LOST-Theories.com

Okay, I was kind of looking forward to this one. So where’s the article??

Tree, Even without reading the article, one cannot deny that “the others” are in fact “cult like”. There is plenty of evidence which points in that direction. Also, one can look at the DI, and reach the same conclusions! +1

I agree with dab, but I still want that article!!!!!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/11/04/nopusdei104.xml

Here it is…note the reference to a “list”..

Obviously there are some cultish things on the island, particularly when the folks seem to have no power to leave but like a cult, the only real power you lose is the one you give away. Is it possible that folks can really come and go to and from the island as they choose?

I don’t really see any rewards to membership in Ben/Jacob’s cult…this is the same Ben who murdered his alcoholic father….doesn’t he seem to have more and more in common with Kate?

Tree, I liken “the island” to “Hotel California”. “You can check in anytime, but you can never leave!!

I believe that there is no benefit to anyone belonging to a “cult”. it has always been proven, that “the leaders” are the only ones to truly benefit!

Nice link!

Ugh… I know the “DaVinci Code” made Opus Dei look like the dark side of the Catholic Church, but in fact is nothing else than a “business arm” of it. Yes, it has its special rules and its special membership roles but, believe me, it’s all about dropping the correct people in the correct positions so someday they’ll return the favour.

And, just for your information, I’m an atheist… so I don’t have any particular reasons to like or defend Opus Dei.

Um Oc I would consider such a thing to be potentially very dangerous indeed and would be dubious as to whether it really is just a business arm. I too am an atheist but perhaps a more rabid one, lol.

Anyway Tree Sneakers I like it. The article was an interesting read. I’m not sure I really see the Others as a cult as such but I’m willing to go in that direction from what I have seen with Cindy.

+1 for the read!

Okay Occam, I guess it’s you and the Missus, I’ll be chasing around with Holy Water from now on!

I better get the fire hose, out!

mrs: Yeah, they are a sect. Yeah, they have their “peculiar ways”. But there are many other more dangerous Catholic sects —at least over here— than Opus Dei. I don’t know about the rest of the world, but over here it’s all about business.

dabs: Are you going to yell that “burn, baby, burn” thing? }:·)

No, Occie Dokie!

I’m going to recite the Lord’s Prayer, accompanied with a slew of “Hail Mary’s”!

This really tickled my funny bone! Laughing at myself! Because, I’m picturing me chasing you and the lovely, Missus around!

Tree_sneakers, it was worth the wait. That article was chilling. And it did remind me of the Others, particularly Cindy at the cage staring at Jack. They are very cult like. As you said no way of getting off the island, he controls just about everything.

And don’t forget Room 23 with Karl. +1

DO NOT DRINK THE KOOL AID

I think Opus Dei would probably not use such a Hindu/Buddhist sounding name if they were in charge of the island.

The other’s do seem to belong to a cult, one I like to call the cult of Ben. He is a prolific personality who easily controls those who wish to be controlled, hm, sounds familiar

I think you are mischaracterising The Others.

Yes, there are, as Ben would put it, Loyalists. Tom and Mikhail come to mind.

But in general we haven’t seen slavish devotion to a single man. Richard Alpert comes to Ben to tell him that people are talking. Juliet tells Jack that some people want a change.

Cult leaders present themselves as all-knowing, christ-like figures, inheritors of ancient and secret wisdom. Ben doesn’t have all the answers, and doesn’t pretend to. He is human and fallible. When he needs medical attention, he seeks it out. He doesn’t understand the fertility issue, and recruits top scientific talent to investigate. He screws up and gets caught by the losties. He even tells Locke that god can’t see the island.

(I will give you this, though. One of the tools of a cult leader is to cut off the disciple from outside influence and support, like family and friends. Ben has surely done that.)

Yes, Ben is the leader. Yes, The Others seem to have an important mission. But I don’t see mindless obedience. I don’t see a cult.

Cultish behavior….Mikhail shooting Bea after she begs to be killed.

A cult does not have to be religious in nature, it is based more on power which many would argue is the exact opposite of religion and spirituality.

Good discussion on this so far. Thanks!