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I was wondering what folks think, based on the historical evidence, of a cult becoming a legitimate, mainstream religion. I noticed that some groups which seemed very cultlike, (and still do) have softened up a great deal. For example, the Jehovah Witnesses group no longer harasses people at the door to door efforts when turned away. The larger, mainstream Mormon church did away with polygamy, and their racist teachings that African Americans could not be clergy or enter their temples, and have thus softened up their previously insane teachings, to appear more mainstream. After the passing of a cult leader, some say the group either dies, or becomes a sect, then on to becoming a denomination, or a part of mainstream religions. With EV, it is interesting because M has kept every aspect of the cult but is also trying to appear legitimate, and get rid of all the weird stuff from the 70's. If Rawat dies or leaves EV, I think EV would die. Rawat is EV. Maybe thats the key to whether a cult would ever grow to a sect, if when the cult leader dies or leaves the group, can a new group of leaders carry on in a more democratic way.
In asking this question, let me say, I do doubt seriously if Elan Vital could ever become a legitimate, mainstream path. Rawat lies and says it isn't a religion anyway, despite the way he uses religion to avoid taxes.
Hussain
Modified by Hussain at Fri, May 06, 2005, 12:26:57
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