Abstract
The following assignment is for a second year East Asian studies course. The topic of the assignment is the cult of personality in China. The assingment basically argues that China has always been hindered by a political system based on the idea of a cult of personality. This means that leaders have absolute power and citizens continue to back them.

From the Paper
Ideology and the Cult of Personality in China China is a land of contrast in which the ancient and the modern are often found at the same time. At times this blending can work and other times the result in conflict and dysfunction. For example, in Governing China Kenneth Lieberthal argues, Both this image and the more complex reality underlying it reflected the imprint of China's imperial past, a system of rule that began roughly two thousand years and evolved gradually up to the beginning of the twentieth century(Lieberthal 4).

Tags:cult, personality, china

Abstract
This paper begins by examining the concept of cult movies and their sociological impact. It then focuses on two such movies, "Freaks" by Tod Browning and "Blade Runner" by Ridley Scott. It explains how they both portray similar yet different messages about society, and the main theme that binds "Freaks" and "Blade Runner" is the existence of the outcasts and their survival.

From the Paper
"When the term "cult film" is introduced to an ordinary person, it is inevitable for him to wonder what kind of hidden message or belief is portrayed in the specific film. While the directors and screenwriters have their own interpretations of their works, the audience can also gather their own thoughts and "educationally guess" what the film is devoted to. It can lead to a problematic situation where what the directors try to convey through the film is interpreted in a different way by the audience due to the fact that they do not share the common belief or the existence of various perspectives on the same issue. Some films are relatively obvious to grasp the main theme while others are rather confusing and complicated which is a typical reaction from the audience when viewing a cult film. Therefore, it may be dangerous for an ordinary moviegoer to analyze the cult films, since there is a great possibility to generate a totally different interpretation of the work from the original intention of the directors; however, it needs to be recognized that there is no such thing as a incorrect way and correct way of appreciating the form of art " cult films in this particular context " one should be encouraged to view the films with a critical eye in hope to identify what this particular film is devoted to."

Tags:abnormalcy, android, browning, circus, cult, deckard, difference, film, ford, future, harrison, normalcy, ostracism, replicant, ridley, robot, scott, sean, tod, young

Abstract
This research examines the common traits of cult leaders and other leaders whose influence can be defined as cult-like. How do these people use their attributes to influence their followers? After examining existing reseach documents, the researcher hypothesizes that most cult leaders have in common the traits of intelligence, confidence, and the ability to speak and present themselves so that their views appear correct to people who are in a state of flux in their lives. The researcher also hypothesizes that the people who follow these leaders are those who are not only in the midst of life changes, but are also seeking an alternative world view to help them cope.

From the Paper
"Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles of the Heaven's Gate cult are more modern examples of just how powerful traits of intelligence and confidence can be. Applewhite, being an educated man and at one point a college professor, and Nettles, a nurse, both had shown through their past as being intelligent. Once they had formed Heaven's Gate, however, the confidence in their beliefs and their sheer reasoning skills, however skewed a non-believer would see it now, managed to draw in a sizable group of followers, many of whom followed the beliefs so completely that they eventually committed a mass suicide in 1997. Both Applewhite and Nettles were charismatic figures, possessing not only intelligence and confidence, but an intensity that captured the loyalty of so many."

Tags:Sociology, Religion, Cults, Charisma

Abstract
"The Cult of the Dead in Judah: Interpreting the Material Remains" by Elizabeth M. Bloch-Smith is a discussion of the author's evidence of the aforementioned cult through biblical and archaeological records. The paper discusses Bloch-Smith's premise that the biblical and archaeology records corroborate each other and therefore provide proof of a cult of the dead. This report reviews the findings of Bloch-Smith's article, conclusions of the article, a critique of the findings and a response to the article's findings.

From the Paper
"The author begins by looking at archeological burial sites to support the cult of the dead. She looks primarily at Judahite burial types in the Iron Age. Bloch-Smith attempts to show that the Judah cult had a distinctive burial practice separate from surrounding cultures. The primary Judah burial types were bench tomb and cave. In a bench tomb configuration, benches lined the walls of the tomb. The bodies were laid on the waist-high benches. A repository was also part of the tomb to accommodate new bodies. The cave configuration required the body to be placed in the center of the cave along with artifacts associated with the individual. If additional bodies were placed in the cave, then the bodies would be repositioned along the cave walls. Regardless of the configuration, similar artifacts are found in both. These artifacts included food, ceramic containers, jewelry, tools, personal items and more. The format used to bury the Judahite people appears to remain unchanged throughout the Iron Age."

