Critical Vs Cult

Irfan Baryaly
Critical comes from the Greek word for critic (kritikos),which means to question , to make sense of, and to analyse . Therefore, it can be elaborated as to have thinking that is developed by questioning, evaluating, and analyzing. The advantage of having critical foresight is to reach the best possible conclusions and decisions. The word “critical” has a connection with the word “criticize” as well,which means to question and evaluate. Unluckily, criticism is destructively used to mar someone’s position and thinking. Criticism that is constructive is advantageous because it is harnessed for analysing and to develop understanding of things and their nature. So there is an ademarcation between destructive and constructive criticism. Qualities of a critical thinker independent thinker:An independent thinker readily agrees to valid opinions of other people . They develop well-supported beliefs through thoughtful analysis. Insightful :They are so critical that they treat content deeply. They are not marred by the detailed and complex nature of the issues. They see both bricks and houses.Curious :Critical thinkers always ask various questions so as to know the nature,scope,and all details of the content.Mentally alert:They are not stagnant but are attentive to problems and challenges that they confront.Knowledgeable :They rely on facts and evidence. They don’t appeal to emotions.Open-minded:They are deprived of all prejudices . Critical thinkers deeply analyze and evaluate all thoughts and ideas. Good listeners and speakers:They like to listen to their opponents carefully and will defend their viewpoint by active Speaking.Creative: The approach of a critical thinker is creative . Critical thinkers are nonconformists, and they like to generate new thoughts to have variety and novelty. Self-awareness: They are aware of what is going on in their minds as well as what is going on in their surroundings. They do introspection when they feel a desire to consider and further analyze things. We need to learn to think because thinking makes us act effectively in the world. If we can think, speak, and write, we are absolutely deadly. Nothing can get in our way. Cult The word “cult” always carries a negative connotation. There are specific criteria used to identify a cult. In Combatting Cult Mind Control, deprogrammer Steven Hassan singles out what he refers to as “destructive cults,” which he defines as “a pyramid-shaped authoritarian regime with a person or group of people that have dictatorial control. It uses deception in recruiting new members (e.g., people are not told up front what the group is, what the group actually believes, and what will be expected of them if they become members). Hassan also correctly points out that cults are not only religious;they may also be commercial or secular in nature. Hassan developed the BITEacronym, which describes the components employed by destructive cults using mindcontrol. BITE covers the following areas of control:Behavior control :A group member is dictated to as to where and/or how and/or with whom he or she lives and associates with, or is encouraged to isolate themselves from others outside the cult, which can include isolating from family members. They may have imposed upon them or imposed upon themselves rigid rules and regulations. Information control:Cult leaders often practice deception (by deliberately withholding or distorting information and/or lying). They tend to minimize or discourage access to non-cult sources of information (TV,mainstream media, dissenting former members, and so on). They make extensive use of cult-generated information and propaganda (social media, newsletters, movies, and internet influencers). Thought control:Members internalize the group’s doctrine as truth (black-and-white, good vs evilthinking).They succumb to loaded language and clichés that limit knowledge, halt critical thinking, and reduce complexities to platitudinous buzz words. Emotional control:Group leaders and members manipulate and narrow the range of feelings—some emotions and/or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish. They are “taught” emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, and doubt.The members are made to feel that problems are always the fault of others outside the group, never their own or the group’s fault. They have been instilled with fear and/or paranoia, such as fear of the “outside” world(outside the cult), seeing non-members as enemies, and fear of being shunned by the group for not conforming to the group’s ideology in every detail. It is critical to follow the example of the Bereans in Acts 17:11: “Now the Bereans… received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Always research the beliefs of a group before committing to it, examine its behaviors and doctrines in light of the Holy Books, and beware of the methods listed in the BITE model. Talk to the members, but refuse to be coerced by them. Importantly, if something doesn’t seem right, don’t do it. The truth will set you free from false teachers and religion.