What Makes Something a "Cult"?
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- Опубліковано 21 жов 2024
- The line between religion and cult is actually quite a blurry one, so we dive into the definitions of both and the characteristics of well-known "cults."
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The best description of a cult I've heard is "A group that you're not allowed to leave."
Ehat happens if you leave ;-;
This is accurate, they really push over the top to try to keep you in a cult
Like Christians
Not allowed to leave a lot of religions without losing the religious community you are part of this can include your family if your born into it, your friends and other small groups your tied to due to religion. This can isolate someone away from there families and friends because they don't believe something leaving them vulnerable
So are prisons temporary cults?
Personally, your criticism of the dictionary definitions was brilliant, thank you! I have been saying forever, the definition is atrocious and makes no clear distinction from pretty much any movement.
I would like to add that many cults seem to have a hierarchy and reward system for new members.
can't believe this vid only has 7.5k views, its a quality ass video and i appreciate your point of view
Says the one with 34 like Nowe views
5 years later it has ten times that, so good for them :)
I rarely comment on videos but i just have to say that your videos are just fantastic and i can see that it took much time and effort making these videos. Oh and just keep doing what your doing cause your gonna be big one day!
your*
@@0przem Thanks YTGPD -UA-cam Grammar Police Department.
What religions / belief sets / "cults" would you like to learn more about?
FreeMasonism
Jehovah's Witnesses
Mormonism
I grew up Mormon I'd like to learn more about that.
Apostolic church
Is there anything else that you think separates religions from cults? Or do you agree that it's mostly just our perspective and idea of being "unorthodox"?
I Am Your Target Demographic Wouldn't another thing that people use to differentiate religions from cults be the end goal and how they achieve their end goal? Although then again, perspective does play a part of how people label what is a religion and what is a cult.
I view a cult as a more extreme religion
A cult is having a leader with a God complex who exists as a human
"Cult" is used to scare people. The main criteria used by those who call The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a fear of people joining.
@@Hamann9631 What happens to the relationships for those leaving LDS faith? Acceptance of their autonomy or family/friends cutting them off?
I would like to see a video made by I Am Your Target Demographic about the Johovah's Witness organistion. There are many 'cult' elements to it which its members refuse to recognise. I have just 'discovered' this channel, have watched a few 'What is...' videos and have been impressed by the quality of research and unbiassed presentation. I will be watching more of them as they're very educational. Well done. Keep up the good work.
What are those ‘cult’ elements that you believe it’s members refuse to recognize?
Imagine pretending to know about something and can't even correctly spell its name.
Well done. Important stuff to learn about. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Thanks!
I can’t believe I just found this! This is great stuff, well thought out, and very informative! You should upload more now!
Love the video, totally spot on and not harsh
People throw around the word ”cult” so much that I'm starting to believe cults is just another word for religion
I've seen people call people or groups that has a following they don't like a cult and it's annoying as anything because they treat it like a signpost that wards people away from the person or group. When really it's just someone people admire or a group that people support.
"ThIs SoUnDs JuSt LiKe ThE [person or group they are hating on]"
A "cult" is just an unpopular/unaccepted religion, and a "religion" is just a popular/accepted cult.
I love what your channel is doing thank you!
Thanks. I was looking for a video that could explain it better to me. Quality content
Lol, I was one of those people you stated early on in your video. Except I always say organized religion is a cult. By all means, your beliefs etc are great(within reason). However, you did an amazing job on this video. Several points for me to think about. Thank you.
Once again, you've done an excellent job! I love how your videos are unbiased and an opinionated, merely stating the facts. Great job!
I learned that the main difference between a cult and a religion is that religion is a belief, a faith, a religious practice that is recognized by an independent country. It is true? For example, Jehovah's Witnesses, as far as I know, have not yet been recognized as a religion. They are a cult, but they should not be confused with a sect. I think the video should address these three terms: religion, worship and sect. Maybe a next one.
@Jeremiah Jackson JW/ LDS/ ISLAM / Catholicism are all cults
Squares and rectangles. Pretty much every cultist is a religious person. But not every religious person is a cultist.Every cult has some sort of worship or magical thinking, ritualistic behavior and a pathological devotion to the views they're set on. It defines their entire life 24/7. You can describe many Christians to live this way but the majority of Christians are "moderate" or very fluid in how strictly they follow the guidelines of the Bible. Most Christians don't go to church several times a week, tithe faithfully, talk about Jesus at every single turn trying to convert everyone they meet. But there many that do exhibity cult-like behavior. Sending kids to intensive summer camps where kids are praying and spending hours at church everyday for a month. That's the whole stereotypical brainwashy side of religion everyone usually critiques.
