Theos-Talk Archives (August 1997 Message tl00292)

In message <33F2833E.1642@sprynet.com>, Bart Lidofsky
<bartl@sprynet.com> writes
>> But the TS *HAS* a creed and *IS* a cult :-(
>
>       It has a doctrine, not a creed. I would, however, be interested in
>seeing a definition of "cult" from a proper dictionary (note that
>ANYBODY can call their dictionary, "Webster's", but certainly on the
>acceptable list are Oxford, Merriem-Webster, Random House, and The
>American Language.

Dictionary definitions and public perceptions rarely match. The
*reality* of the TS is that it, in my extensive UK experience (like you,
I have been a Lodge president) *behaves* like a cult, and teaches *as
if* its teaching is a belief system (or creed).
>
>> Reading the literature makes that crystal clear id the reader is
>> objective.  Most TS members believe (for example) in reincarnation
>> because the TS *teaches* it.  Etc. .......
>
>       Well, actually, my belief in reincarnation is because the TS describes
>it in a way that makes sense to me.

To each his or her own. It makes nonsense to me.
>
Alan