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fandomhigh2007-11-25 10:55 pm
spacepiratevala.livejournal.com) wrote in fandomhigh2007-11-25 10:55 pm
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Comparative Religions--Monday, Period 3, Class #11--Starting a religion
"Hello, everyone," she greeted the class. On her desk was an empty box and a container of atomic fireballs. The box was labeled 'Papers Go Here' and the container said 'Take One'. "Once your papers have been handed in, we'll be discussing what actually defines a religion."
Yes, they probably should have done this back in the beginning.
"I've been doing some reading on cults, particularly of the nineteen sixties, and I see a tradition of a group of people, generally young, who follow a charismatic leader unquestioningly. This leader generally promises either redemption or armageddon, or sometimes both."
"So, my questions to you are: What makes a cult different from a religion? If you were a charismatic leader, what would you promise people to get them to follow you? What kind of people would you target for membership? How would you treat them? If you were a person who wanted acceptance, what would you look for in a leader?" Not that she'd be taking notes. "Why would you want to lead a group of people who were so easily led? What would you have them do?"
"Since you worked so hard on your papers and have the final next week--or maybe the week after--just discussion today."
Yes, they probably should have done this back in the beginning.
"I've been doing some reading on cults, particularly of the nineteen sixties, and I see a tradition of a group of people, generally young, who follow a charismatic leader unquestioningly. This leader generally promises either redemption or armageddon, or sometimes both."
"So, my questions to you are: What makes a cult different from a religion? If you were a charismatic leader, what would you promise people to get them to follow you? What kind of people would you target for membership? How would you treat them? If you were a person who wanted acceptance, what would you look for in a leader?" Not that she'd be taking notes. "Why would you want to lead a group of people who were so easily led? What would you have them do?"
"Since you worked so hard on your papers and have the final next week--or maybe the week after--just discussion today."