How cults deal with problemaic questions

[chrisse]

I’ve discovered something strange which I’ve never noticed before about cult members: how they answer questions.

It appears that they either ignore the questions, hoping they’ll go away, or they’ll point fingers at the questioner and accuse him of similar things, or they’ll use some fallacious argument to answer the question, or they’ll bring up topics which are not related to the question so as to distract the questioner, or they’ll ask questions to answer questions, but not give an answer to the first question.

Well, that’s the whole basis of a cult, they are indoctrinated with what they are to believe and are given strict instructions not to investigate outside of that belief. Usually accompanied with some veiled threat to their welfare, be it worldly or spiritually. They also tend to only associate with their own (another strict instruction) other than in a very distant manner, so they are surrounded by people who believe as they do. When anyone is in this situation, when they come across those who do not agree with them, they are actually surprised and shocked. To them, everyone else is simply wrong.

If one does return to the group with a doubt, this is quickly addressed by the group, usually by demonising the other.

The fact that these cults have no basis in fact or reality does not make it through their veiled view of the world. Unfortunately, human beings are very susceptible to this. They need to be part of a group, and some vulnerable people feel more comfortable being told what to do and think.

 

[RobHom]

It doesn’t bother me-I’m glad to see you accept responsibility for your actions. I’ll simply let people know your motivation and they can decide if they want to “play along” or not-that way anyone who has honest questions won’t waste their time with your “game”.

Fair enough… But understand this, and I hope you convey this message as well. I’m not the only one who understands the “modus operandi” of the antagonist who visits here, so I am hardly unique. I’ve never in my life failed to accept full responsibility for my actions…its a part of my character, an unfailing part of it. Christ said “The truth will set you free”…and I believe it. Anyone with honest questions has absolutely nothing to fear or worry about. I’m more than happy to answer their questions, as I have done cheerfully and in a most friendly manner numerous times in the past. Its the antagonist with a malicious agenda that has worries… I only call “game-on” with the ones who initiate the game…

I don’t know if the actions you describe are actually how cults respond to questions, but they are your modus operandi-that’s what I was referring to.

On this point you are in error, and are attempting to cast an aspersion, vouchsafed in an ad hominem attack… my, how disingenuous of you. You are apparently less adroit than I initially perceived…my bad.

The word “judgmental” doesn’t bother me, Rob, John 7:24-Jesus said to “judge justly” so that’s what I attempt to do. It’s no sin to call a player a player.

And what does it say in Matthew 7? Could it be this?: ** 1 Judge not, that you may not be judged, 2 For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again**

I’d say for a start a good witness would be someone who put concern for souls over gameplaying, but keep enjoying yourself, there are other Catholics here who are filling that role admirably without your assistance.

Oh, never fret, I do place concerns for souls above all else, especially when the harridans, shills, and false teachers spew their vitriolic nonsense. It is not an issue of “enjoyment”, I am merely willing to defend my faith and prevent the spread of false teachings about Christianity and Catholicism. If this is a problem for you…so be it. I have never disguised the fact that I am somewhat staunch and even “Jesuit-ical” in my beliefs and standing…

I would be tempted to ask you the following question: If you and yours are that concerned about “souls”, then why do so many of you embrace “gameplaying” as a modus operandi…and spend so much time attacking Catholicism?

I’d say we’re done chatting now.

If you say so…