaganda seen in the movie Starship Troopers:



Fail. Note how they avoid even mentioning the only religious group, who as a group take a united stand against military service, with no exceptions. And reminds their adherents that military service is incompatible with Christianity and that...

Early Christians refused to serve in the Roman army, in both the legions and auxilia, considering such service as wholly incompatible with the teachings of Christianity. ...

“A careful review of all the information available goes to show that, until the time of Marcus Aurelius [121-180 C.E.], no Christian became a soldier; and no soldier, after becoming a Christian, remained in military service.” (The Rise of Christianity, by E. W. Barnes, 1947, p. 333) “It will be seen presently that the evidence for the existence of a single Christian soldier between 60 and about 165 A.D. is exceedingly slight; . . . up to the reign of Marcus Aurelius at least, no Christian would become a soldier after his baptism.” (The Early Church and the World, by C. J. Cadoux, 1955, pp. 275, 276) “In the second century, Christianity . . . had affirmed the incompatibility of military service with Christianity.” (A Short History of Rome, by G. Ferrero and C. Barbagallo, 1919, p. 382) “The behavior of the Christians was very different from that of the Romans. . . . Since Christ had preached peace, they refused to become soldiers.” (Our World Through the Ages, by N. Platt and M. J. Drummond, 1961, p. 125) “The first Christians thought it was wrong to fight, and would not serve in the army even when the Empire needed soldiers.” (The New World’s Foundations in the Old, by R. and W. M. West, 1929, p. 131) “The Christians . . . shrank from public office and military service.” (Editorial introduction to “Persecution of the Christians in Gaul, A.D. 177,” in The Great Events by Famous Historians, edited by R. Johnson, 1905, Vol. III, p. 246) “While they [the Christians] inculcated the maxims of passive obedience, they refused to take any active part in the civil administration or the military defence of the empire. . . . It was impossible that the Christians, without renouncing a more sacred duty, could assume the character of soldiers, of magistrates, or of princes.”​—The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Edward Gibbon, Vol. I, p. 416.

Source: Army (Insight on the Scriptures)

Religions are cults, they are just powerful and has more followers. Believing in a higher power and doing good deeds is enough for me.

a reply to: Terpene

I'm a firm believer tidying up at home first...

When that isn't the reality of what occurs?

a reply to: Crowfoot

Ooook a persistent one... By now there is probably not much bait left...

Lets see if i get it now.... you are a nazi but a shy one? you felt poked by my nazi comment and instead of saying that, you are babeling nonsense implying only the initiated understand? completely ignoring any questions on clarification....
Help me understand how you contribute to our conversation... Because obviously you lost me on your first comment and I wont bother to understand if you wont bother to explain...

a reply to: Terpene

Thanks for showing the world what occurs?

a reply to: Jeremiah33three

accept Christ into your heat and obey his commands!

Avoiding problems doesn't make them go way, let alone solve them. Why should you be afraid of cults? Isn't it written that you should not be afraid, because your Father-Creator takes care of you, so you can even go to a lion's den and be unharmed? You little of faith!

Also, what does 'accepting Christ into your heat' mean? I suppose it's a typo, and you meant to write 'heart', but even still, what does that mean? Can you accept Christ into other organs, too? Why don't people ever say 'accept Christ into your spleen'?

All humor aside, the Cosmic Messenger you are talking about didn't come here so people could just type lifeless phrases like this and call it a day. He came to tell us how we can change this world into a paradise, he gave us advice, truth and information, and people of this planet twisted his teachings and tortured him to death. Much of what he said has been petrified into cold phrases that are repeated without feeling or emotion by priests who don't even understand the meaning of them.

To gain life, you must lose life. People don't seem to even get this basic message anymore.

It means, to lose the materialistic, hedonistic, selfish, egotistical life, to gain a true life of love, compassion, sacrifice and helping your fellow man. Abandon the materialistic life for the spiritual one. Religious people are actually very materialistic, but they don't realize the religion is their obsession and their materialism.

They spew these empty phrases and think they're somehow above everyone else, without looking into their own inner life and seeing how it doesn't match the teachings of the Oiled One (yes, this is what Christ means, but I bet you didn't know that).

Rather than 'accept the Oiled One into your organ', it would be better to read his teachings and apply them in your everyday life. Instead of cancel culture and slapping people and being afraid, just let things go, turn the other cheek and know you are loved by The Creator of Existence.

You don't have to be so rigid about it.

Also, 'obey'?

When did he ever use this word? Why would you?

Obeying something is a slavelike behaviour, and you are blaspheming by putting this kind of ideas and words into his mouth. He was all about FREEDOM for all, not about slavery!

No one should EVER obey anything.

Obeying destroys free, individual thinking, it destroys spirit and love, it's something done just because someone says so. What is the motivation for this? Fear.

So you are spewing fear while being afraid while also writing nonsensical, empty phrases that mean absolutely nothing, and feeling like you are the 'elect'.

Also, The Creator never gives COMMANDS. The ten commandments (not commands) are GUIDELINES, from which systems of law and even legality have been created. They're not commands, and no one should just blindly obey something. Obeying is always wrong.

People should accept and live by rules they have deemed good and worthy of following, not just OBEY them just because you say so.

