Here is a good conversation starter:
You: Do you want to know what the difference is between a Religion and a Cult?
Them: No, please tell me.
You: A cult will try to hurt or kill you if you try to leave, where a TRUE religion will simply say “don’t let the door hit your butt on the way out” and let you go in peace.
If the person is offended by this they are either a: 1. Mooselimb, 2. Scientologist Whackadoodle, 3. Some other whackadoodle.
I have offended people with this one and they reveal their religion (usually ‘slam) and it’s own short commings by their angry reaction to this line of inquiry.
Great! The next time I have an opportunity, I plan to use that in the discussion. Thanks
Yes, however even true religion (Christianity) and benevolent cults (A.A.) involve a tremendous amount of mental pressure to conform, with severe & dire consequences warned for not doing so. But the consequences are not threatened to be done by the actual warners themselves, they are natural & spiritual. Don’t you think?
Well, I guess quite a number of present Christian denominations used to be cults.
Ding ding ding... we have a winner.