...Mormonism is a Cult The issue I intend to research is how the modern religion of Mormonism shows the same qualities as a large cult. When we were choosing topics in class, we had discussed about a paper that a student intended to write about that was very broad. Does religion cause war? When we had to simplify that topic I wrote down something along the lines of why modern Mormons go on religious missions today? At home I had researched the means of why Mormonism is the only religion that continues to spread its works around and so on. But in most of my research a lot of associations of cults and secret groups kept popping up on my screen. Looking into these articles and conspiracies, I found small relationships of Mormonism and cults like forms of practice. What I found that really took my attention was the tie of Mormonism and politics. Fascinating conspiracies of cult-like ideas root from the election of Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. The issue of religion itself is included into the constitution and has many controversial issues within. My topic of religion matters because it is a very sensitive word that takes on a lot of meaning. People dedicate their lives for faith and frown upon certain human interactions like love and controls it. I chose this because I do not understand religion and for some reason it is wrong to question it. My basic research question stems from Mormonism and cults. Other key words when researching are religion and politics and cult definitions...
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...Destructive cults defined within literature Much of what American society has come to understand or know about cults has been depicted by the media in controversial headlines and television dramas which primarily have been depicted on a negative note. Therefore, it is important to establish that not all cults are negative or destructive nor are they technically considered cults, but are rather labeled due to their unorthodox views. Over the years the definition of a cult has shifted and is used differently depending on the perspective or the context in which it is used, in North America there are three general perspectives used in relation to knowledge about cults; religious perspective, sociology and academic theology, and the mental health field, (Tapper, 2005). Based on each perspective or specialization is how the different definitions are used; in particular, religious conformists define a cult as any group or religion that deviates from traditional religious scripture, those who study cults find the term judgmental and prosecuting to those whose belief system is different, and lastly is the perspective from former cult members, their families, and the mental health professionals who treat them who do not focus on the belief of a group rather on the specific behaviors that violate human rights and cause harm (Tapper, 2005). For the purpose of this research paper, the focus will be on destructive cults from a mental health perspective. A destructive cult is defined as...
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...religions or cult practices become inhumane or unjust Introduction This research project examines when unorthodox religions or cult practices either becomes or perceived as inhumane or unjust by specifically focusing on unorthodox religions during a twenty year period between the 1950’s through the 1970’s. The research focuses on five different unorthodox religions: The People’s Temple, founded by Jim Jones, Heaven’s Gate, founded by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard, Children of God, founded by David Berg, and Branch Davidians, founded by David Koresh. Langone, M. D. (1995). These five unorthodox religions or cults may have had or have different doctrines and practices, but research shows that they may all share the common trait of being inhumane or unjust. Rationale/Thesis Statement In the International Cultic Studies Association article, by Dole and Eichel (1985), a survey was conducted about dangerous practices associated with cults and referenced different actions that they deemed destructive, from coercion to enslavement, which they believe to be inhumane and unjust. This research study will attempt to uncover some of these practices and find out what draws people to these unorthodox religions or cults. Likewise, this research project also attempts to determine the point at which practices become inhumane or unjust. It’s interesting to note, that three out of the five unorthodox religions or cults included in this research were...
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...Why Individuals Conform to Cult Behavior Jesse A. G. Oakes Social Psychology ~ Fisher College Why Individuals Conform to Cult Behavior When answering the question why and how do individuals conform to cult behavior, one will perhaps better understand this scenario along with how it takes place by remembering and referring to the fundamentals of persuasion. Accomplished through not only the Central Route of persuasion, containing the critical content, but also the Peripheral Route lending to the acceptance and trust of the individual viewed as the leader, messenger, through superficial cues. In association with these fundamentals, it is important to realize the individual being drawn into a cult, more than likely has existing personal circumstances, which places them in a fragile state, which allows them to be more easily preyed upon. When speaking of the word “cult”, as individuals we each have a personal opinion of the word and what it means. However most if not all make a judgment and apply it to a group generally in regards to belief and/or practices in the realm of religion. Another reference, specifically, Merriam-Webster.com the word “cult” is defined as formal religious worship, a system of religious beliefs and ritual, great devotion to a person, idea, object, or movement. Research conducted by Margaret Singer, Ph.D. and reported in Psychology Today (January, 1979), encompassed individuals who were involved with cults, and later left either on their own...
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...difference between a sect and a cult?" Answer: The word sect comes from the Latin word secta, which means “school of thought.” It is a subjective term that may apply to a religious faith or denomination, or it may refer to a heretical splinter group. Sometimes, the connotation is one of disapproval, similar to the “destructive heresies” spoken of in 2 Peter 2:1, though there are no consistent or accepted exemplars to use to identify a sect. Sects are found in all religions. Islam has Sunnis and Shias, Judaism has Orthodox and Karaites, Hinduism has Shiyaism and Shaktism, and Christianity has Baptists and Lutherans. These are all examples of religious sects, and they can be thought of as “branches” of different religions. There are also non-religious sects, such as capitalists and socialists among economists, or Freudians and Jungians among psychiatrists. In contradistinction, the word cult always carries a negative connotation. There are specific criteria used to identify a cult. In Combatting Cult Mind Control, deprogrammer Steven Hassan singles out what he refers to as “destructive cults,” which he defines as “a pyramid-shaped authoritarian regime with a person or group of people that have dictatorial control. It uses deception in recruiting new members (e.g. people are NOT told up front what the group is, what the group actually believes and what will be expected of them if they become members).” Hassan also correctly points out that cults are not only religious; they...
