Practice What You Preach: What's the Problem with Cults?



Besides being interesting fodder for the 24 hour news cycle, why are we so intrigued with American born cults? An opposing culture within our society, cults obviously stand out in our communities, but what is really at issue here, and what does it say not about them, but about us?

The major values and tenets of our CULTure are the ideas of self-reliance, liberty, freedom, equality, and individualism. We all know the American dream or some story related to it. We see it in our daily news, our sports, our politics. These values, supposedly shaped our nation at its outset, breaking free from tyranny and oppression. It shaped our industrial base and our "wild west". It shapes our entrepreneurship today and is a major force in our daily lives and decision-making. It is the philosophical underpinning on which this nation views itself as savior, not foe. Progress drives this nation forward.

In the case of cults, within America, why don't these ideals apply to them? If we stand for freedom, liberty, and self-reliance it could be assumed these people are the perfect model. Why is it that we have trouble allowing them to be free to exist? The problem that arises is an inconsistency with our values. If we are to stand for such highly-regarded ideals of freedom, liberty, and self-reliance shouldn't those ideals apply to others who choose to live a different lifestyle.

The problem is not with these few people who choose to live differently, but with our unwillingness to accept and practice what we preach. If we are to hold the values of freedom, liberalism (politically, socially, or economically), and self-reliance, lets begin at least within our own borders. The absolultism of our worldview contradicts itself when it is faced with people of other worldviews. Perhaps we should reevaluate the meanings of our values.

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