In the book that I’m working on now, I’ve got a major emotional conflict involved. When he was a young boy, the hero’s mother was involved in a religious cult, and it ultimately led to her death. The negative experience has colored his view of all religions and he has nothing to do with Jesus as a result of his boyhood experience.
I was wondering if anybody reading this blog has ever been involved with a cult or know someone who has? If you did, what was your/their experience like? How did you/they get out of the organization? If you feel like sharing the name of the cult, that would be fine, but it’s not necessary.
This inquiring mind wants to know…
I don’t know if you could call this church a “cult” or not, but I was involved with a church that believed *they* were the only ones going to heaven, and they could use the Bible to “prove” their point.
To this day, I have a very skeptical streak of all things religious, although I am still a Christian.
Cecilia, we have a young married woman in our church whose father’s parents (live out west) are involved in what she calls a cult. I don’t know all the details, but one of the things about them (& even her father has this attitude, which upsets her) the women are expected to jump when spoken to. Virtually slaves, but well-kept slaves. Men have the first, middle & last say.
I don’t think they live on a compound, and they have money.
I suppose almost anything unusual could evolve into a cult if you get enough people to believe and follow.
I’m writing about a cult, but approaching from a different direction.
Hope this helps a little.
Carole Brown
http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com
i was part of a church, that started out good, and evolved into a cult. you can email me about it. I think one common misconception many people have is that people involved in cults are either somewhat naive or dumb. Often, I have seen the smartest people, who are looking for something different than the norm of religion are the ones. They are willing to give up rights in trade for something else they value more, be it they are sure this will get them eternal life or a deeper relationship with God. I do not know someone who died, but I have siblings that because of being involved with this, turned against God and churches.
I have not, but can only imagine the challenges that arise from the involvement.