Abstract Whatever the degree to which individual people embraced their leaders as literal gods or divine fountainheads, it is clear that such cults played a tremendous role in the religious and political development of ancient societies. The paper shows that this was especially true for Hellenistic Greece and the Roman Empire, both of which existed under these cults - the former providing much of the historical and ideological groundwork for the latter.
From the Paper "The ruler cults of ancient Greece and the later imperial cults of ancient Rome are much-debated topics in classical studies. Historians have long struggled to understand the role that these cults played in the construction of these societies both at the ideological and practical, day-to-day levels. The debate most often revolves around the degree to which these cults could be considered religious institutions at all (Harland par. 1-2). Many critics feel that these cults were little more than opportunistic attempts to manipulate politics in these societies. Others argue that these cults, whatever their political machinations, actually did have religious basis."
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."
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
An examination of "The Cult of the Dead in Judah: Interpreting the Material Remains" by Elizabeth M. Bloch-Smith which claims that an ancient cult of the dead existed during biblical times.
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."
Abstract This paper explains that arguments used to define cults can actually be used to define religions as well; but most of these definitions, unfortunately, have come from rumors and the negative portrayals of these cults through the media. The author relates that, because the word 'cult' deviates from the similarities between the two, a common phrase to describe cults used by scholars and theologians of religion is 'new religious movements'. The paper relates that, much like the Branch Davidian community of the 1990s, major contemporary religions, such a Catholicism and Mormonism, went through similar hardships of persecution within America based on stereotypes and rumors.
From the Paper "The meaning of the word cult itself has changed over time. Once believed to be a form of worship or ritualistic and systemic religious belief, today many perceive cults as associated with groups such as Heavens Gate, Jonestown, and Branch Davidians. People tend to believe that cults in general have many connotations associated with them whether it is "from the images of slaughtered men, women and children at Jonestown, to the impression of a movie with a small but devoted following" ("New Religious"?). But these connotations, be it good or bad have mislead the public to their understanding of what a cult actually is. Because both religions and cults have a basis of worship, the only difference is that of the size of the group, how the public sees the group, and of how orthodox or compatible it is with societal standards."
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. "
Abstract This paper focuses on three religious groups which are extreme to the point of being considered cults, namely, Heaven's Gate, The Family and the Davidians. The paper discuses how, through an effective combination of lifestyles, worldviews and human gullibility, these initially harmless religious groups are changed into fanatical cults. The paper highlights the realities of these cults and the control, which at times is abusive and even illegal and immoral, they are able to exert over their followers.
Outline:
Cults Davidians
The Family
Heaven's Gate
From the Paper "Within the United States there are a number of religious groups which are extreme to the point of being considered cults. Amongst these are Heaven's Gate, The Family, and the Davidians. Cults such as the Branch Davidians and Heaven's Gate have traditionally been perceived as the creation of a deviant and egotistical individual. Through the use of brainwashing and reprogramming techniques, this individual is able to fashion a mindless collective of individuals willing to follow him or her even to the point of death. While the leader is an essential aspect in such organizations, there are others necessities. These cults are essentially a product of the normal human fascination with the end of time, which is shifted into extreme apocalyptic groupings and tendencies by the teachings and actions of the leader. Through an effective combination of lifestyles, worldviews, and human gullibility, these initially harmless religious groups are thus changed into fanatical cults. (Von Hoey 2) These teachings are rather universal across the religions, in that the end is near, and something must be done."
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 other's 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."
Abstract An assessment of some of the various anthropological explanations for cargo cults. The paper aims to reveal how the history of Melanesia itself, from colonial administration to independence, is reflected in attitudes towards and explanations of, the cargo cult phenomenon. The paper includes a number of lengthy quotes from articles related to the topic, which try to explain the origins of the cult systems and how they developed through history.
From the Paper "Few topics in the field of anthropological study have spread across academic disciplines and, through journalism, entered into popular usage as completely as the term "cargo cult". So much so, Lindstrom (1993) contends, ?from the 1950's to the 1980"s, cargo cult became the orthodox term for Melanesian social movements" (Lindstrom 1993:38). Indeed there have been claims that the term is overused, even abused, with all quasi-religious cults and "native frenzies" being labelled or re-labelled cargo cults. "Nowadays, for example, many Melanesian political movements must take care to deny explicitly that they are any sort of cargo cult"."
