The key thing is that cults deceive people into joining so there is no real informed consent. People join under false pretenses and are conned out of their money (basically by false advertising / fradulent misrepresentation).
Again, this definition of a cult could easily be applied to most major religions. Where the logic stops, the "faith" begins. Any degree of scrutiny or individual thought is shunned and, in some cases, even considered heresy/sin/and affront to god.
It's always so easy to talk about "them" being crazy in their beliefs, but the same degree of analysis to one's own beliefs is often avoided like the plague.
True, having the ghosts of aliens causing all your problems could easily be considered insane. However, claiming that all the bad in the world is caused by a former employee of god gone rogue could be considered just as insane.
Mormons, pentecostals, Christian Scientists. Religions weren't built on attrition rates.
Those churches don't sell salvation though. They claim they have it, but you're free to come and take it. You don't have to pay for it in cash, on the spot.
It depends on what you consider a "cost". One can make a fairly solid argument (as I think that Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris would agree) that the societal cost of all organized religion far out-weighs any monetary expense.
Yeah, stop complaining, I'd work at google for an android phone:D
Google are you watching? It must sure be better, more fun and interesting than sitting here:D
No kidding. I wish my employer did something for Christmas. Last year, it was a steak dinner and 50% of my paycheck as a bonus. Not exactly a huge haul--but it's nice they gave me something.
This year however, times are tough. No Christmas dinner/party, and no bonus--which isn't a big deal, because they owe me nothing in exchange for my work except a paycheck.
So the employees should be glad Google was a compassionate enough company to give them anything at all.
Just be happy you have a job - I know MANY, MANY people who do not.
Me, for my job and steady paycheck I'm thanking my lucky stars, Jesus, Allah, Buddha, Vishnu, Joseph Smith, freakin' anybody who will listen.
I'll take no Christmas bonus over no paycheck anyday.
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The key thing is that cults deceive people into joining so there is no real informed consent. People join under false pretenses and are conned out of their money (basically by false advertising / fradulent misrepresentation).
Again, this definition of a cult could easily be applied to most major religions. Where the logic stops, the "faith" begins. Any degree of scrutiny or individual thought is shunned and, in some cases, even considered heresy/sin/and affront to god.
It's always so easy to talk about "them" being crazy in their beliefs, but the same degree of analysis to one's own beliefs is often avoided like the plague.
True, having the ghosts of aliens causing all your problems could easily be considered insane. However, claiming that all the bad in the world is caused by a former employee of god gone rogue could be considered just as insane.
Mormons, pentecostals, Christian Scientists. Religions weren't built on attrition rates.
Those churches don't sell salvation though. They claim they have it, but you're free to come and take it. You don't have to pay for it in cash, on the spot.
It depends on what you consider a "cost". One can make a fairly solid argument (as I think that Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris would agree) that the societal cost of all organized religion far out-weighs any monetary expense.
Yeah, stop complaining, I'd work at google for an android phone :D
Google are you watching? It must sure be better, more fun and interesting than sitting here :D
No kidding. I wish my employer did something for Christmas. Last year, it was a steak dinner and 50% of my paycheck as a bonus. Not exactly a huge haul--but it's nice they gave me something. This year however, times are tough. No Christmas dinner/party, and no bonus--which isn't a big deal, because they owe me nothing in exchange for my work except a paycheck. So the employees should be glad Google was a compassionate enough company to give them anything at all.
Just be happy you have a job - I know MANY, MANY people who do not.
Me, for my job and steady paycheck I'm thanking my lucky stars, Jesus, Allah, Buddha, Vishnu, Joseph Smith, freakin' anybody who will listen.
I'll take no Christmas bonus over no paycheck anyday.