I have nothing against religion, but could it be that religious Judaism is a cult? I bumped into an old classmate who has become totally religious. After speaking to her, I felt that she is brainwashed . . .
70 Comments Posted
As a recent Jewish "cult member" I would just like to ask of all others in my situation, to please realize the importance of implementing the initial inspiration into your daily life in order to ground yourself, and your beliefs as a G-d fearing Jew.
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I enjoyed reading this article. The definition of cult and religion re extraordinary. Now I know how to answer to people that profess that certain aspects of orthodoxy are similar to a cult.
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I have a friend like this for christanity. So I think all religons can be taken too far. But who knows maybe he will grow up to be a priest so I try to remind myself to not judge.
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Thank you for this article. I was just reading through a Jewish cult site (didn't know it was that until I did some reading) which sounded a lot like Fundamentalist Islam. I was nauseated and came over here to browse. How refreshing! I want to add [to your statements] that the best thing is often to pray for these people, so that G-d may show them the truth and not be misled.
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"Sometimes you have to lose yourself a little bit to find yourself again."
Wow. Thank you so much for that. I'm seventeen and a BT and I've been wondering about that for a while, cult vs. religion. This article was really reassuring that I'm not - by being a BT - just being another conforming Jew who does what she's told. I kinda feel better now. ;-)
And as for the quote taht I just put at the beignning...I've gone through a lot this past year (since becoming a BT but that wasn't all of it, there were other issues as well), and I definitely lost a lot of myself, to Judaism even. But now that I"m nearing the end of my junior year and wish I could play it back again and get better grades (I was depressed most of the year), I feel like I'm finding myself again, bit by bit by bit. Judaism - and Jewish friends - help. So thank you for helping me get this little piece of myself back.
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Judaism is not a "CULT." Of course some may think it is but by understanding more deeply about it may found very interesting and very accomodating. That's why for now I'm very interesting on being a jew, because i understand it and understand what G-D had thought israel to teach all the people on earth. At first my life is measerable and dark and i come to think that i may seek for guiedance so that i may live freely even with problems as a trial, praise G-D for this wonderfull gift he gave me and he is giving to us all his people.
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I am not a Jew, but my roots are Jewish.
You can not be a Christian and deny your Jewish foundation (roots). My son is a rabbi and he is teaching my wife and I about who we realy are. From what we have learned as take us to a new in our beliefs. I will be studying with your web site, you are wonderful PEOPLE May G-D bless you.
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This article, and the definitions offered, are so keen! As one who has come out of such an experience, I would say your words are right on point and most accurate.
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Cults r usually reflecting the view of one, or only a few opinions, they require adhereance to certain ideas regardless of individuality. Religion is social mechanism that allows for a range of opinion that anchor individual thought into a practical system of habitual productivity.
I disagree that people "given time will realize and come back to reality" - if you suspect its a cult research the organization. A cult will not allow any probing into their "training/education methods" beyond surface inquiry... a religion will also not require you to stay in the "fold" be it a school, camp, or group situation of any kind... freedom is key to religion.
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I have been increasing my observance of Torah Judiasm, coming from a completely secular background. All of my relatives are secular. They tell me that "I have gone too far this time" whenever I incorporate a new (to me) observance into my life. If this is the response I am getting from people who love me, how do I know I also haven;t been sucked into a cult, if from their view point, anyone in a black suit, and black hat is cultish. In fact, one of the accusations made from secular jews that I hear if that Lubavitch or other "black" jews are involved in a cult, and are out of touch with the "real" world.
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The Jewish Religion is not a Cult --------
But there is an element within Judaism that is a Cult... It is the KABBALAH...
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Key elements that will help identify a cult are:
• They want to control your money. (You must give!)
• They want to control your life. (For example, some make members wear ‘saccade under wears’.)
• Salvation is only found within their organizations. (They claim that if you leave them you are going to hell.)
It is also important to know that cult means there is something hidden within, which is not ready revealed to newcomers. Only after extensive involvement are the occult secrets known. For some this knowledge comes too late.
I hope this helps.
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i think certain personalities are just more vulnerable--meaning, a tendency to be zealous, and not, in their minds, as a hypocrite. it can be a good thing, but it can also turn bad, if it gets out of balance. and i suppose that, can even be a fine line. it is hard to not completely immerse yourself into something your heart is drawn to, but maybe self control is a most divine attribute?
the whole concept of a cult, in itself, is an atrocity because what draws people into them in the first place is a seeking out for all things good--purpose, connectedness, exploration of self, a right walk with G-d. when a place disguised as refuge is in fact, a place of captivity,surely G-d's nostrils rage.