What good would it do to 'obey' if you have not even thought about what you are obeying or processed it at all?

Forced good is no good. If you abstain from murdering someone because that's your only choice, it's not goodness that's the driving force here.

If you abstain from murdering someone because you COULD make the choice to murder them, but still choose not to do it, only then your choice has any value.

So obeying would remove choice and make good into not good.

Doing something just because you are obeying, is not good, because it's like someone doing it for you. It's like someone having a rope around your wrist and controlling your hand, so when someone asks for volunteers, someone else pulls that string and your hand rises. Did you volunteer? It looks like you did, but you never had a choice, so what good is it?

Only if you CAN be evil, but you still choose to be good, has your goodness any value.

Snap out of your religious conditioning and stop vomiting empty phrases and start thinking for yourself and exploring the spirituality, find the connection between yourself and the Creator-Spirit of the Universe, and realize you don't need any 'commands to obey' or fearmonger your fellow men to 'accept anyone into any organ', you can let them just be free and find the Great Spirit by themselves. Without religious dogma.

Strangely, you speak against cults, but act like a brainwashed cult member, no offence meant.

a reply to: Shoujikina

Wow, yeah that was a typo. Should say "heart". Now this was originally written in Greek, and the figure of speech was understood as they associated the heart with the Mind. Continually have God on your Mind would be a better modern translation. Which does sound culty I admit. The difference is that this is our purpose.

But ATS is a cult... now what?

originally posted by: Jeremiah33three
a reply to: Shoujikina

Wow, yeah that was a typo. Should say "heart". Now this was originally written in Greek, and the figure of speech was understood as they associated the heart with the Mind. Continually have God on your Mind would be a better modern translation. Which does sound culty I admit. The difference is that this is our purpose.

In the Bible “heart” is the designation for the seat of affection and motivation. (Ps. 119:11) That the “heart” is what motivates the mind and course of action is illustrated in the report concerning the preparation for and construction of the tent of meeting in the wilderness. “Everyone whose heart impelled him,” all “whose hearts incited them,” contributed materials, skill and labor. (Ex. 35:21, 26, 29) God’s spirit acted on the hearts of Bezalel and Oholiab to teach, and to do the fine work required.—Ex. 35:30-35.

Because of its motivating force the heart focuses attention on what the person really is inside, so that the apostle Peter could speak of the “secret person of the heart.” (1 Pet. 3:3, 4) In Bible usage, the “heart” is considered separate and distinct from the “mind,” associated with the brain, although allowing for close interrelation, interplay and interdependency between them. The mind, as the term is applied in English usage, is the intellect or the information-gathering and knowledge center. It thinks and reasons on information and reaches conclusions. However, the heart greatly affects the individual’s actions, at times overruling the judgment or conclusions of the mind. The mind may, from experience and study, have information tending overwhelmingly to direct it to a particular conclusion. It may even have the logic and reasoning that point all one way, recommending a certain course. But if the heart has no desire to pursue that course and steadfastly refuses to do so, the individual will make a decision contrary to what the mind offers. By thus selecting between optional courses and fixing on one of them, the heart of man is said to ‘make plans,’ ‘thinking out his way.’ (Prov. 16:9; 19:21) This is particularly the case in moral or spiritual matters. The mature, Scripturally trained heart and mind will be at unity, not divided in devotion. (Mark 12:29-33) The Scriptures reveal this aspect of the heart’s importance.

Jesus Christ, in his illustration of the sower, pointed out that the seed of truth of God’s Word is directed, not merely at the mind, but primarily at the heart. Whether such seed produces fruit or not depends on what the individual does as to resisting adverse circumstances surrounding him. While knowing the Word of God in his mind, he may let a test, such as opposition, or anxieties and pleasures, snuff out or crowd out the growth of the seed in his heart. (Luke 8:5-15) How the heart is guarded is thus shown to be the determining factor, because the “sources of life” are linked, not primarily with the human mind, but with the heart.—Prov. 4:23.


All emotions affect the heart. An editorial in Health magazine of February 1966 stated: “Diseased thinking, diseased feelings (emotions), and diseased wills can contribute actively to the development of cardiac disorders.”—Page 3.

However, not only do all emotions affect the heart, but there is also evidence that the heart, in turn, affects the emotions. That the heart plays a role in forming the personality of its owner is also indicated by certain medical views. The book Emotions and Bodily Changes, by Flanders Dunbar (Columbia University Press, 1954), page 332, reports: “[Ludwig] Braun says in effect: Anxiety is an inner tactile sensation bound up with a special end apparatus, located in the cardiac tissue, which is well supplied with sensory nerve endings. . . .

“W. H. von Wyss, in a very interesting article, tends to consider the heart the organ of expression not only for anxiety, but for all affects [feelings or emotions]. He says:

“‘Psychic processes, especially emotions, have a bodily resonance and, vice versa, bodily processes have a psychic resonance. . . . Since circulation is that function the cessation of which means instantaneous termination of life, the heart has become one of the most important organs of inner expression. It is for this reason that the heart has such close relationships with the emotional life and has become the symbol of what is really individual in man, the symbol of his virtues and vices. It is the study of these relationships which brings us to the borderland of our knowledge, to the question of what in the last analysis binds psyche and soma [body] into a unity.’”