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)."
Abstract This paper discusses the rock group Marilyn Madson (MM), whose name is a combination of the sex icon Marilyn Monroe and a mass killer Charles Manson, and who are seen as a curse on America's moral fabric. The author believes that Marilyn Manson, synonymous with everything bizarre, defiant and in opposition with mainline culture and beliefs, is a cult. The author explains that the close proximity to Hollywood and its bizarre culture is probably the biggest reason why cults prosper in Southern California.
From the Paper "Some experts also have blamed the city's structure for the rapid increase in cult followings. These views shed light on possible reasons why MM is more successful in this region. Mike Davis in his book, 'Ecology of Fear' maintains that cults prosper in LA for the same reason natural disasters hit this city more frequently than other parts of the United States. He blames the city's lack of common sense and rising ethnic tension for all its problems. Davis feels that cults and other ethno-sociological problems also are the result of Los Angeles? totalitarian system. He writes, "Paranoia about nature, of course, distracts attention from the obvious fact that Los Angeles has deliberately put itself in harm's way. For generations, market-driven urbanization has transgressed environmental common sense? As a result, Southern California has reaped flood, fire, and earthquake tragedies that were as avoidable, as unnatural as the beating of Rodney King and the subsequent explosion in the streets."(9)"
Abstract This paper looks at three major North American cults and how they were founded, led and maintained. Their beliefs, leaders, members, roots and practises are outlined. The three cults are the Branch Davidians, Peoples Temple and the Solar Temple.
Outline
Introduction
I. The Branch Davidians
A. History
1. Victor Houteff.
2. Florence Houteff
3. Before Howell
B. David Koresh
1. David Koresh (Vernon Howell)
2. Koresh's Beliefs
C. The Branch Davidian Religion
1. Beliefs
2. Practises
3. The End
II. The People's Temple
A. Jim Jones and his Dream
1. Jim Jones
2. The People's Temple
B. The People's Temple as a Religion
1. Theories and Beliefs
2. Practises
C. Negative Aspects
1. Manipulation
2. Jonestown
III. The Order of the Solar Temple
A. The Founders
1.Joseph DiMambro
2.Luc Jouret
B. Religious Structure and History
C. The Solar Temple as a Religion
1. The 7 Rules
2. Beliefs
3. The Solar Temple's Demise
Conclusion
Appendix A. Additional Pictures
Appendix B Interview with Prof. Rabinovitch
Bibliography
From the Paper "In the beginning, the People's Temple was based on Christian values and beliefs, over time Jones theories were what the People's Temple were based upon. The Bible was used less frequently, while Jones had several theories, which could be dismissed as insane. Jones believed he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ, Buddha, Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. Jones also theorised that fascists were going to take over America. He believed that the People's Temple would be singled out, because vandals and racists harassed the Church while it was based in Indianapolis. (The Devil's Party, 67) In addition, Jones proposed Revolutionary suicide, which means his followers would die in the name of himself."
Abstract This paper takes a negative approach to cult membership. It shows how cult rulers are usually charismatic people who take advantage of their followers in order to achieve the title of leader and obtain unlimited power.
From the Paper "One theme does run through the vast majority of cults: regimen and discipline. The environment is tightly controlled and discipline rigidly enforced by those specially chosen as being on a plane higher than the average "Cultee". What strengthens the young person's resolve to stay is that he or she has to "give up something". The act of giving up is something many of them may never have experienced before. Celibacy, giving up make-up and attractive clothes, even an austere life-style and a special diet: all this speaks of "commitment" a word and an act most of these people had never experienced before".
Tags: Lord's, Disciple, Dianetic, Disciples, John, Brown
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 ..."
Abstract This paper explains how cults like the Kingdom of Matthias that existed in Manhattan in the 1800s are formed and facilitated in society. It argues that cults are not only inherent to American society, but all societies at all times. The author claims that religion is intertwined with culture.
From the Paper "Throughout the course of American history we have seen numerous cults similar in purpose and structure to the Kingdom of Matthias which existed in Manhattan in the 1800s. Because of this phenomenon it ..."
