Self-Check: This Forum Has Become A Religion?

Jafar

Let's do a kind of 'self diagnosis',

Based on your experience on this forum so far...
Did any of you see or experienced anything related to any of the point below?
Whether it's shown by the 'regular common folks' member of this forum (such as me) or any of the moderator / administrator..

Characteristics of a Cult- As assembled by Janja Lalich, Ph.D. & Michael D. Langone, Ph.D

The group displays excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its leader and (whether he is alive or dead) regards his belief system, ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law.
Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished.
Mind-altering practices (such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, denunciation sessions, and debilitating work routines) are used in excess and serve to suppress doubts about the group and its leader(s).
The leadership dictates, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel (for example, members must get permission to date, change jobs, marry"or leaders prescribe what types of clothes to wear, where to live, whether or not to have children, how to discipline children, and so forth).
The group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s) and members (for example, the leader is considered the Messiah, a special being, an avatar"or the group and/or the leader is on a special mission to save humanity).
The group has a polarized us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society.
The leader is not accountable to any authorities (unlike, for example, teachers, military commanders or ministers, priests, monks, and rabbis of mainstream religious denominations).
The group teaches or implies that its supposedly exalted ends justify whatever means it deems necessary. This may result in members' participating in behaviors or activities they would have considered reprehensible or unethical before joining the group (for example, lying to family or friends, or collecting money for bogus charities).
The leadership induces feelings of shame and/or guilt in order to influence and/or control members. Often, this is done through peer pressure and subtle forms of persuasion.
Subservience to the leader or group requires members to cut ties with family and friends, and radically alter the personal goals and activities they had before joining the group.
The group is preoccupied with bringing in new members.
The group is preoccupied with making money.
Members are expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities.
Members are encouraged or required to live and/or socialize only with other group members.
The most loyal members (the "true believers) feel there can be no life outside the context of the group. They believe there is no other way to be, and often fear reprisals to themselves or others if they leave (or even consider leaving) the group.

SaifulAli

Well so far, it's not for me... I use the Forum to further my own personal goals... By having clarifications and verifications... Maybe for some it's more like Facebook to them.. For me it's just another book in the Library...

For you?

-Mariam

^^ I second the "another book the library" comparison. The points remind me of all sects in every religion, especially points 2,4,5 and 10 (especially Salafism, or at least those I've come across).

Out of all the points, I think 11 applies to this forum at times. But then again, I'm a newbie here so what do I know eh? ;D

savage_carrot

Lord Layth is the master puppeteer as anyone can see. We never argue with Lord Layth either. It is known.
Yes, those punished would definitely agree they were punished because of questioning, doubt and dissent as opposed to any other reason.
We have plenty of speaking in tongues here, ditto for routine denunciation sessions .
I present the Forum Rules and other stickies for general viewing pleasure.
All hail Lord Layth and his groupies.
Yess like during a football match with violence to inanimate objects during.
Lord Layth is an immortal vampire transcending the mortal coil. It is known.
I did consider vegetarianism reading a few threads back in the day...thankfully that devious hypnotism couldn't work what with my keen and refined senses.
The PM system is a well known persuasion tool.
Lord Layth requires sacrifice. Preferably root vegetables. It is known.
Indeed, our advertising is cutting edge. Also, silent and deadly.
The post button is connected to ones paypal account.
Our well organised and regular group activities are the talk of the town. i.e. everyone asks why we don't have any.
Please refer to the Form Rules stickied for general viewing pleasure. It is #1b.
Lord Layth and his minions will cut off any and all means of escape. It is known. Most prefer the embrace of the dread lord to escape anyways, why struggle when surrender is so sweet.

In addition, most of these are not applicable to the forum and its members. The ones that can be, are general based on any forum.

justamuslim

Not me! About number 11, I am not preoccupied in bringing new members. What I like to see is less suffering, more freedom of thought, tolerance, respect. Basically, have a 'non cult' attitude discouraging 'run with the herd' and 'follow the imam' mind set.

youssef4342

hmmm maybe number 6.... all others not really.

Bigmo

hmmm maybe number 6.... all others not really.

Yeah, maybe 6 but the others not really. Some here might have the I am right and evrybody is deviant attitude but as far as group and leaders and group think this forum is the furthest from that.

good_logic

Some are a test for others?
The moderators are a test for everyone!

I think it is right that we challenge each other with fairness and justice towards true knowledge.

Persevere, show patience and defend the truth and the oppressed?. Trust in GOD ALONE to guide all of us towards HIS truth and Mercy.

Do not give up folks. Keep the faith!

May GOD guide all those who seek HIM ALONE and seek HIS truth.

I think all of you who take part in this forum are doing a good job. Keep it up.
Peace

Jafar

Lord Layth is the master puppeteer as anyone can see. We never argue with Lord Layth either. It is known.
Yes, those punished would definitely agree they were punished because of questioning, doubt and dissent as opposed to any other reason.
We have plenty of speaking in tongues here, ditto for routine denunciation sessions .
I present the Forum Rules and other stickies for general viewing pleasure.
All hail Lord Layth and his groupies.
Yess like during a football match with violence to inanimate objects during.
Lord Layth is an immortal vampire transcending the mortal coil. It is known.
I did consider vegetarianism reading a few threads back in the day...thankfully that devious hypnotism couldn't work what with my keen and refined senses.
The PM system is a well known persuasion tool.
Lord Layth requires sacrifice. Preferably root vegetables. It is known.
Indeed, our advertising is cutting edge. Also, silent and deadly.
The post button is connected to ones paypal account.
Our well organised and regular group activities are the talk of the town. i.e. everyone asks why we don't have any.
Please refer to the Form Rules stickied for general viewing pleasure. It is #1b.
Lord Layth and his minions will cut off any and all means of escape. It is known. Most prefer the embrace of the dread lord to escape anyways, why struggle when surrender is so sweet.

In addition, most of these are not applicable to the forum and its members. The ones that can be, are general based on any forum.

A good one...
all glory to Lord Layth... (Repeat this 72 times each day )
rotfl rotfl rotfl

Off topic do you know why the sectarians has certain fetishes on the number "72"?
72 virgins.. 72 sects.. etc..

Salam / Peace

savage_carrot

Maybe they played a lot of Assassin's Creed? Other than that, dunno maybe because it's one of the divisibles of 144 which apparently was important for who knows what reason through time.

teddy3indc

I don't personally see it, but I am never here.

hmm

morninglight

I don't personally see it, but I am never here.

hmm

Welcome back! )

teddy3indc

Welcome back!

Thank you. Peace and Blessings. It is good to be remembered sometimes.

morninglight

Peace and Blessings for you also.