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...up of ice, rock, dust and gases, but also can be about the size of a small city or town. However, they cannot be planets like Earth, but from NASA’s research, “They may have brought water and other organic compounds through collisions with Earth and other bodies in our solar system.” Comets are located in the Kuiper belt and Oort cloud and according to information, that is where they originated from. The Kuiper belt is a thick ring around the ecliptic close to the planet, Neptune. The Oort cloud is another massive cloud surrounding our solar system with icy comets preserved inside. By the way, the Oort cloud...
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...The Effect of Social Factors on Students' Academic Performance in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions Introduction College life can be stressful, although it is undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences in one's life. It represents a critical developmental period for both late adolescents and young adults (Chickering, 1969). Social factors such as romantic relationships, organizations and clubs, and sports activities have been found to have effects on students' academic performance. These social factors affect academic performance in terms of time demanded and the psychological state they may cause. A student may be influenced to be involved in any of the stated variables. The question is how one strikes a balance between the stressful academic attainment and social activities. Environment Environment comprises factors that play a role in academic performance. The environment may be physical or socio-physical. All factors have a direct or indirect relationship with students' performance. Romantic Relationships The daily routine of university life brings new sleeping and eating habits, increased workload, and new responsibilities. University students are prone to stress due to the transitional nature of university life (Wright, 1967). They must adjust to being away from home, perhaps for the first time, and maintain a balance between high level of academic success and a new social environment. These daily stressors do not cause anxiety by themselves. Stress results from...
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...‘GUNDA’ AND ‘LOHA’ A STUDY OF CULT FILM CULTURES KSHITIJ PIPALESHWAR A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies School of Media and Cultural Studies Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai 2013 i DECLARATION I, Kshitij Pipaleshwar, hereby declare that this dissertation entitled ‘ ‘Gunda’ and ‘Loha’ : A Study of Cult Film Cultures’ is the outcome of my own study undertaken under the guidance of Assistant Professor K.V.Nagesh Babu, Centre for Critical Media Praxis, School of Media and Cultural Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. It has not previously formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma, or certificate of this Institute or of any other institute or university. I have duly acknowledged all the sources used by me in the preparation of this dissertation. 3rd March 2013 Kshitij Pipaleshwar ii CERTIFICATE This is to certify that the dissertation entitled ‘‘Gunda’ and ‘Loha’ : A Study of Cult Film Cultures’ is the record of the original work done by Kshitij Pipaleshwar under my guidance and supervision. The results of the research presented in this dissertation/thesis have not previously formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma, or certificate of this Institute or any other institute or university. 4th March 2013 K.V.Nagesh Babu Assistant Professor Centre for Critical Media Praxis School of Media...
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...What is a cult? Cult Research Paper There are many types of cults in the world, cults are everywhere but you just do not see them. Every person in the world has been in contact with them in one way or another in many cases you cannot see them. The first cult I had heard about was the infamous James Warren "Jim" Jones (May 13, 1931 – November 18, 1978) who was the founder and leader of the Peoples Temple, best known for the cult murder/suicide in 1978 of 909 of its members in Jonestown, Guyana, and the murder of five individuals at a nearby airstrip. Over 300 children were murdered at Jonestown, almost all of them by cyanide poisoning. Cults can be involved in churches and even are earliest religions are called cults. Cults are not the strongest groups' sects are the strongest group. When you join a sect you cannot get out of them but a cult you can leave without having any problem or commitment. Sects will not let you out because many times it's illegal and they are afraid that you will say something to the public. Cults sometimes are illegal to. Religious cults are in every town and village there is no definition of a cult that is accepted by sociologists and psychologist or religion many types of activities will take cult like structures, an example would be any popular trend like physical exercise this is called the physical fitness cult. Famous athletes are a big figure when it comes to cults, many times Movie stars, professional athletes will endorse a product and a...
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...Psychology May 26, 2012 Conformity To Cult Behavior In the early 1960s, psychologists in the United States interviewed several U.S. soldiers and American Prisoners of War returning home from combat against North Korea. Their main focus in particular were on those who had suffered an extreme change in their personality. These young soldiers had experienced being brainwashed under the communists. Psychologist have later realized that people involved in cults may have experienced similar psychological changes. Cult leaders use the same structure known as, mind control or mind reform. The book "Combating Cult Mind Control", by Steven Hassen explains that mind control is more refined than brainwashing. Cult members are considered to be a good friend and righteous people. As a result, the person being indoctrinated offers less defiance and contention than if they being forcefully coerced. Through compliance with the process of mind reform, the victim slowly begins to surrender over his personality and accept the doctrines of the cult as biblical truth. Mind control does not involve physical abuse but it is limited to certain hypnotic processes to create a compelling effect of precepts (Cephas, 2010). Many of the individuals who are deceived are not just naive people, but they are often successful educated people. There are several methods of mind control which are not considered harmless. People who find themselves getting deep into cults need to be aware of this. There are...
