NXIVM--a non-theistic cult?

[jab]

I don't think there's a thread on NXIVM on Talk Freethought. So here it is. What do you think of it? What does it have to say about the last quarter century? Do you see it as a cult or more as a slightly woo-ish self improvement pyramid scheme with a side line in sexual exploitation and blackmail, or as an organizational mash-up? Or was/ is it a valid organization unfairly persecuted by rich people, disgruntled employees, the media, and the state?

 

[J842P]

Definitely a cult for the gullible and stupid.

 

[Politesse]

A classic Revitalization Movement, in a capitalist/corporate semantic lens.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Scientology with benefits

 

[repoman]

This is a great part of the movie Semi Tough

 

[Angry Floof]

I don't think there's a thread on NXIVM on Talk Freethought. So here it is. What do you think of it? What does it have to say about the last quarter century? Do you see it as a cult or more as a slightly woo-ish self improvement pyramid scheme with a side line in sexual exploitation and blackmail, or as an organizational mash-up? Or was/ is it a valid organization unfairly persecuted by rich people, disgruntled employees, the media, and the state?

Definitely a cult. Leader worship, unquestioned loyalty, manipulation, aggressive recruiting, promises of success and enlightenment, and ultimately sex crimes and slavery.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NXIVM

 

[GenesisNemesis]

If there's someone professing to be a leader, and they demand reverence fron their followers, and they're trying to sell you something, that's one way to identify a cult.

 

[CJW]

Just Finished "The Vow" on HBO - 9 part mini series on NXIVM, Keith Raniere, and the major players - told from the POV of Mark Vincente (Director of "What the Bleep do we Know" and his wife Bonnie Piesse (Beru Lars in the Star Wars prequels). Also features actress Catherine Oxenberg whose daughter, India was deeply involved. There's even a Part 2 planned for next year. Pretty good. Interestingly, the NXIVM exiles had worked with the NYT on this story for a while, but the NYT held off on it, never finding the "right" time to publish it, but finally did after the Weinstein story broke. Even after that it was some time before NY state law enforcement got involved.

 

[aupmanyav]

If there's someone professing to be a leader, and they demand reverence from their followers, and they're trying to sell you something, that's one way to identify a cult.

Jesus?
The story of every Abrahamic religion.

 

[ideologyhunter]

So...different from MAGA how?

 

[aupmanyav]

Maga! What is that?

 

[blastula]

Maga! What is that?

Trust me, ignorance is bliss.

 

[aupmanyav]

Never believed 'ignorance is bliss'.

 

[GenesisNemesis]

Maga! What is that?

Trust me, ignorance is bliss.

Well, it can also be pretty destructive, at the same time.