It's an interesting intersection because you will notice EVERY cult--even in groups that seem non-religious-- will wind up having magical thinking. They lure in traumatized, vulnerable people with a sense of divine purpose. You can see this in these "Multi-level Marketing/Network Marketing" companies that talk about "Reprogramming your mind" and start recommending all these self-help books like "The Secret." And in the end they're usually all about one end goal. Making money.
Christianity also has the backing of the judeo texts which prophecized him. I see what you're going for but it's not exactly comparable
So, essentially all religions can be categorized as cults. It all depends on where you draw the line and how much of an effect you want the word cult to have. If you want it to be a strong and highly negative word, it's recommended to be more catious about using it. If you however don't want it to be as heavy of a word, you could describe all religions as cults.
The LGBT movement (and most modern liberal associations) are cults
Everything you just described as properties of a cult I can compare to almost every religion
Except compulsion. In Abrahamic religion, compulsion to STAY or to ACCEPT is forbidden. I met a cute girl before... more than 5 years we’ve been acquainted and I attempted to capture her heart. Then suddenly one day she said “if you want my unconditional love” you must accept my faith. How the F is that unconditional? I noped the hell out so fast
Yes they are really the same thing all the corruption in the word and misunderstanding makes them look bad
@@ImranPangilinanShe told you that after FIVE years? That’s not cool.
I'd agree that it's all about perspectives.
What I think matters is why are you calling them a cult.
I always find people calling The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a cult, what I can see is they misuse "cult" as an insult.
Those of you who call someone a member of a cult, keep this in mind; someone will not accept any information from you if you make them feel insulted. Some people even call The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints BITE!
I ask you, don't believe everything you read about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints written by anonymous sources.
Yes but Joseph Smith was a false prophet though!!
I've always preferred an anthropological view of religion, that it's how individuals and groups define and explore what they consider sacred and/or profane.
You missed out on discussing fanaticism, ie it is very similar to cults but has notable differences.
Religion comes form the latin word RE means to interlink and the word LIGION and means among many... and the word CULT comes from the latin word culture. Nothing about faith or worship.
Give a cult enough time and it'll turn into a religion
Typical atheist propaganda
Yessss
My cult approves this message...
And your happy with that?
All religions start as cult , time and politics make cult a religion .
This!
Just like the two big cults of the US political system are viewed like religions to the millions that go out to "Pray" every fourth November.
I propose a profile that all cults share. A cult is begun by employing a bait and switch strategy. Levels of esoteric knowledge are dealt out as more loyalty is given. A cult coerces people to give unrestricted access for the leader to know about adherents' personal and family life and dictate aspect that no major religions do. The leader takes more benefits for his own leisure than he gives to the common adherent. After the leader authoritatively gives esoteric knowledge he abrogates his own earlier revelations when they contradict new revelations.
A cult is a religion designed to control their body. Everything you spoke about is how and partially why they exert their control. A proper religion is about the betterment of the body. The line between the two can sometimes seem blurry, unfortunately.
good video. Pretty spot on
Literally any organization can be considered a cult. The definition is way to vague.
cults are inherently evil
@kevinkirby4305 Fair enough, but it's not a static definition. More like a list of symptoms, diagnosing a cult is similar to diagnosing a mental illness. There is a list of characteristics and if a group hits too many of them,, particularly the one where you're not allowed to leave, that will make it a cult.
I hate when people call something a cult just because they try to recruit people and/or have an initiation ceremony
lol
@@reefread1234 lol what
Lmao
Well presented.
So about what you said in the beginning , religions ARE kinda cults, because they were perceived as it that way in those years. Right?
