Have you ever lived in a geographical cult area?

Have you ever lived in a religious cult area? I have, and am, right now. It is a struggle even to communicate, due to the cult rules which, as an outsider, seem so bizarre, so unnecessary. They seem to lack insight, learn by rote, and can't tolerate any criticism. Rough go.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

ArishMell · 70-79, M

I wish I could remember the name of the Australian-British comedienne (Sarah ----?)who has made her upbringing by parents who became Jehovah's Witnesses a rich source of her act - not least for its incredible pettiness.

However she also reveals its darker side, and in one of her shows I heard on BBC Radio Four in which it was clear she regards the Witnesses as a cult, she also asked what defines a "cult"?

Having given a horrifying description of her experience when she successfully helped a young Canadian at his request to break away from the JWs, she offered one of the best definitions of a cult is given by how it treats anyone who leaves it, or tries to leave.

FlowersNButterflies · 61-69, F

@ArishMell Yes! A cult tries to control others around it, too, trying to entice others in, so those who have no interest are loathed. Cults rule from fear, or a joined hatred. Not unlike neo nazis and other violent social or religious political zealots who want to run the world, and must be homogenous in nature. Many religious zealots have no clue how hate-filled and controlling they are, and want to take away the rights of others while still maintaining their own.

Like, "just give us your life and choices, and nobody gets hurt"! Sick.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@FlowersNButterflies That's an interesting point, their ignorance of their own attitudes.

I'd not spotted that but it chimes with what we now see as the main attribute of a lot of "coercive and controlling behaviour". I use the quote marks because the clause is the legal term for that offence under UK law; aimed originally at domestic abuse, usually by one spouse of the other, and of any form not just physical.

I suppose they become so wrapped in being "right" they become unable to see beyond the wall they build around themselves.

Perhaps also fear - not just of each other and of their central leader (e.g. Scientology) or committee (e.g. the JWs), but also of outsiders.