For many years I have been intrigued by cults. They come in many forms. The Jonestown Massacre caught my interest when on November 18, 1978, 918 people died at the behest of their Leader Jim Jones. I had just begun working at Southern Illinois University the month before. Suddenly I realized that good people could be brainwashed in mass by a religious leader. I wondered how many more of these damaging groups there were.

Raelians are members of the cult of Claude Vorilhon, a French singer and Journalist. They believe that ‘ humans originated from alien scientists who came to earth in UFOs.’

A red flag identifying a cult is demanded subservience to the group’s leader. This includes the giving of your money and time to the betterment of the cause with the leader being demonstrably the beneficiary of your efforts.

I learned that nothing succeeds like thinking for yourself. Questions to ask are; why is your leader lying to you, why is your leader rich and you and your fellow supplicants are poor?

We humans seek a cause to celebrate attach ourselves to and belong. To be a true believer we affix blinders on our heads ignore evidence our eyes reveal and associate ourselves with others who have made the big step into alternate reality. It is good to be a part of a group we say.

Cults are noted for those they do not include. All who do not accept without question the doctrine of the great leader are prohibited from entrance to the chosen. When the leader is involved with your personal life and family identity you may be a member of a cult. If the great leader tells you to give up your finances until it hurts you may be a member of a cult. When the great leader enjoys hearing gossip about your fellow church members…

Political cults exist. Hitler headed a political cult. Look at the photos of women and men with manic expressions as they listened to his speeches. As the Jews were ushered to their death in gas chambers most turned their head and trusted the macabre actions of the Nazis. Jews were Germans and loved before Hitler’s cultish decrees. They were patriotic Germans and respected in their communities. They loved Germany!

The political division in the United States has grown frightening. I have lost friends. People passionately take a political side at the cost of life and limb. Faith has not identified with a political party. Love for the country has become a love for a Presidential candidate. Some believe the flag is their domain…when all Americans love our flag. Some think that to be a Christian is to be a member of a political party.

We weep for the division of our Republic. ‘Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning…’