Quoting Chuck Bass:" Personally what threw the "cult" flag up for me was that you have to pay money to move up levels, they ... [snip!] ... belief in a higher power. I was asking for opinions. And maybe I should have specified that by "cult" I meant "religious cult"."

Well, tbh I don't see that as much different than when churches pass around the offering tray. I remember as a kid, the looks my mom would get when we passed it back empty.

Quoting khigh:" Up until about the beginning of the 1900's, you had to pay the Catholic Priest to absolve you of your sins. There was a pardoner that you had to pay before they would hear you."

True but the church was corrupt, it wasn't supposed to be part of the actual religion. Nothing about giving money to the church or tithing is in the Bible.

It's a religion just like any other. I don't find it any more kooky than I find Mormonism.

Quoting Chuck Bass:" True but the church was corrupt, it wasn't supposed to be part of the actual religion. Nothing about giving money to the church or tithing is in the Bible."

There are MANY verses. It's all about interpretation though. I believe 10% doesn't have to be money, or given to the church, and neither does the church I currently attend, thank goodness. But many, MANY churches do. You wouldn't believe how many churches will pull you aside to speak to you about the importance of tithing f they do not think you are giving enough   Or, maybe you would.

I think it's as valid as any other religion. It's a belief that is important to some poeple just as Christianity, Islam, Hindu etc are to others. I don't think it sounds like a very fun religion to be a part of but that's only my opinion. I don't think any of the religions I know about seem fun to be a part of, lol.

My Grandmother was a member for a number of years. She basically had to "buy her way out". They sucked so much money out of her. My parents and Grandfather had to intervene and put a stop to it.

I dont think they are a religion.
I think they are a self-improvement organization.
I dont know enough details to say if they are a cult. i clicked "other."