7:52 the guy in the back looks like John Boyega
Supreme Obama
Time traveller
There are many issues with the thinking of the author of this video. He said a group who says to give up your possessions is a common factor of a cult, but the bible taught several time to give up your possessions and follow christ. He also said a common factor of a cult was idolizing a person. In the Bible Jesus was followed as a individual leader and for his unorthodoxed teachings he was separate from the majority groups. Jesus and his group the disciples and apostles were called a sect or cult by the majority group. Jesus was accused of teaching unorthodoxed and what seemed to be new biblical teachings also. If being a follower of a person (Jesus) who is separate and unorthodoxed from the majority groups is a classification of a cult I guess I'm a member of what everyone calls a cult. But God calls this a follower of righteousness. "THE WAY"
Those are all fair points. So how would you define a cult?
well to be fair, the term cult itself isn't necessarily a bad thing in terms of its definition, its the connotations associated with the word the make you not want to be related to it. In the dictionary I use, a cult can be 'a relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange..'. so you could say that was a cult, but since belief in god has obviously grown a lottt since its origins, it is not really classified as a cult anymore as its not so much regarded as strange than just a category of normal by others who disagree. it can also be 'a system of religious veneration and devotion directed towards a particular figure or object' which would also be true for following God.
Who is the man with the long grey beard in this video? Was he the leader of some cult? I see him around 6:40
That's Charles Manson, a cult leader who ordered the assassinations of almost 20 people, which his followers (or himself) committed.
same
For pagan religions, a cult is just worshipping one god or goddess more than another. It's still part of the religion but your worshiping one god or goddess more or hold them in a higher regard.
The problem is, different dictionaries will give different meanings. The MacQuarie Dictionary (my personal choice) defines cult as:
1) a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
2) an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers...
and more. While the Oxford Dictionary says:
1) A system of religious veneration and devotion directed towards a particular figure or object.
2) A relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or as imposing excessive control over members.
3) A person or thing that is popular or fashionable among a particular group or section of society.
So depending on which definition you want to go with, any religious belief CAN be classified as a cult. I don't think there is a hard and fast rule. I think a good practise would be to include the word orthodox/unorthodox although this, too can be a subjective term.
7;:43 -- I believe it was actually... Flavor-Air
*7:43
All opinions are not subjective. That is a fact. Believing that opinions are subjective is not a subjective opinion. It's just you being incorrect. There's a difference
If u can do one on church of christ ...some think it's a cult but it's not it just has strong beliefs and strictly by the bible anyway I'd like to see your view points on it
Religion = Language, Cult = Dialect
Some dialects become languages and some cults become religions.
What cult was pictured with all the people playing recorders? I damn sure wanna stay away from that one.
Watching this in online school 😐
😂
I won’t deny that there are some cults out there but I get the impression that the term “cult” is often used as a stand in for “I don’t like this religion so people should feel bad for believing it.”
I recently learned something I thought would make an interesting discussion.
Time + Cult = religion.
And the word cult here wasn't used as a BAD thing. Just that a group of people with similar beliefs that they hold to very strongly.
A CULT cannot be positive.... never
@@J_a_s_o_nby that logic cults and religions cannot mean the same thing
THEY ARE THE SAME RELIGION AND CULT ARE SAME
Good video
If you want to get through the video faster, I recommend using x1.15 speed
Blind allegiance to Donald Trump is like a cult.
Blind allegiance to any politician or celebrity is like a cult
I believe that a cult is not necessarily a bad thing. Allow me to explain...
Some people consider a particular group or groups to be a cult, for instance the Jehovah's Witnesses. Why do I say this? They are a prime example. They teach traditional values, to have honorable morals, not smoking, gambling, doing drugs, etc. They teach what Christ taught, e.g. "Love thy neighbor," so for some people, that's fine. For others, they consider the requirements for joining to be too strict, since it would hinder what they (you or me) consider to be personal freedom. To another person, it gives them a reason to do better, to be a beneficial participant in society, to not do drugs.
The JWs are HARD to get into, but incredibly simple to get out of. I've studied them, and you have to be living what the Bible considers to be moral, clean, God respecting life. Again, for one person, to abide by a set of rules and standards that they consider to be too restrictive, would be hindering their freedom. They might want to be sexually promiscuous, and for that reason they consider JWs to be a cult. For another, it is a reason to live what some consider "moral" lives. Same with Mormons, Baptists or what have you. One big thing I look for is tithing and money matters. Does the church demand to know your income? Do they make a public display of passing the plate or what have you? If so, my opinion leans towards cult territory. That's my opinion, yet most Baptist churches pass a plate. And that's my opinion, not yours. I won't judge you badly for passing the plate. That's your decision, and I respect your right to believe in it. I don't have to respect your beliefs. Only you as a human brother or sister of mine.