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When I was first becomiing religious, the Chabad and other Orthodox Rabbis I learned with encouraged me to question and gave me more than approach to help me grow, even telling me to wait on taking on certain customs and "stringencies." At the same the NON Orthodox Rabbi who found discouraged me tfrom moving forward.
HOWEVER , what was this "open minded" person's approach? I don't know because he would NOT really let me question him on his opinion. Istead it was just stuff like "Trust me, I'm a Rabbi, I know about this stuff." When someone in the congregation demanded he explained why he also branded Orthodox Jews as cult followers, he also refused to give an answer.
Kind of interesting huh
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While Judaism may not be a cult, certain religious communities can exhibit characteristics of cult. For example, I live in a small community where there is tremendous peer pressure to dress in certain ways, send one's children to a single school, avoid interaction with outsiders, and take on certain chumrahs.
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Orthodox Judaism requires certain behaviors and prohibits others which results in newly religious people alienating their family and friends. My (reform Jewish)family also accused me of joining a cult. My husband's family is also unhappy because we are no longer able to participate in family events. I am worn out by the ways in which religious observance has distanced me, my husband and children from our extended families. Unless Torah scholars stop persisting in rigid requirements, such as not letting anyone drive to us for Shabbos or Yom Tov, the accusation of Orthodox Judaism as a cult will stick.
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In the original and positive sense?
Yes. Allow me to explain:
The English word 'cult' comes from the French word 'culte' which comes from the Latin word 'cultus', which means 'to care and adore'; and 'cultus' comes from the Latin word 'colere', which means to 'cultivate'.
Now, does Chabad care for their fellow Jews and caringly cultivate them?
Yes.
It that good?
Yes.
Of course, some of you may object to this because 'cult' has Latin roots, not Hebrew.
Where does that leave Carpe Diem?
Anyway, keep up the good work (yasher koach).
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I knew someone like that, who suddenly wanted to observe all the laws. I thought she was faking but then I began to believe that she could have been brainwashed.
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I find this article very helpful.
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There is nothing bad about Kabbalah, It is just going deeper than the avrage person wants to go
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Good article. Thank you.
There is nothing wrong in wanting to observe the laws of Torah closely or more fully. What might seem weird to some because is not done by many is not necessarily part of something wrong or of a cult ... if it is part of Torah and its laws then it is a good thing. After all, Torah is the way G-d wants us to live.
If we are a light to others around us then it is all good.
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Others are so deeply engrossed that they have become insensitive to other people who are not like them, and they are very hasty to judge others who worship in Judaism differently. So, I agree that Orthodoxy of any religion can be either fulfilling to the person or it can be a cult, depending how the person is reacting to it. There will always be a divide in Judaism of people who want to live STRICTLY by the "old ways" and old habits/traditions of Torah and those who want to see the Torah as opening up our minds to debate and thought. G-d says, "See, I have set before thee this day life and good, death and evil; therefore, CHOOSE life that you may live". All the stories in the Torah show good and bad; life and death. I happen to see the stories NOT as being literal, but as being allegories and fables from which we can learn and glean lessons to a healthy and happy lifestyle.
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Of a cult vs a religion is a little short. I would add, the difference is in the freedom the person has who is in this religion as well as the freedom that person allows his own children. In a cult, children are not allowed to sway away from the path the parent has chosen. Hmm. Come to think of it, yes, Judaism can be considered a cult in some families and communities.
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i too sometimes i feel i am in a cult but although i have no physical leader i have only a spiritual one who is charge of my destiny. sometimes i have no idea where i am going but i sure know where i have been. i would currently call the United States of America a cult of having no clear direction but only following the pulse of the American voters in daily polls for the chosen few to remain in power for purposes of greed and prosperity. i would rather to follow a spirit i know to be true rather a false profit preaching and profiting on global warming. the spirit i follow IS global warming and who am i to argue! good luck with the latter!
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religion shouldn't keep grandchild and children from not eating in their family's home.
It is either my way or I eat with strangers.
this is what I find cultish.
this dividing of families.
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Funny you should write that just as I prepare to spend Shabbat bringing my children to their grandparent's home. Both sides had to bend a little, but with understanding and communication, thank G-d, everything seems to be working out.
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Could communicate as clearly and kindly as you. What a wonderful world this would be! Being a grandparent, I love hearing this story from you about taking your children to see their grandparents. G-d bless you and your family to have a long, healthy, and happy life together.
