I could not have put the case more clearly.
Forum: Clergy and Therapy Abuse

In theory they should have no wealth because of vows of poverty. Wealth today in western nations is considerable even the poor are wealthy by world standards.
Forum: Clergy and Therapy Abuse

I don't thing being married or single will prevent sexual wondering, you could argue that a married man has a taste for sex and so is more likely to cheat on his partner. The reason Catholic Priests are unmarried is mainly connected with freeing them from family responsibilities for God's work.
Forum: Clergy and Therapy Abuse

Drifters and dippers are pretty safe from ensnarement. Best of all swim for yourself and tolerate everyone.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

It would appear that many Buddhist monks are over weight according to the latest information. It confirms my suspicion that for all the robes and showmanship they are just like the rest of us prone to temptation and typically human.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Spot on the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Forum: Terrorist and Extremist Groups

Dave remember intelligence is no defence against radicalization. Very clever people fall victims to these manipulative fraudsters. Those with low IQ are just as vulnerable. Any of us could be duped. It is a process of getting the mind to slip into a mind-set and abandon its on inner voice of conscience. As children we all do this looking up to infallible parents.
Forum: Coercive Persuasion and Undue Influence

I don't think there is any doubt about that the group you describe is a cult. My reason is simple : when a family rejects its own flesh and blood they have been brainwashed. Mothers whose sons are a bad lot and commit murder are often still loved by them. Those who become drug addicts are loved and consoled by their families. The close family are a small tribe who belong together. Christia
Forum: Destructive Churches

The upbringing of children has been a bone of contention in the secular and Christian community for many years. Physical violence was widespread in the secular world for many years but today it is frowned upon. Nowadays it is the Christians who cling to physical methods and society rejects them. It would be a mistake to think Christians agree anymore than general society as to the correct procedu
Forum: Destructive Churches

I think you are misreading the nature of sexuality. It does not conform to Bible or any other rules. To keep to rules , even secular ones , is a problem for many adults. This has not changed but has always been the case even in old testament Times. The Christian community is no different from the secular community ; their instincts and desires are the same.Pastors are no different from congregati
Forum: Destructive Churches

The difference is shown when you are presented with some evidence but are told by the group or person presenting it that they already have the answer and you have no need to assess the evidence it's already been done for you. Now a church may well have a list of acceptable beliefs but you are left to decide if you believe them. The great problem arises when the beliefs are interpreted in
Forum: Coercive Persuasion and Undue Influence

It is very difficult and there is no black and white demarcation. We are by nature gregarious and wish to be thought well of and loved. Love is wonderful experience but as most will tell you it is also a bondage to independence. Churches , clubs , extended families are membership groups and on a larger scale society is a group with rules and expectations.None of us are free to do as we like and b
Forum: Destructive Churches

Evolution is based on natural selection which is a survival mechanism and has nothing to do with ethics. Animals are not ethical creatures but humans are due to the fact they are self-aware and self- judgemental. Tigers foxes crocodiles cannot be evil or good they can only be themselves.Freud beautifully explains man's dilemma and concludes accurately man is at war with himself. Our internal
Forum: Destructive Churches

Could you not regard Saudi Arabia as fundamentalist? yet we get along with the Saudis. They differ from ISIS in that they keep Sharia inside their boarders. They are under pressure from within by women who want freedom.
Forum: Terrorist and Extremist Groups

It's ok I forgive your big mouth mine's not too small. Anyway when you feel strongly it's nearly always best said rather than allowed to fester inside. I'm not Jewish as far as I know and I'm an old rather unwise married man. Like most humans I've been bombarded with all sorts of religion and non- religious stuff all my life , it seems to be a topic many are fascin
Forum: Clergy and Therapy Abuse

I've got a lot more questions than answers the ones to fear are those with all the answers.Mind you I must not boast I did go through a phase of putting the world to rights as a young man but now it just puzzles me. Amazing I must have a double or a duplicate twin unknown to me.
Forum: Celebrities associated with "cult-like" groups

We all need opiates now and again but take them carefully habits are easily formed. It has been said we are creatures of habit and lives ruled by habit are the most satisfying. I find some of my own habits hard to break and sometimes I tend to look down on those who don't share my habits. Is it possible to develope a habit of killing ? Certainly hunters seem to enjoy repeating the experience
Forum: Celebrities associated with "cult-like" groups