How dou you define a cult?

Originally posted by josephw
Cult- Any belief system that denies the truth.

The truth of course being that only proper way to mix a mint julep is to collect the tenderest leaves of mint while they are still bathed in early morning dew, carefully chill a silver beaker to 34 degrees fahrenheit, crush ice until it is just on the verge of evaporating into a hazy cloud, select the finest bourbon that you can lay hands on in six surrounding counties, throw all the other ingredients into the nearest trashcan and top off the beaker with the bourbon and slowly sip it while you reflect on the ephemeral nature of existence and the deep mystery that accompanies the fact that some people are so full of themselves that they claim to know things that no sane man would.

Originally posted by TerrierJack
The truth of course being that only proper way to mix a mint julep is to collect the tenderest leaves of mint while they are still bathed in early morning dew, carefully chill a silver beaker to 34 degrees fahrenheit, crush ice until it is just on the verge of evaporating into a hazy cloud, select the finest bourbon that you can lay hands on in six surro ...[text shortened]... hat some people are so full of themselves that they claim to know things that no sane man would.

While inebriated.

Originally posted by TerrierJack
The truth of course being that only proper way to mix a mint julep is to collect the tenderest leaves of mint while they are still bathed in early morning dew, carefully chill a silver beaker to 34 degrees fahrenheit, crush ice until it is just on the verge of evaporating into a hazy cloud, select the finest bourbon that you can lay hands on in six surro ...[text shortened]... hat some people are so full of themselves that they claim to know things that no sane man would.

Spoken like a true Kentuckian!

Originally posted by TerrierJack
The truth of course being that only proper way to mix a mint julep is to collect the tenderest leaves of mint while they are still bathed in early morning dew, carefully chill a silver beaker to 34 degrees fahrenheit, crush ice until it is just on the verge of evaporating into a hazy cloud, select the finest bourbon that you can lay hands on in six surro ...[text shortened]... hat some people are so full of themselves that they claim to know things that no sane man would.

You got to give them credit for trying...but only that . These questions are way off at times...Why is the rum always gone?

Originally posted by Zort Boy
Your thoughts?

An organization that has a system of beliefs that supports recruiting.Discourages members from using their own understanding and judgement. Supplies thier interpretation of any religious writings. Usually convinces members that God is on their side only. Preaches that God communicates directly to or through them. Shuns individuals that do not comply with the organizations rules. Effectively controls their members lives.

Originally posted by joe beyser
An organization that has a system of beliefs that supports recruiting.Discourages members from using their own understanding and judgement. Supplies thier interpretation of any religious writings. Usually convinces members that God is on their side only. Preaches that God communicates directly to or through them. Shuns individuals that do not comply with the organizations rules. Effectively controls their members lives.

Sounds like a lot of mainstream religions do all of the above to a certain extent.

Originally posted by PsychoPawn
No. What I'm saying is that cults are in many cases just people who hold religious beliefs that are not held by most so they're usually belittled as being a cult.

For example, if I got 30 people together and decided to follow Zeus and the greek gods again we would be derided as being a cult. However, it is not a set of beliefs that is all that strange ...[text shortened]... compared to the idea of the universe being created in 6 days and the other stuff in the bible.

cults are the sprouts upon the floor of the forest of faith. All of the great religions were at one time a "cult"

for example, if 2000 years ago, I got a small group of people together and decided to follow Jesus, it would be derided by the believers in Zeus as being "strange". And if this new movement threatened the establishment, there would be many persecutions seeking to stomp out this "cult".

it can be hard to imagine that those big trees were one time mere sprouts

Originally posted by Melanerpes
cults are the sprouts upon the floor of the forest of faith. All of the great religions were at one time a "cult"

for example, if 2000 years ago, I got a small group of people together and decided to follow Jesus, it would be derided by the believers in Zeus as being "strange". And if this new movement threatened the establishment, there would be many ...[text shortened]... this "cult".

it can be hard to imagine that those big trees were one time mere sprouts

Your reasoning assumes there are no absolutes.

A cult is an institution that deviates from the truth.

Originally posted by Melanerpes
cults are the sprouts upon the floor of the forest of faith. All of the great religions were at one time a "cult"

for example, if 2000 years ago, I got a small group of people together and decided to follow Jesus, it would be derided by the believers in Zeus as being "strange". And if this new movement threatened the establishment, there would be many ...[text shortened]... this "cult".

it can be hard to imagine that those big trees were one time mere sprouts

That's pretty much what I was getting at.

In fact, there were numerous persecutions against this cult and others. I think the phrase "throw the christian to the lions" is evidence of that.

Most jewish holidays are celebrations of getting out from under oppression - Hannukah, Passover, Purim...

Originally posted by josephw
Your reasoning assumes there are no absolutes.

A cult is an institution that deviates from the truth.

...as defined by you, or about 6 and a half billion other people. (Tho admittedly not all of that number requires medication to be able to live with others and treat them with respect.)

Originally posted by TerrierJack
...as defined by you, or about 6 and a half billion other people. (Tho admittedly not all of that number requires medication to be able to live with others and treat them with respect.)

Quite hypocritical. Have you had your medication today?

Originally posted by TerrierJack
A cult is when you crouch in a corner mumbling strange things. When I crouch in the corner it is a religion (especially if I am clutching a bottle of bourbon.)

Ah bourbon, now that is... "Every Mans Battle".

Originally posted by josephw
Quite hypocritical. Have you had your medication today?

I'm not the one claiming to know the truth. I try to treat everyone with respect until they show that they have no respect for others. Don't you understand how insulting your statement was? Or do you just not care who you insult? What am I being hypocritical about - can you even explain that? I did NOT say that you were wrong about anything - I just pointed out that you were abrasive and insulting (qualities that you confirmed with your response.) You got the exact response that you deserved. Treat people with respect then they might have some respect for you - as it is I don't think you are worthy of respect.

Originally posted by TerrierJack
I'm not the one claiming to know the truth. I try to treat everyone with respect until they show that they have no respect for others. Don't you understand how insulting your statement was? Or do you just not care who you insult? What am I being hypocritical about - can you even explain that? I did NOT say that you were wrong about anything - I just poi ...[text shortened]... then they might have some respect for you - as it is I don't think you are worthy of respect.

Don't need nor require your respect.

Your post is rather extreme. I hope you didn't start crying about it.
I didn't say anything that you should be so offended by. Everyone posting in this forum says what's on their mind without threat of censorship. (None of mine have been moderated out) So stop acting like a little girl. Unless you are one. In that case I apologise.

You were hypocritical when you talk about respect couched in subtlety.

"...as defined by you, or about 6 and a half billion other people. (Tho admittedly not all of that number requires medication to be able to live with others and treat them with respect.)"

Originally posted by josephw
Your reasoning assumes there are no absolutes.

A cult is an institution that deviates from the truth.

I am only observing that there are many claims to the truth. Some claims have existed for many years and are believed by many many people. Others have only existed briefly and have only a few followers.

The former are the established religions. The latter are the cults. All established religions were at one time a cult.

But I would expect that if something is an absolute truth, it will stand the test of time. And if something whithers quickly, it probably had severe flaws.