Is scientology a cult?

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Posted by Jim on Jan 17, 2008 201 views

Wether you believe in Hollywood or celebrities, there are a few things we can agree about Scientology. First, it was on the brink of disappearing as a religion or cult. And two, they picked up Tom Cruise and have never looked back. Tom Cruise does not appear to breach any religion in Risky Business or Top Gun, films I saw on the big screen. But his life has certainly been about Scientology since then. And in the news for days we have had this book about the two.

So what defines a cult? A cult is outside of rock fans, refers to groups that have extreme views outside of the norm or mainstream for religious, political and therapeutic groups. We also have cults in buiness, such as pyramid schemes and AMWAY. The fact that a cult means can be applied to religion, politics, business and entertainment is the largest reason fans of entertainers usually reject being cult a cult.

But a cult isn’t just a fan club. A cult has deep involvement from its members that to outsides can be perceived as harmful behavior. This includes donations of property, time, hair and life. The sad thing is cults are usually mocked in the media with death pacts and asteroids. But a cult does have a perception to outsiders that it places an excessive amount of pressure and control over its members. In most cases to the point of exploitation by the group or unhealthy compulsive behavior on the individuals part.

I find the idea of any meter measuring my soul or spirit to be too far of a stretch for me, let alone as a certified accountant for someone to audit my state of being. Do I see Tom Cruise under the control of Scientology? I don’t know - but I do seem Tom Cruise displaying an unhealthy compulsive behavior about his being a scientologist. Now step back and ask myself how often have I seen Tom Cruise? Never. I just see him through the eyes of the media. So he may be painted badly as a cult scientologist to feed their media buzz demands. We have to give him the benefit of the doubt.

You could certainty say that priests in the Holy Roman Catholic Church are in a cult, as are sisters. Especially if you are on the outside such as Christian church goers and leaders who can be woman, married, and work part time. It is all a matter of perspective.