Author Topic: Does One have to be in a Cult to be a Cultist (Read 2684 times)

gunfighter · « **on:** November 21, 2011, 09:27:56 PM »

I have been accused of being a brainwashed cultist. I find it humorous. Here are the facts:

1. I only assist at the "cult's" mass a few times a year when I am out of town.

2. #1 has been the case for over 12 years.

3. I have not said more than hello to the leader of the alleged cult for more than 16 years.

4. I doubt that the leader would take my phone call, unless there is a very serious reason.

Given these facts, is it possible that I am a cultist?

ServusSpiritusSancti · « **Reply #1 on:** November 21, 2011, 09:32:25 PM »

What group are you talking about? The SGG or CMRI?

gunfighter · « **Reply #2 on:** November 21, 2011, 09:33:43 PM »

Quote from: SpiritusSanctus

What group are you talking about? The SGG or CMRI?

SGG/MHT

ServusSpiritusSancti · « **Reply #3 on:** November 21, 2011, 09:34:28 PM »

Well, I don't follow the SGG so I don't know.

gunfighter · « **Reply #4 on:** November 21, 2011, 09:37:31 PM »

The crux of the question is can one be in a cult and not associated with said cult? It doesn't matter what cult.

ServusSpiritusSancti · « **Reply #5 on:** November 21, 2011, 09:40:22 PM »

It depends. If one has the same views of some cult, then I'd imagine he would be considered a cultist. But I'm not sure if the SGG is cult, as again I don't keep up with it.

ora pro me · « **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2011, 10:41:27 PM »

I think that anyone who wishes to participate in this discussion should first come to an agreement on the definition of the word CULT.

The word CULT is greatly misunderstood. In our day and age this word has been redefined and most people only associate the word with a meaning of a group of brainwashed people who follow a charismatic leader and disassociate themselves from general society. Now that's my interpretation of the understood meaning that most people would have of the word in our modern time. If anyone is interested in knowing the true meaning of the word "cult", here is the Merriam Webster definition:

Definition of CULT
1: formal religious veneration : worship
2: a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents
3: a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents
4: a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator <health cults>
5a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad b : the object of such devotion c : a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion

So for the purpose of this discussion, what is everyone's understanding of the meaning of the word CULT?

Emerentiana · « **Reply #7 on:** November 22, 2011, 01:17:20 AM »

Quote from: ora pro me

I think that anyone who wishes to participate in this discussion should first come to an agreement on the definition of the word CULT.

The word CULT is greatly misunderstood. In our day and age this word has been redefined and most people only associate the word with a meaning of a group of brainwashed people who follow a charismatic leader and disassociate themselves from general society. Now that's my interpretation of the understood meaning that most people would have of the word in our modern time. If anyone is interested in knowing the true meaning of the word "cult", here is the Merriam Webster definition:

Definition of CULT
1: formal religious veneration : worship
2: a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents
3: a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents
4: a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator <health cults>
5a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad b : the object of such devotion c : a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion

So for the purpose of this discussion, what is everyone's understanding of the meaning of the word CULT?

Thanks Ora for the definition.
All of you know, I presume, that the Blessed Sacrament is called "the Cult of the Eucharist" by the church. Guess we are ALL cultists, right? :rolleyes:

TKGS · « **Reply #8 on:** November 22, 2011, 07:00:19 AM »

You are only a cult member if you believe that no one outside the SGG is part of the Church.

gunfighter · « **Reply #9 on:** November 22, 2011, 07:56:14 AM »

My wife's grandfather, may he rest in peace, used to make the distinction between a cult and a sect. Most people confuse the two and say cult instead of sect.

That being said for the purpose of this thread, cult is used in the manner it is typically used. Let me further clarify the thread. I have found that when someone defends SGG/MHT or challenges the SGG/MHT haters, they are accused of being a cultist. The implication is that they are brainwashed and cannot see the truth. In my opinion, it indicates that the SGG/MHT antagonists can not support their position based on evidence and logic. Thus, they instead of addressing the shortcomings in their case, they make ad hominem attacks.

So is it probable or even possible for someone that has essentially no affiliation with a cult/sect to be brainwashed by it?

gunfighter · « **Reply #10 on:** November 22, 2011, 07:58:00 AM »

Quote from: TKGS

You are only a cult member if you believe that no one outside the SGG is part of the Church.

Since I attend the CMRI Mass and my children attended a SSPX school, I am not a cultist. Is this a correct application of your position.

s2srea · « **Reply #11 on:** November 22, 2011, 09:56:06 AM »

Seriously- get over yourself and lets discuss more fruitful matters.

Everyone else- get over gunfighter, and lets discuss more fruitful matters.

gunfighter · « **Reply #12 on:** November 22, 2011, 10:16:31 AM »

Quote from: s2srea

Seriously- get over yourself and lets discuss more fruitful matters.

Everyone else- get over gunfighter, and lets discuss more fruitful matters.

It is not about me. It is about the use of ad hominem attacks to silence dissenting voices. I am using myself as an example, because on its face it is absurd. The fact that anyone can claim that I am brainwashed by an organization I am not affiliated with is psycho.

SJB · « **Reply #13 on:** November 22, 2011, 10:46:35 AM »

Quote from: ora pro me

I think that anyone who wishes to participate in this discussion should first come to an agreement on the definition of the word CULT.

The word CULT is greatly misunderstood. In our day and age this word has been redefined and most people only associate the word with a meaning of a group of brainwashed people who follow a charismatic leader and disassociate themselves from general society. Now that's my interpretation of the understood meaning that most people would have of the word in our modern time. If anyone is interested in knowing the true meaning of the word "cult", here is the Merriam Webster definition:

Definition of CULT
1: formal religious veneration : worship
2: a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents
3: a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents
4: a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator <health cults>
5a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad b : the object of such devotion c : a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion

So for the purpose of this discussion, what is everyone's understanding of the meaning of the word CULT?

One can develop cultic practices anywhere. The point is that our practices, as traditional Catholics, should be no more demanding of others than what the Church actually instructs.

s2srea · « **Reply #14 on:** November 22, 2011, 12:39:38 PM »

Quote from: gunfighter

It is not about me. It is about the use of ad hominem attacks to silence dissenting voices. I am using myself as an example, because on its face it is absurd. The fact that anyone can claim that I am brainwashed by an organization I am not affiliated with is psycho.

If you're so worried about the image of your person (which happens to be concealed by a pseudo-name), or are easily offended by ad hominem's encountered online, you're welcome to not post here.