According to Michael Shermer, a cult is characterized by the following nine criteria:

1) VENERATION OF THE LEADER: Glorification of the leader to the point of virtual sainthood or divinity.

2) INERRANCY OF THE LEADER: Belief that the leader cannot be wrong.

3) OMNISCIENCE OF THE LEADER: Acceptance of the leader's beliefs and pronouncements on all subjects, from the philosophical to the trivial.

4) PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES: Methods, from benign to coercive, used to recruit new followers and reinforce current beliefs.

5) HIDDEN AGENDAS: The true nature of the group's beliefs and plans is obscured from or not fully disclosed to potential recruits and the general public.

6) DECEIT: Recruits and followers are not told everything they should know about the leader and the group's inner circle, and particularly disconcerting flaws or potentially embarrassing events or circumstances are covered up.

7) FINANCIAL AND/OR SEXUAL EXPLOITATION: Recruits and followers are persuaded to invest money and other assets in the group, and the leader may develop sexual relations with one or more of the followers.

8) ABSOLUTE TRUTH: Belief that the leader and/or the group has discovered final knowledge on any number of subjects.

9) ABSOLUTE MORALITY: Belief that the leader and/or the group has developed a system of right and wrong thought and action applicable to member and nonmembers alike. Those who strictly follow the moral code become and remain members; those who do not are dismissed or punished.

I think we can all agree that the Church of Scientology can answer affirmatively to each of these points. This text was quoted from an essay by Michael Shermer, one who's subject was NOT Scientology. It's title is THE UNLIKELIEST CULT: AYN RAND, OBJECTIVISM, AND THE CULT OF PERSONALITY.

Dilbert Perkins Los Angeles, CA

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