Posts by AuldSoul

65

Sect or cult?

by Cady in

jw
friends

so i finally decided to get my a** to the library and read some real research on cults.

the book i'm starting with is "psychodynamic perspectives on religion, sect and cult.

in the introduction they mention margaret thaler singer's definition of a destructive cult as an organization in which:a leader claims divinity or special relationship with god.

AuldSoul

There is money in the anti-cult business. There is power and fame in the anti-cult business. There are anti-cult gurus.

So you're saying you don't make any money as an anti-anti-cultist? In what way do you benefit? Is it an altruistic war you wage? Do you get a swelling of pride (Enzyte) whenever you get one over on anit-cultists?

I'm trying to discern the rationality of your course, but there are some really foggy patches. At this point, it still seems really foolish. Fill me in, please.

AuldSoul

65

Sect or cult?

by Cady in

jw
friends

so i finally decided to get my a** to the library and read some real research on cults.

the book i'm starting with is "psychodynamic perspectives on religion, sect and cult.

in the introduction they mention margaret thaler singer's definition of a destructive cult as an organization in which:a leader claims divinity or special relationship with god.

AuldSoul

On that, we agree completely, Cygnus.

That is what constitutes the worst kind of cult, in my opinion. The worst practices of any cult grow from the environment created by the basic policies regarding information.

proplog2, I would say Judaism does that, some Muslim cultures do that...but that is only if you consider any alteration to be equivalent to "mutilation." I don't. That is a JW belief that I do not agree with.

What would I call a religion that in my opinion engaged in mutilation of sex organs? Odd, bizarre, eccentric, cruel...but whether they are a cult is dependent on other things besides just this.

I noticed you didn't respond to my comment that your anti-anti-cultism is even more foolish than anti-cultism, since you acknowledge you are fighting against fools. Maybe I made you think about something? Just hoping here.

AuldSoul

65

Sect or cult?

by Cady in

jw
friends

so i finally decided to get my a** to the library and read some real research on cults.

the book i'm starting with is "psychodynamic perspectives on religion, sect and cult.

in the introduction they mention margaret thaler singer's definition of a destructive cult as an organization in which:a leader claims divinity or special relationship with god.

AuldSoul

proplog2, if you think that cult fighters are short sighted fools, why do you choose to post in response to them?

Your responses makes it apear that you are fighting cult fighters, which seems more short sighted and foolish, because you acknowledge up front that you believe yourself to be tilting at dolts (who may as well be windmills). Wouldn't that be a waste of your intellectual prowess and humanistic acumen?

I believe that those who are susceptible to cult mentality should be protected—by those who are not susceptible—from those who would abuse them. Does that make no sense to you? Then feel free to believe differently.

It is possible to actually be damaged from life, whether you choose to believe that or not.

AuldSoul

65

Sect or cult?

by Cady in

jw
friends

so i finally decided to get my a** to the library and read some real research on cults.

the book i'm starting with is "psychodynamic perspectives on religion, sect and cult.

in the introduction they mention margaret thaler singer's definition of a destructive cult as an organization in which:a leader claims divinity or special relationship with god.

AuldSoul

proplog, no one ever "gets over" sexual assault. No one ever "gets over" severe or prolonged emotional trauma. They learn to manage the effects, but it still affects them. For the rest of their lives.

Remember everyone goes through things just as bad as you experienced.

Bullsh!t.

I don't have a miserable life. I cope. I manage. And I find intense delight in life. I am not a victim. At 21 I decided not to be anymore, I decided that since the two guys who assaulted me probably would remain unaffected by any of my pain, that I shouldn't give in to it. Of course, I only remembered that it had happened at age 17.

Don't ever think that YOUR particular problem gives you license to beat people over the head with it.

My particular problems in life allow me to empathize with those who have not yet learned to cope and not to minimize the suffering I have never experienced. You apparently have not learned much empathy from your experiences.

Example: (If you don't have empathy for my miserable life than you are an asshole.)

If you don't have empathy you are an asshole. I don't have a miserable life. You are still an asshole.

AuldSoul

9

Update on my post re: The suicide.

by caz in

firstly let me start by saying thankyou to all of you who replied to my post re: the suicide of my brother in law.

i was amazed to come in today and find soooo many lovely messages of condolensce!

i cannot possibly reply to all but each and everyone of you, i want you to know that your replies have made a huge impact on my sister.

AuldSoul

Awww! (((((CaZ)))))

I am so sorry you guys are still going through so much. I wish I could string 'em all up for you (only a wish, in case any law enforcement are in here). There is nothing the boys can do about their aunt and uncle taking their father's belongings? Was there a will? Wouldn't the boys be next of kin? I would call an attorney for a free consultation.

AuldSoul

9

Circuit Leasin?

by atypical in

jw
friends

AuldSoul

What the hell happened to not marketing to the brotherhood? HAH! It is Society sponsored second-hand marketing. And only available to Witnesses, as far as I know.