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if the religion separates you from your family,
if the foods you have always eaten with your family, in your home, restauant,etc.
is no longer good, or your religious leader tells you not to eat it for some reason, again to separate you from your family, it is a cult
if you get stranded at an airport, and their is no glatt kosher food, and you go without eating for over 24 hours, or more rather than eat a vegetarian meal, fruit, whatever,
rather than eat something not approved by your religious leader,
it is a cult.
if you are made to look different by your dress, facial hairs (not a small kippah), or any other clothing, where you stick out in a crowd, and look and feel conspicuious
it is a cult
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I was in a cult, they extorted money, kept me away from my family for long periods, drove their ideas into my mind and at one point tried to make me abort a baby (which I would not do, so I ran away. My lovely boy is now 19 and a musician). One day, in their study room, I was disturbed by loud conversation, there were a whole bunch of men chatting away and arguing over their study materials. "I take it you've never seen Jews debating spiritual matters", he said a nearby student with a smile (he was from Israel). "No", I replied and wondered at their nerve but then they were a strong group. I know that the sight of these men questioning, was one of the things which helped me to make the break and run back to my husband and two children. I don't tell this story to many I'm terribly ashamed of my time in this cult but I think that the questioning and debating of Jews is a great safety net against cults and I wanted to share it with you. I will never know if the others got out though.
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I believe Judaism is a way of life. Their Teachings are so beautiful because they intend on building you. It only becomes bad when people( of Any Religion) try to use it to spread hate and violence. However, even though the Jews have suffered in the past years, they still remain loving. They strength is my inspiration. And that is why i read Jewish teachings and live by them. Even though am not Jewish, I find their teachings worth learning.
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Cults are Satanic a means to seperate one from God
Religion is mans best way to God Thou fails due to wanting to please God his own way.
Worshiping of God is mans duety to Jehovah and to do the worshiping Gods way . One must read and understand the word of the Lord . The Spirit of God will lead you to Him and you will have fellowship with Him .It has to be Gods way no other will do !
This then becomes fellowship not religion
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Being individuals, all of us respond differently to the same message. As we age, we may respond differently to the same message. As an adult, it is important to think for yourself after you study. Sharing your ideas with another may change your mind or the other person's mind. The important thing is to keep learning.
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Thank you for sharing this story, I can relate to it so much. I read a story the other day about liberal Jews, it was somewhat confusing. I also follow this Gather the Jews, it said, "75% of all Jews are for gay marriages." I totally disagree with this, it is wrong. There are liberal and conservative Jews, but a Jew is a Jew; however some Jews get caught up in a bad web, if you know what I mean. I like what you said about seeking advice from a Rabbi. The Hebrew Bible was full of miracles; story of God's miraculously splitting the sea of Reeds when the Jews fled Egypt. There are many other miraculously miracles in the Hebrew Bible, I enjoy growing with knowledge, I am still a baby, but I know in time I will gain more knowledge. I know one thing "Faith will not force the intellect to believe something which leads to a contradiction. I can not relate to Christians Faith, but I respect them. When I gain knowledge, I am able to see more clearly, it also makes me more humble.
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I dont know which orthodox rabbi you are speaking to, but the ones Iknow (very orthodox ones) allow you to invite someone to your home even if they drive under certain conditions.
eg. if you offer them to sleep over, or if they are within walking distance (even if its far but it could be walked) then its their choice to drive, you are not causing them to drive and you could still invite them..
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It is interesting to define what is and what is not a cult. For some the study of the occult used to be a cult, as in the word itself. As in Kabbalah which contains the word Cabal which is about a cult.
We need to be open and Cultivate each other. The biggest problem with cults is the danger of what is closed and also how minds might act in "blind" obedience to something that could be personally harmful and harmful to others. Any closed or closeted belief system has this pitfall.
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Cult into cultivating. How awesome! How would you answer the question, then? Yes, or no?
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Since Judaism is arguably a cult, and Chabad is definitely not a cult, one wonders whether Chabad may be identified with Judaism.
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Hi I tried to give my personal response and that is: Judaism has its occult aspects and those were once forbidden study except for men of a certain age and so Yes that part of Judaism was shrouded in the mystery of what is kept secret as in a cabal or cult.
today I would say the increasing opening of such knowledge that is mystic to all has changed even this deepest part of study.
