What is a Cult?

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Right, but even those methods or reinforcement can be part of what people call "mind control"

But I refer back to an earlier point, just following a charismatic leader is not inherently bad. Handing your brain over to someone like that is

Well, the way some lead, handing your brain over is the only choice you have.

I've found great beauty in how Jesus discipled and taught and find a vast difference with us today. We write it all out into articles of faith. Jesus teaches it in a free-flowing way, using imagery and pictures. It's caught more than it is taught. He allows questions, and responds with more questions. Not often does he offer direct answers, but he is patient and allows people to learn at their pace. For 3 years his disciples didn't even fully know who he was! They went everywhere with him and didn't fully realize his relationship with the Father. He never had to control people's mind. He challenged, articulated, demonstrated and allowed the Father to be glorified through him. Oh what we could learn. We sign-up our "new converts" into a 3-week class, sit behind a lecturn and proceed to cram all our doctrinal statements down people's throats. It's not exactly discipleship.