AuldSoul

9

Circuit Leasin?

by atypical in

jw
friends

AuldSoul

Oh it is. I received information for my Grandfather from them today. My Grandfather died back in December.

They sent something free from Madzay (cross-selling), along with three postcards for me to send them the names of friends who would like to know about the Circuit Leasing program.

The letter was funny:

Dear Brothers, (no, it wasn't even mail merged with a name! lol)

It is a real pleasure for us to work with the traveling overseers in caring for their transportation needs (small wonder, what a contract!). One of the additional benefits of this arrangement, of course, is getting acquainted with thousands of brothers and sisters from all across the country (whose names we don't even know well enough to include in our letters). Many have purchased cars, some are contemplating a purchase, and others have simply enjoyed receiving information from us (yay! I know I was psyched to receive information from them).

We hope you enjoy our gift of the 2006 pocket calendar, with its many new features (WOW! My very own Madzay pocket calendar? How can I ever repay your kindness?). If you know of anyone else who would like to receive information about our cars, or who would like to have one of the new pocket calendars, please give them one of our postcards; phone number; email; or web address (Oh! That's what I can do for you. style point: "Web" is preferred to "web"). (Due to privacy concerns, it is best to allow individuals to order these for themselves.) (cloak-and-dagger calendars??? LOL) Because of limited quantities, we can only send one pocket calendar to each household. Of course, if you want to obtain additional copies for your family, you can get them by contacting Madzay Color Graphics at www.madzay.com or 800-311-8295 (people actually buy this s--t?).

As always, we thank you for your kind assistance (whoever you are).

Your brothers,

Circuit Leasing Corporation

Enclosure

(Corporations can be related to you? Wow! The things you never knew you'd be terrified to know, ya' know?)

Hope you enjoyed that. I know I did. Everyone should request a free calndar for their household. It is stunning. Then when it arrives you can mark RETURN TO SENDER on the envelope with a little personal message. (EXPENSIVE POSTAGE)

Order the information kit and you will get a calendar (heavy item) but don't open it when it comes. Mark return to sender and stick it back in the box. Write, "WE ARE APOSTATES" and draw a pentacle. It cost extra to return rejected mail, and heavy mail is even more expensive. Have fun!

AuldSoul

65

Sect or cult?

by Cady in

jw
friends

so i finally decided to get my a** to the library and read some real research on cults.

the book i'm starting with is "psychodynamic perspectives on religion, sect and cult.

in the introduction they mention margaret thaler singer's definition of a destructive cult as an organization in which:a leader claims divinity or special relationship with god.

AuldSoul

The worst organizations are those intent on killing people i.e. mostly governments.

BELIEVE it when I tell you there are worse things than death.

AuldSoul

{edit: I am sorry if this comes across badly to you proplog, but reality drives people to commit suicide every year. You ought to contemplate that more carefully the next time you want to post a panacea. Some realities should not be accepted, some realities are terrible.}

65

Sect or cult?

by Cady in

jw
friends

so i finally decided to get my a** to the library and read some real research on cults.

the book i'm starting with is "psychodynamic perspectives on religion, sect and cult.

in the introduction they mention margaret thaler singer's definition of a destructive cult as an organization in which:a leader claims divinity or special relationship with god.

AuldSoul

Proplog2, the reality is always cause and effect.

Always.

In my opinion (as an abuse survivor), admitting the present and excusing the past is stupid. Understanding the past is critical to growing from it instead of being crippled by it. But understanding is not an immediate thing. And that is why people blame the past for where they are. Until they can fully grasp where they are it is very difficult to grow beyond it.

I hope I am putting down something you are bright enough to pick up.

When it comes to emotional hurt you had better admit that it is your catastrophizing that makes things unbearable. You can choose to call something "unfortunate" or you can blow it up and call it "terrible".

BLUNTNESS WARNING: Tell that to a formerly bright-eyed, happy six-year-old boy with a reamed arse. Tell that to a 21-year-old man who is finally coping with it. Tel that to a 33-year-old man who is finally admitting that it isn't something you can ever get over, per se.

You gave only two alternatives, and in your world that may make sense. Another alternative is you could recognize it for what it is, "TERRIBLE!!!"

You don't have all the answers, either. I agree with your theory on overcoming victimization but I KNOW it takes time. And there is always a period of being a victim. And that time is different for everyone.

And, this self-righteous organization IS A CULT. And, IT damaged me. Do you disagree? Have you lived in my world (empathy), or are you just putting yourself in my place (sympathy)?

AuldSoul

34

My simple answer for AlmostAthiest.

by defd in

jw
friends

hey, this was your question for me yesterday .

"if the faithful and discreet slave can -- by their own admission -- make mistakes, and since they are the ones that identified themselves as the fds, isn't it possible that they were mistaken about their identity?".

i thought about it and this is my reply.

AuldSoul

bttt, HAPPY FRIDAY, DEFD!!!