A cult is a subjective thing. But, it is only a word that few truly know the meaning of.
When you said it was very easy to get out of I kind of had to laugh. As someone who was raised a Jehovah's witness. (And yes I consider it a cult) it is actually a very difficult decision to leave since you'll get shunned by everyone in it and as someone raised this way, I had no other friends excepts those in the religion. The mental damage it does to you to just get shunned by everyone you once considered as "brothers and sisters" is much more catastrophic than you might expect.
@@proofessordank8497 Your comment is correct. I agree with you on this. I mean that in technicality, if you voice any opinion or do ANYTHING that goes against what is considered "right" by the governing body, then you will be marked and kicked to the curb faster than you can know. The shunning is an issue as well.
You will be happy to know that I have changed my stance on my religion in the last 10 months. There was a book titled "Then the nations shall know that I am Jehovah - How?" from 1971. Page 216 P. 9 states: "Shortly, within our twentieth century, the "battle in the day of Jehovah" will begin against Christendom"
Now read Deuteronomy 18:20-22.
That sentence reflects the ideals of that time period within the Witness community, and the things being taught by Watchtower at that time. The Bible clearly shows that we should not follow a false prophet. They plainly lied, and now, I wish to thank you and your community for showing me from the Bible that my former leaders were bald faced liars who would never own up to their problems. I have been freed in thought and have been able to take in a deeper understanding of scripture, and for the first time in my life, I have truly come to know the love that God and Christ have for me.
I do not know whether or not you still believe in God, so please accept my sentiments as a compliment if you do not. I do not wish to start a comment fight.
@@dogge929 I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness. I am not today but I have family that still are.
Speaking of bald face liars, you claimed they are “HARD to get into.” How? Anyone can attend their meetings for free. They invite the public to attend their conventions, for free. Anyone can go on their website and read or download any of their books, magazines, or watch videos, also for free. If someone wanted to have a Bible study with them, that is also free. You mentioned money matters were a concern, just wanted to point that out. No collection plate is ever passed around either.
You don’t have to pay for any courses like in Scientology. There is no confidential information like in Scientology.
So how is it “HARD to get into?”
Also in your reply you kinda contradict yourself. Because at first you said “I’ve studied them.” Then you later referred to the governing body as “my former leaders.”
Also, anyone can leave whenever they want, I did when I was 19 or so.
@@photosynthesis69 If I remember that particular train of thought correctly, I was referring to having to give up certain habits such as smoking for example, in order to be baptized.
It is easy to get kicked out, but sadly, shunning is a problem that would affect most people trying to leave.
I was at a crossroads when I made that comment. I still view most Witnesses as genuinely good people, though they are thoroughly misguided. They follow the traditions of men above God.
Time and again over the last year, the Watchtower produces articles that keep hammering on the "obey even if it does not make sense from a human standpoint."
They contradict themselves by claiming to be God's organization, yet they also say that the Governing Body is not inspired.
They have made and continue to make false predictions, showing themselves a false prophet who should not be trusted.
I am not a "yes" man so as to sweep lies and contradictions under the rug. I bring them out into the open, because that is the real search for truth, isn't it? Sadly, the people I know within the congregation do not share my viewpoint. I no longer respect their beliefs, because they are too stubborn to change them when presented with scriptural backing to show otherwise.
*ALL RELIGIONS ARE CULTS*
Darth Star Killer and all cults are religions
😂🤣 He said not to do that. I was going to just cause you beat me to it.
I would say the deciding factor is whether they cut you off from outside influences, like family and friends or not. It’s the same with domestic abusers.
So Are Casinos Cults?
What about a good cult??most of us we all live different experiences have different beliefs but still can be respectful not manipulative or show hate like I believe in avoiding worldly things for god but I don't push it or force it on others I am part of a church I honestly can see that it's the peoples fault not the cult you should not force it it should be like a club they want to join??
I think that a religion on it self can be a religion
But some groups with in can be and are coults
Inadequate definition.
Galatians 1:8&9 explains it all
Aha!
All religion has components of cultism, all cults can be considered to be religions. In my eyes both cults and religion are the same
so a religion is a cult that has survived time
Even after watching this video I still see Christianity as a cult
Why is religion okey but no a cult? Should bot both have the right to exist?
