C.U.L.T

Some people ask, "Am I a member of a cult?" In answer to this question, let's look at the definition of a cult according to the dictionary. "... a system of religious or spiritual beliefs, especially an informal and transient belief system regarded by others as misguided, unorthodox, extremist, or false, and directed by a charismatic, authoritarian leader."

Now, let me dissect the definition and see where my association with the philosophy of Science of Mind weighs in.

"...a system of religious or spiritual beliefs..."

Yes I am a member of an organization that has spiritual beliefs. I am a member of a an organization called Centers for Spiritual Living, otherwise known as Religious Science. Religious Science is defined by its founder, Ernest Holmes as "a philosophy, a faith, way of life."

In case you don't know who Ernest Holmes is...he was a spiritualist, a teacher, a writer and public speaker. He founded Religious Science in 1927 and it is part of the New Thought Movement, which is not really new thought, but a compilation of the teachings of the ages from Socrates to Jesus to Ralph Waldo Emerson.

In a nutshell, we recognize that God is everywhere. We believe each person, each living creation is a unique expression of the Divine. God is within, expressing through us. We as human expressions with self-awareness and the ability to think and to have freedom of choice, experience life as a reflection of what we believe. We are governed by our use of the Law of Cause and Effect. Cause being the Mind and Effect being the out-picturing of our thoughts as our life experience.

Is this "...especially an informal and transient belief system regarded by others as misguided, unorthodox, extremist, or false?"

In answer to this question, I'm sure there are those who regard it as such, but I would have to say no. Although the philosophy known as Science of Mind is relatively young, it is not informal and transient. It is a provable science. It is a belief system that has been around for well over 2000 years. I could hardly call it misguided, extremist or false, as I am taught to think for myself and to think the best of myself and everyone. It is a philosophy based in love and respect of all souls. Spirit or God is Love.

The last part of the definition: "...and directed by a charismatic, authoritarian leader."

Each of our centers has a minister. In fact, I am studying to be one. Are ministers charismatic? Well, if it means well-liked and able to hold a crowd, I would think that would be important. I don't want to be putting people to sleep. I want to be inspirational.

"Authoritarian?" Yes, there is structure to any organization, but we do not follow anyone blindly. As I said before, Religious Science is a way of life. Our aim is to bring our belief that Life is Good into our daily experience. We can do this whether we are a member of a church or not. We are all leaders and we inspire each other.

So there you have it. Do I belong to a cult? The cult I belong to is spelled C.U.L.T and it stands for a Creative, Unlimited, Loving Team of individuals who are empowering themselves and awakening mankind to its magnificence. If that's "extreme" then I say...bring it on!