Paper for CC210

docx

School

Wilfrid Laurier University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

210

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by DoctorStarCheetah126

Hi Audrey, Thank you for your insight. I agree with you that “Heaven’s Gate” is a cult. The members of this group follow a charismatic leader who maintained his preaching of unusual and out of this world beliefs (Lyon &Welsh, 2017). According to my understanding after reading through the lecture material and chapter 10 of textbook, cults are commonly defined by their exclusivity and secrecy. Their charismatic leader typically employs an authoritarian style of management (Manwell, 2023); cult members are sometimes discouraged from questioning the beliefs and practices of the group (TED-Ed, 2017). Cults frequently create an unwarranted fear of the outside world in its adherents in order to keep them from escaping. If a member decides to leave, they may receive threats or severe consequences. Cult leaders often have their words taken at face value and are considered as perfect human beings for their followers (TED-Ed, 2017. However, religions are typically friendlier and more inclusive. They claim to know the truth, but they also encourage research and self-evaluation. Religions typically have more democratic leadership philosophies and are more open about their financial practices. Religions encourage family reunion and expect the believers to unite and work in collaboration of family and society. Whereas a cult asks its followers to move away from their family and friends. Take into consideration, for instance, the distinction between the People's Temple (a cult) and mainstream Christianity. Christianity has a democratic leadership system, welcomes dissent, and actively promotes questioning and belief development. Under the leadership of Jim Jones, the People's Temple was a closed community that forbade inquiry and punished members for attempting to leave and had formed their headquarters in Guyana, to keep its followers in

isolation (Ted-Ed, 2017). Freedom of religion is a constitutional right, but if its practices involve harassment, threats, illegal activities, abuse, or if it demands a person to compromise family and friends’ relationships or morality, then it means it is getting into a wrong path (TED-Ed, 2017). Comparing the two models, I conclude that Heaven’s Gate is a cult but not a religion. Reference: Lyon, D. R., & Welsh, A. (2017). The Psychology of Criminal and Violent Behaviour . Oxford University Press Academic Canada. https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9780199010097 Manwell, L. (2023). Psychology of Crime. Lesson 10: Cults and the Disciple Mass Murderer. [Lecture notes]. https://mylearningspace.wlu.ca/d2l/le/content/502470/viewContent/3394825/View TED-Ed. (2017, June 12). Why do people join cults? Janja Lalich. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB-dJaCXAxA

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Paper for CC210

Related Documents