Tags:iron, age, ancient, biblical, ceramic, judahite, canaan, prophet, alter, death, burial, archeological

Abstract
Cult Formation
Defining the Paradigm of Unfalsifiability
Authority: Exclusivity, Overbearing or Essential
Revelation of the Leadership
Hierarchy of Leadership
Solidarity
Social Structure
Community
Social Stratification
Identity
Punishment and Discipline
Cult Growth and the Convert
The Target: weakness and vulnerability
Conversion: unfreeze, change and refreeze
False Memories: unfreezing through psychotherapy
Environments
Enlightenment Engines
Cult Case Studies
The Branch Divisions, David Koresh
Heaven?s Gate, Do
?The Recipe?
Troubleshooting

Tags:brainwashing, dynamic, power, recruitment

Abstract
This paper discusses the medieval Christian cult of relics which grew out of the importance of Christian martyrs and the physical objects associated with them in the eyes of the faithful. The writer describes some of the martyrs who inspired pilgrimages and generated astonishing numbers of relics and provides the background for Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales," wherein Chaucer directs considerable criticism at the religious abuses of his day. An analysis of "The Pardoner's Tale" follows, showing the ways in which Chaucer satirizes and questions the cult of relics.

From the Paper
"Indeed, by the time of Chaucer's writing in the 14th century, the enormous business of relics, of pilgrimages, and sales for pardons had a long established tradition, and was responsible for generating enormous sums of wealth. The reader first meets Chaucer's richly described Pardoner in the General Prologue at line 669. The Pardoner has just returned from the court of Rome (line 671) with his wallet brimful of pardons (lines 686-687). He is linked with the Summoner, arguably a most disagreeable character, and this sheds some light on the Pardoner's own disposition; he sings love duets with the Summoner - a possibly homosexual vein (line 672)."

Tags:cultus, incubation, Carlovingian, prestige, trader, monument, rant, Church, Augustine

Abstract
This paper explores Marshall Kilduff's book, "Suicide Cult", which examines the life of Jim Jones and his cult the People's Temple, who committed mass suicide in Guyana. The paper illustrates how the tragedy could have been prevented, if only the world was more accepting of each others rights and well-being. The author writes that the power of the cult can lead to suicide as an answer for anything.

From the Paper
"In 1978 the suicide-massacre of 900 people in South America shocked the world as Reverend Jim Jones' cult, named the Peoples Temple. In his book "Suicide Cult," Marshall Kilduff steps into Jim Jones' past and reflects on the man who brainwashed hundreds of people into donating their Social Security checks to his church, and eventually committing suicide in the Guyana jungle."

Tags:guyana, jonestown

Abstract
This paper discusses how the word cult refers to a group of individuals who participate in ritualistic behaviour based on a set of spiritual beliefs, which are viewed by mainstream society as being unorthodox and not accepted by any orthodox form of religion. It examines how in today's society, cults are associated with very negative connotations and how they are viewed as being highly exclusionary, isolated groups of individuals who practice ritualistic behaviour and believe spiritualism is often a form of direct contact with some form of divine entity. It also looks at several notorious cults such as Heaven's Gate cult and the Mormon Church of Latter Day Saints.

From the Paper
"It is easier to differentiate extreme organizations and cults from mainstream religions based on their unorthodox and ritualistic practices and often-blatant disrespect for the law. However, the issue of determining what qualifies as a cult becomes much more difficult when faced with questions of long established, yet historically recent religions, such as the Mormon Church of Latter Day Saints. There are a number of Christian Groups who call themselves crusaders who believe that the Mormons and Jehovah-Witnesses qualify as cults and not as religions. One of the reasons religions such as Mormonism are accused of being cults is their relatively short historical history. Joseph Smith Jr founded the Mormon Church of Latter Day Saints in 1830, only 174 years ago. Smith claimed, at the age of 15, to have been introduced to Christ himself by God, and that he had been told not to join any churches because all of the churches were wrong. "

Tags:Heaven's, Gate, Mormons, religion

Abstract
This paper discusses Lydia Marie Child's short story, "The Quadroons" and how it relates the socially controversial issues such as slavery and anti-miscegenation laws that American women faced during the nineteenth century. The paper specifically shows how Child's characters in context appear to uphold the pillars of Barbara Welter's "The Cult of True Womanhood," but on closer inspection they are truly offering an alternative to the virtues defined in the cult.

From the Paper
"After Rosalie's death due to a broken heart, and Edward's death, Charlotte also proves to be a progressive character. Putting anti-miscegenation laws aside, she allows Xarifa to stay in the cottage and to continue all of her studies for free. This action by Charlotte is not only pious, but also highlights on the virtue of domesticity Welter speaks about in her article. Even though she never really communicates openly with Xarifa, Charlotte's actions are domestic through the appeals of motherhood and compassion. Once again, by going along with the cult, the character's actions put a harsher light on the laws and we sympathize with yet another Quadroon."

Tags:anti-miscegenation, abolition, slavery, women

Abstract
This discusses the Zar cult, which involves adherents in trances and dances aimed at improving health and well-being. It explores how it benefits women in Muslim culture in Sudan. It describes the historical, cultural and religious context of the Zar cult and how it functions.

From the Paper
"This research examines ethno medical attributes of the zar cult in Sudan. The research will set forth a working definition of zar and the historical cultural and religious context in which the zar originated and then discuss how it functions as both cultural ..."

Tags:Health

Sudan, Zar

Zar

women's health

Islam

anthropology

Muslim women

religion

trances