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...organisation as a small, tightly knit group of individuals that often criticise mainstream values and attempt to change society in some way. Cults on the other hand, are loosely knit and don’t tend to have any firm beliefs. There are therefore some significant differences between these two organisations, however it is widely accepted that they are similar, in that they are usually short lived. Many sociologists state that sects, cults and New Age movements only appeal to a minority of the population. For example, people on the margins of society who are poor are often attracted to sects as they offer them a sense of belonging. Others, who may be undergoing a personal crisis such as the death of a loved one, may find that belonging to a sect or cult may help them to overcome this crisis. However, when they feel they have been helped to get over the crisis, they often leave the sect, as there is no further reason to belong to it. This seems to suggest that these organisations only appeal to a small section of the population perhaps seeking short-term help, so they will remain fringe organisations. However, other organisations such as the Scientology movement are still around today with a well recognised and idolised member such as Tom Cruise has helped to increase the popularity of the sect. Supporting the view that sects and cults are short lived, Niebuhr produced some explanations for this. One explanation was that sects only last for a certain number of years and in his...
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...Nigerian students were investigated the genesis, causes and their effect on moral development of the learners were equally considered. One hundred students, 50 from each institution were involved in the study. The findings reveal that cults and gangsters’ activities in the two campuses and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria is an epitome of moral decadence thus, affect their academic and moral development. It therefore connotes that if hands are not on deck to wage war against these two virulent school diseases, Nigerian institutions will constantly nurture and breed indisciplined people. It is recommended that parents should be made to sign a deed of undertaking before their children could be admitted in school, the school security department should be equipped with modern and sophisticated security gadgets, universities and colleges should established a well equipped guidance and counselling unit and that Religious Education as a core subject should be made compulsory. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Keywords: cultism, gansterism, tertiary institutions, undergraduate students __________________________________________________________________________________________ I TRODUCTIO Research on cultism and gangsterism has long being the interest of educational sociologists and psychologists experts. An examination of the Nigerian Tertiary Institutions today would reveal the use of dangerous weapons, sexual harassment, dwindling...
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...Religion is one that fascinates me. Heaven's Gate was an American UFO religious Millenarian group based in San Diego, California, founded in the early 1970s and led by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles. On March 26, 1997, police discovered the bodies of 39 members of the group who had committed suicide in order to reach what they believed was an alien space craft following Comet Hale–Bopp. The new religious movement sounds crazy when first reading about it and after writing this essay I hope to learn subjects such as, what are the forms of salvation within the religion and how does the religion address the problem of evil. When looki ng at different websites the first thing that popped up when searching for Heaven’s Gate was the word cult and that’s exactly what I thought about for the group because it reminded me of exactly that. I find it really hard to think of the group as a serious religion since many of them took their own life when I am a Christian and believe strongly against suicide. The first Subject that I would like to talk to you about is what the forms of salvation are when it comes to the new religious movement known as the Heaven’s Gate religion. The group led by Marshall Applewhite had a very interesting way of thinking and it showed when they became convinced that the appearance of the Hale-Bopp comet masked a spacecraft that would enable the members of Heaven’s Gate to ascend to heaven. The group lived in a house in California and with Applewhite’s and...
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...University of Southampton Winchester School of Art MA Design Fashion Management ARTD 6086:Research Skills Literature Review Assignment Student Name: Mengfei Gu Student Number: @25468014 Word Count: 1313 Date Submitted: 2nd Nov 2012 Introduction The luxury goods may be are fatal temptation for each girl. In economics, luxury goods are good for which demand increases more than proportionally as income rises. It present a striking contrast to "necessity goods". As the demand of "necessity goods" are not related to income increasing or decreasing. On the other hand, Begin with 2007, global economy has been stumbling under recession. As known to all, financial crisis brought to United States economy slowing down and it has spread globally effecting all countries. Economic recession directly influenced on income level and employment. In addition, consumption levels have fall off drastically. Such two characteristic factors make me interested in the relationship between luxury brand and Economic recession. So I researched the ideas and found a few books which talked about the luxury brands in Asia under economic recession. The literature review will pay attention to a book on the cult of Luxury Brand, Impact of Personal Orientation on Luxury Brand Purchase Value, Shopper Behaviour in Recession...
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...members becomes elite and measures of secrecy arise, forming so called ‘secret societies’. Secret societies are an incredibly detailed and incredibly fascinating facet of cultures, and the intrigue around them attracts much, including my own, attention due to their mystery and the sheer romanticism of the subject. Secret societies included non-widespread religions, such as Mithraism and Christianity, or smaller groups with tight rules around their inner workings, such as the Cult of Demeter and Persephone or Iris....
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