The Orange Papers, an online book dealing with criticisms of Alcoholics Anonymous, presents The Cult Test, a list of 100 characteristics common to cults of various times and types. Scientology is given as an example, along with Heaven’s Gate, Synanon and various other groups. It makes for a fascinating insight into how cults operate.
One immediate observation from the examples given is their apparent diversity, from drug rehab (Synanon) to alternative psychiatry (Scientology) to business management (est) as well as the more expected offshoots of mainstream religions (ISKON) and new religious movements. The lesson to be taken from this is that a cult, of the type being discussed, is defined by behaviour rather than belief; as such, this behaviour can be manifested and surprisingly similar across a range of groups whose beliefs may be entirely different.
The argument that the focus on the Church of Scientology should be on its behaviour rather than the beliefs has little to do with respect for the beliefs themselves, but rather that the beliefs are incidental to the problems with the organisation as a whole.
(Apologies for the lack of updates over the last few days.)