I just discovered your videos and am impressed but feel a bit plagiarized. Your videos follow the same outline as the book I'm writing. But none of my writing has yet been published, so you couldn't have plagiarized it. My book is simply research because I'm a non-believer, but I still pray. So I'm not sure what I am.
I suggest that cults are broader than you describe. For example, is the Mormon faith a religion or a Christin cult? It certainly is unorthodox compared to Lutherans. But so is Catholicism. Using your definition, you can call all major Christian denominations cults. It's not a stretch to describe the Pope or Joseph Smith a charismatic leader that demands money from its followers.
I’ve already experienced the terror of the narcissist so I get it 👍
oh my god... I was raised in a cult!
Which cul? can u explain
Which cul? can u explain
@@MadaraUchiha-ub7tb mormon
Cult can be also anything when people r forced to follow the orthodox beliefs.
In 🇺🇸America you get to 🤔choose what to believe and who to believe.
Hindusim is not a religion.... We don't need to believe...... We a promoted to seek...... Worshiping and following gods is subjective..... And any one can be considered a God if the reach a particular level of enlightenment... Ok
And you have HOW many gods?
@@fooser77 infinite amount of God's..... But there are 33 types of god
Please do a video on efilism!
yo wagwan 9so my gdem
wogwon
A religion was a cult basically
I still wonder if Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult
I actually am one, and, in my opinion it isn't because of how easy it is to leave and my personal experience, however, I recognize that there is a lot of cases in which people go against what they're *supposed* to do and just end up shunning or hurting people. In my opinion, since we refuse as a whole to try and silence or reply to criticism as a whole, I believe that those cases become hyperbolized or people make it seem like there's a lot more cases than there are. We don't believe we'll ever need to commit suicide or something absurd like that, we're genuinely just Christians.
@@WillPurestWill Yea tbh the disfellowshipped thing is just exaggerated by people they act like it’s cruel when in reality it makes a lot of sense if a person does something wrong with no care then why would a organization that is focused on following Bible principles just let someone continue to be recognized as in association with them because without a doubt then people would say that Jehovah’s witnesses are hypocritical and doing this and that without any care. Also the elders still check on ones who have left from time to time it’s way more of a reasonable system then people think. It allows the person to decide how they want to live there life without bringing reproach on the organization. Of course disfellowshipped ones are still loved but the hope is that they decide to make there way back and if they don’t then that’s there decision. Overall doesn’t sound all that extreme to me it’s just obviously hurts more when it’s a family member.
@@WillPurestWill I mean yeah I wouldn’t count your religion as a cult.
Ex jw here, I believe I grew up on a cult.
The perfect church on Earth does not exist and you cannot make the perfect church. If you can prove me wrong and find this church DO NOT JOIN IT!!! If you do you will spoil it.
Religion is just a larger and older cult
Done🤷♀️
We are a in a forced cult
I NEEM BAnNED FOR BEING A CULT
I CANT MAKE ANYMORE PLAYLIST I GUY HARRASED BY UA-camRS AND SHIT ALL DAY
100000
All cults are religious but not all religions are cults.
There are political and secular cults
@@WillPurestWill and they have religious aspects in them.
@@crmesson22k Indeed MOST OF THE TIME, although, there are legitimate times where they do not.
@@WillPurestWill I really don't care
@@crmesson22k Okay, you don't need to
MGTOW is not a cult
When a group has power, the group will label a dissenting group a cult. Also yeah MGTOW isn't a cult since the red-pill guys have troubles agreeing with each other; there is no unified doctrine or a sacred text. It's an equivalent to atheism
Ah, yes, the dislikes are from cults.
Lol
Islam
Jizya: check
Disowning and disassosiating: check
Violence and threats especially to those who leave: Check
What is a Jizya? Also, disowning and dissociating is not part of it, you can have non-Muslim friends. The third is true tho, as far as I know
Been in a lot of cults - please read the BIBLE in context - it is THE Word of God. Ask God (no one else) to reveal HIS WORD to you.
Yes but each denomination interprets the bible differently and they think their interpretation of scripture is the right one
45,000 different versions of manmade BS.
Cult plus time equals religion.
there the same
You went to government school, didn't you?
So in essence, it would be safe to say that:
1. All religions started out as cults
2. Cult are in essence immature religions
3. That America is a Theocracy, the religion is Capitalism, the poor are the sinners and the richest are saints