I do not see Judaism as a cult but rather hope for increased tolerance for the many who self identify as Jews and who do not judge each other for their beliefs and diverse ways of being, Jewish.
I have had several astounding mystic experiences that deeply inform my life and I feel we all need to follow the road signs in life, the most profound being SHARE THE ROAD. I feel there is a lack of this as even in Judaism there is this hierarchy that places some higher than others.
That is arrogance and humility is the key.
I believe as in the song by U 2: we get to carry each other.
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Very diverse; yet, legally, it is seen as a group which brainwashes its members and has punishments for swerving from the accepted path. Usually, legitimate cults have a leader who is like a tyrant and demands life and death obedience and physical proximity in one group home of sorts. We have seen cult leaders lead their followers into drinking poison, handling snakes, and killing themselves in other ways. Here, parents sometimes hire kidnappers to get their children OUT of cults (which are often reinforced buildings and protected by guns.) With this definition, Judaism is NOT a cult. That said, I believe ALL religions and gangs and groups are cultish in a way, without going to the extreme. Sometimes, Judaism is seen as a cult by non Jews, because we are so different from them. That, however, does not a cult make.
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I like your definition. What I think is cultish is folks who are absolutely certain of their opinions, yet have really never researched them. Judaism, and especially Chabad, is based on the intellect and contemplation and not righteous indignation. Oh and yes it is deeply rooted in Kabbalah tradition, which in my opinion, you don't know Torah till you have studied Kabbalah, and especially TANYA. TANYA is the opposite of cultish. It opens the world to a view of existence that makes sense of Torah in a way I never thought possible. This book has given me a strong idea of what it means to be a Jew and what is my purpose in this life. It gives me a reason to wake up in the morning. Whoever thinks Kabbalah is a cult has not studied real Kabbalah or TANYA. (Which is by the way different than the "Kabballah Center" Kaballah.)
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One of the features of cults is that they have a strong leader who's word is beyond question but below that there APPEARS to be freedom of thought in some way or other. The cult I was in had an "ethics system" which seemed to give the chance to think through ones decisions autonomously but in the end it all came down to "the good of the cult". I do not think Judaism is a cult.
The main thing about cults is they are built on no real benefit tho' they will be at pains to prove they have a benefit. When someone says "Our aim is to give you TOTAL FREEDOM" or other such claims you should laugh at them - they will realy hate that!
If you have a system with no hierachy you have freedom to be bullied by those with a big mouth and a strong personality. I would rather have a system where everyone has a senior - in Judaism this would appear to be Torah and ultimately Hashem. Be glad you have these because - a fish is not free where there is no bowl to hold the sea.
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By the way, the cult I was in was not related to Judaism or Buddhism in any way - but it did seem to appeal to many Jews.
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By the same token one could say that since Chabad, which is part of Judaism, is definitely not a cult, Judaism isn't one either.
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Sure you could say that. Of course their are those so called Judaism's that Deny Torah's validity, or use it to push idol worshiping. In regards to Judaism as is described in Torah as the covenant of the seed of Avraham, I will agree with you.
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1) Is Chabad "part of Judaism" in the same way that Reform Judaism is part of Judaism.?
2) A whole, by definition, includes more than one of its parts. Hence, the whole may posses qualities that are absent in the part. Thus, a part mayanot be a cult while the whole is.
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To the exclusion of other things, you create for yourself a cult within your heart.
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First off I don't speak for Chabad, but I will attempt to answer your questions.
1.Chabad's doctrines are Jewish as they represent the derivation of Torah as prescribed by the rules that are illustrated within the Torah. So therefore their system is a Jewish system.
As for other movements, any system that doesn't stick to the original definition cannot justifiably call itself by the name Jewish, although its members are considered Jewish if born of a Jewish mother or if converted through a proper conversion. It's kind of like Kosher Style. Is it Kosher? Not if it doesn't explicitly follow Kosher Laws in the Torah, and arguably the Oral Tradition as well. We all agree on what a potatoe is and if someone called an apple a potato, we would lock that person up and throw away the key. However, heaven forbid we should define Judaism to be what it originally said in the book.
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2.Chabad is one way to practice Judaism, but the whole your speaking about is not Chabad, but the whole of the Jewish People. Are we to say all people are Jewish. Is it arbitrary who is a Jew and who is not? Should we just say a Jew can be anything anyone wants it to be? How could we communicate at all if we can't agree on definitions of the words we are speaking. A Jew is defined by the covenant spelled out in the Torah. The parts are the individuals, and not the systems of practice themselves. In other words, A Jew is a Jew regardless of his belief.
