Essay --

When seeking yourself within a certain religion or faith people are trying to find the answer or the meaning of life, of their existence, what their purpose is and so on. Religion is the answer to things unexplainable, because how else could this have happened? Well, with every person there is a different mindset, a different way of thinking. Different people are drawn to different belief systems. Whether this is Buddhism, or the Branch of Dividians. Christianity or vampires, everyone is different and what they believe could be as right as the other because really, who knows? This is not a question of who’s right and who’s wrong, but why some belief systems more are accepted than others. When people say they belong to more popular religions like Christianity or Judaism others rarely bat an eye, but once you mention a religion that is known as a cult they think you are in danger or that you yourself are dangerous. Why is it that cults are less accepted by society, but having a religion is fully accepted and in some cases even encouraged? What makes them so different? According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary a religion is, â€Å"1. The belief in a god or a group of gods, 2. An organized system of beliefs, ceremonies and rules used to worship a god or groups of gods, or 3. An interest, belief or activity that is very important to a person or group.† Whereas the technical term for a cult is, â€Å"a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.† (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cult). Although there is a difference in the technical definitions of religions and cults, the traits that define them are what makes them so similar. Defining a cult: A cult is typically defined by three common characteri... ...y need â€Å"something† for the sake of which to live gives a pretty good idea for why people join religions or even cults. What kind of people join cults? When people think about why and what types of people join cults, it is a common assumption that someone joining a cult must have physiological issues and that there is something â€Å"wrong† with them mentally. However, research shows that approximately two-thirds of cult members are psychologically healthy people that come from normal families with healthy relationships with one another. As for the remaining third, they are likely to have symptoms of depression. These symptoms are usually related to personal loss (like a death in the family), a failed romantic relationship, or troubles with their career. Only 5 to 6 percent of cult members demonstrate major psychological problems prior to joining a cult. (Rhoads, 2013)