Article: "The Theocratic Chain of Misery"

[scoobiedavis]

I do blogs that expose both Amway and Sun Myung Moon's pernicious activities. In the course of my research, I have found that there is a "synergy" between these groups and other various reactionary and exploitative groups such as the neo-Confederate movement and the sectarian right. I have written a succinct article on the reinforcing relationship between these groups titled "The Theocratic Chain of Misery." You can read it here: http://realsunmyungmoon.blogspot.com/

Any constructive feedback is welcome.

[phantom power]

1. So Moon bought Falwell off?

Who would guess Falwell would sell out to a heretic for money?

[scoobiedavis]

4. Yes, here's a picture of Falwell hugging Moon

It's here: http://realsunmyungmoon.blogspot.com/2007/11/note-this-blog-post-is-reprinted-from_646.html

[opihimoimoi]

2. OMG....AWESOME WORK.....you should get a Pulitzer...the Freedom Medal...

K&R

[sallylou666]

3. Interesting

Very interesting. I had heard some connections but I've never seen it laid out so clearly. Thanks for that information.

[seemslikeadream]

5. Thanks

:hi:

[progressoid]

6. bookmarking

[Peace Patriot]

7. Thank you! Very interesting post! nt

[juno jones]

8. Thank you for the links.

I have a fascination with cult behavior, from Amway to Scientology to dominionism to the Moonies and lesser known groups such as Elizabeth Claire Prophet and her new age imitators.

Across the board I have found these similarities.

One's merit in the group is judged by the amount of money they bring in.

There is some kind of 'training' involved that is paid for. Scientologists have the 'Bridge', dominionists have the 'Tranformations' classes, Amway and Moon have their own training programs. All of these are offered only to the worthiest-ie: those with ability to pay thousands of dollars.

There are claims of upper echelon people posessing spiritual powers, the one that stands out in several groups is a claimed ability to bring the dead back to life.

Another is the need for scapegoats and outsiders, people who can be blamed for things that go wrong in the true believer's life.
Scientologists call them SP's and 'wogs', dominionists go on actual witchhunts, claiming as prayer warriors to be able to map out demonic infestation and sometimes hounding accused witches (leading to death and disfigurement in Africa, social ostracization in the US). I'm sure both Moon and Amway have their own quiant notions about unrepentant unbelievers and how nice the world would be if only we could eliminate them all.

I'm sure there are other salient points of similarity, but this is what I can think of off the top of my head.

These religions do not teach 'love' or 'tolerance' or anything approaching the ideals of genuine spirituality. They make money for their founders and are vehicles of political power.

If you are interested in some sites for comparison:
Scientology:
Operation Clambake: http://www.xenu.net/
Why We Protest (anonymous, caution, profane language): http://forums.whyweprotest.net/

Dominionism:
http://dogemperor.dailykos.com/ diary of domininist cult survivor
http://troutfishing.dailykos.com/ diary of Bruce Wilson of Talk2Action.