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1 What is the "original definition" of Judaism and where do you find it? (You maintain that " any system that doesn't stick to the original definition cannot justifiably call itself by the name Jewish").
2. Can you demonstrate one single rule "illustrated whithin the Torah"? (You maintain that "Chabad's doctrines are Jewish as they represent the derivation of Torah as prescribed by the rules that are illustrated within the Torah". Please note that you are distinguishing between "the Torah" and "oral tradition", ).
3. Karaism purports to follow "the Torah" verbatim. Christianity espouses "the Torah". (According to you,) are not these religions legitimately Jewish, on a par with Chabad?
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I am not a Rabbi, but I will do my best here to get you started. If you are sincere in wanting true answers, I suggest you politely ask your local Chabad Rabbi to sit down with you to answer your questions. he should be glad to show you his sources.
1.Bereishit, Genesis Ch v.9 speaks about the covenant between the descendants of Noah and Hashem. This refers to all the nations.
Chapters 15-18 speaks about the covenant with the descendants of Abraham
2. In our Siddur, prayerbook, the last page of the morning prayer spells out the 13 ways to derive Torah. In the Kehot English Siddur it is titled Beraita. These laws were derived through comparing parts of Torah to show how the Torah itself extracts from one section to another. They are spelled out in the Mishna by Rebbe Yehuda HaNasi, author of the Mishna.
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3. I am not an expert on Karaism, but as I understand it they are Jews. They teach Judaism. Yet the Torah does say that we need to extract from it all our laws and to listen to what the Judges tell us. Therefore, Karaism and Saducceeism, etc... seem to me in my limited knowledge to be incorrect.
As for the other, xtianity, They are not based on the validity of the covenant as spelled out in #1. They are definately not a Judaism. There are many real Jews who practice it, for sure, but this system is not Jewish.
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I would suggest to you to stay away from making assertions that, apparently,you are unable to defend, as long as your feel that your knowledge is "limited" (your admission).
I am sure that Karaite and Christian scholars, not only Chabad rabbis, can show you "their sources".
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I posted sources for you, but to go any deeper, for one requires tremendous explanation. I said check out the Kehot Siddur at the end of the morning prayer before Shacharit. I also said look up R. Yehuda Ha Nasi. I also gave you Torah passages. If you truly wish to know the truth, you should be sitting with me here at Yeshivah at a table with 5 books or more so we can go from citation to citation. Since we cannot do that over the chat properly, I would suggest you sit down with a Chabad Rabbi who is really an expert. This isnt about winning an argument with someone who wants to pick a fight. Its the way to do it if you really wish to know and understand. Stop the whiny insults and be brave enough to be polite and ask a guy standing in front of books who has read them inside and out and is willing to show you the pages. Or spend 2 years in Yeshivah. Your choice.
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"Insults"? You yourself openly acknowledged that your knowledge was limited!. You asserted that the written Torah "illustrates" the rules of "derivation" (according to which, you claim, Chabad was Jewish). I defied you to point to a single such rule. Please don't relegate me to Chabad rabbis for the answer. Find it out yourself (if it exists,) from those rabbis and let the readers of this column know.
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Enough with the SECTS being confused with CULTS.
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What are you complaining about? If you were to truly follow this column, surely you would have noticed that the last few contributions centered on the issue of whether Chabad may be equated with Judaism, not about "sects" and "cults".
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I sort of ran into this by accident, and believe me, I'm no expert on Judaism, Chabad, or cults. Nonetheless, this discourse between Mark and Git would probably have wound up in Talmud somewhere if it had occurred at the time.
Meanwhile, to me, it's about who is Jewish and who isn't and what is a cult. My answer is, it doesn't matter much who is Jewish and who isn't unless the person seeks to invoke the Right of Return, and then his mother decides. Beyond that, I will take as Jewish anyone who professes to be Jewish. After all, who would want to kid about a thing like that? You want to argue who's the better Jew? Don't even go there.
As to cults and brainwashing. A cult is when you are told to drink the Koolaid and don't ask questions, and you do. Any Jew, on the other hand, would ask Why should I drink it? Where does it say I should drink it? What's in it? ( Is it Kosher? ) No. Fundamental Jewish tradition is to question everything. Judaism is no cult.
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I would agree, but there are groups who do teach the mystic side of Judaism and who do often act in ways that are described as cultish.
I agree with what is written above, that any group that actively does not promote questioning and open dialogue, and a group that somehow enforces, one point of view, is to be considered, at least, having some problems with being OPEN and maybe, suspect.
