General Chat

Yes, I dont take great issue with the conscientious objector bit, I only mention it really because of the 'citizenship' classes and tests that immigrants must go through, but a person who converts to a certain religion automatically 'renounces' the government, the flag, loyalty to his or her country......just an interesting little paradox. Would a person of that faith who wished to come to the UK as an immigrant be allowed to?

I dont know....but I find the conundrum intriguing, lol

Now I started writing...but it is too early to think straight...however looking back to the '80s...i remember the problems with th 'Moonies' the 'Unification Church' as i think it was officially called . They (allegedly) used brain washing# tactics on its recruits. So on that basis your " if any practises are likely or liable to cause physical or mental harm then should they be illegal" seems about right.

Difficult, because any minority group. cult. , call it what you will can cause unrest, distress...but as you say a fine dividing line...in terms of freedom of choice and freedom of speech....


I personally find it annoying that the JWs and the local born-again Christian can 'invade my privacy' in order to promote what they believe...but then I find it equally annoying that double-glazing firms can do the same! lol.

I personally don't think that being unwilling to fight for your country should be any issue , that has always been the case for example with Quakers I think ? who in all other respects have been a full and indeed very important part of society.

Rose xx (who needed at least 2 more coffees before replying lol)

~~When I think of a cult..of any description..the one example that always springs to mind is The `Jonestown` Masacre of 1978..which is a prime example of brainwashing and manipulation of people.
`Minority Belief system`..?..That is just a euphamism..in my minds eye..A cult is a cult..and a dangerous concept in the hands of a psychopath..or those that love power..Would one consider the Nazis to be part of a `cult`?..One leader..with many followers..following one `religion`..and thought process..

There are many 'cults' practising in the UK today. Some of them are acceptable and protected by law, even though their belief systems may conflict with 'national interests'.

By cults, I mean movements such as the scientologists, mormons, jehovahs witnesses, 9/11 truth, Kaotians, etc. Maybe the word cult will offend - so a substitute phrase might be 'minority belief system' or whatever.

Those that could be classed as a religion are protected by law, even though, as in at least one case, followers are bound to refuse military service, dont recognise the government and cannot pledge allegiance to their country. Even voting is seen as a sin.

How many of these cults should we tolerate and should there be a line drawn that must not be crossed - i.e. if any practises are likely or liable to cause physical or mental harm then should they be illegal?