I think there is a crossover in all things we do and think, meaning mergers do happen. And so it is, what is closed for some, is for others, an opening, and what is very clear, is that there are these indistinct areas that do stretch and and push at boundaries and what they mean.
We have to be careful to define our terms in talking about them. Sometimes a cult forces another to drink Kool aid, or there is peer pressure that causes that person, despite themselves, to drink the Kool Aid. There are many permutations of this same scenario.
A lot of cults in our society are marked by coercion.
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I really like your post, sounds like common sense to me and a agree absolutely about the questioning being a sign that Judaism is not a cult.
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If, according to you, David Perlman, "Fundamental Jewish tradition is to question everything," then Chabad isn't Jewish: Have you ever seen a Chabad member questions the Lubavitch Rebbe's statements or teachings?
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Did the Rebbe invite questioning and did he learn and say so?
Your question is interesting. I wonder about that answer. It seems that there are people, in Chabad, who are deemed unquestionably right and their teachings are revered as such.
I think if this is true, then that person has articulated truths that feel beyond question, right, but I do not know the answer.
I know that when I questioned a statement about the Tanya by its author, that it had all the answers, I was rebuked. and got a personal email about this. Humble?
My response is still that everyone has faults and we all make mistakes. We all fall down. I think it's a mistake to put any one person on too great a pedestal. But we do. We all do. And so it's something to think about.
That pedestal belongs to the KING of all, and that is Avinu Malkeynu. Idolatry is not a good thing, or is it? Maybe it's intent. To celebrate a life is not idolatry. Again it's about how and where we set the boundaries and this involves us all.
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No, I haven't noted any Chabad member question the Lubavitch Rebbe, but if none ever have, I wonder why not?
Perhaps Chabad could be thought of as a cult and also thought of as Jewish, so we get to some Jews are members of a cult and some are not. To be sure, if Judaism is a grape vine, some Jews are fruit with faces to the sun, some are leaves, some are stems, and some are roots living in the dank, dark ground. But the vine needs them all! ( That care of Rabbe Shegalov, btw; I'm not that poetic myself )
Some people like or need to be told what to do and how to behave. Others question authority. Both are Jews.
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I guess I am among those Jews who question and I also question G-d but do not question G-d's existence but rather the great sorrows that life is heir to... the same puzzlements of despair that lead atheists to question the presence of cruelty and violence and hence a Divine presiding Presencr. My personal feelings have evolved over time.
Experience is a great teacher along with the accumulated wisdom of years and others.
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Re Rabbi's post ....
Sounds so-so. "Trick" comments in my view.
This story is about a grown adult who became religions in Israel. Right? Readers do not know how this individual was created/raised from childhood. The overall environment and what was accepted/taught.
My beef is this .... when you take a small infant/child/person .... rear them without choice .... ANY religion will take on a life of its own. Especially, w/highly religious families. Adults hopefully can make healthy choices for their lives/future. Not children.
Overall .... being born a non-religious Jewish (some customs were celebrated) female ..... I do not believe in any organized religion. They all seem too contrived and very weird.
If so .... there is (only) 1 god .... for ALL. Way too much conflict in our huge world for this almighty to even think about. Let alone choose favorties.
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I am glad to see that the more recent comments have names instead of being signed Anonymous.
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People who sign their comments Anonymous give me the impression that they do not mean what they say.. They may be saying what somebody else thinks. Stand up and speak for yourself. You will find it to be liberating.
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While i have never yet signed myself anon I can understand that on this particular thread their may be greater reason. People who have been in a cult can suffer various symptoms due to their experiences such as paranoia and general fearfulness (which may or may not be justified). The option to remain anon can give them the chance to speak for the first time about things which have been kept secret to avoid retribution. Others may have their own reasons. Some are not here to be liberated but to liberate - maybe.
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I think we should respect those who choose to sign, however they sign, what they are writing.
I could make a point in saying that those who remain anonymous could be gifting anonymously, which is a great way to gift, others, as ego is not as out front, as in putting one's name to something we do.
I think we are gifting each other on line, and I do think about the contributions of nameless others in this way, too.
It doesn't bother me that people choose to be, anonymous, and often I think it's better to be that way, in some ways. Just taking the other tack, sails to the wind.
We all have our reasons and I respect this.
I think biting comments, whether signed or unsigned, are not the way to go. Respect is where it's at. Can't we agree to disagree in a polite manner?
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