Nothing is Transparent: 5 Fascist Fundamentals

That sounds almost EXACTLY like the checklist of whether something is a cult. There's one more point that I remember: "The organization's wealth does not benefit its [general] members or society."

I used to be able to access the list of what defines a cult through xenu.net, but that subsidiary website is not apparent now. But that site is fairly entertaining and includes lots of links on how to avoid being victimized by a cult (Rule #1: Learn to employ critical thinking skills.)

Posted by B. Durbin at April 3, 2010 3:09 PM

Countdown for the resident troll to point a finger at conservatives...

JWM

Posted by jwm at April 3, 2010 3:25 PM

It sounds to me like these five defining characteristics describe exactly the Cult of Dear Leader, the Exalted O-Man.

Posted by Hangtown Bob at April 3, 2010 5:08 PM

Seemed that way to me too.

Posted by vanderleun at April 3, 2010 5:33 PM

Although he was making a different point, I thought this recent post by Tigerhawk is relevant.
http://tigerhawk.blogspot.com/2010/04/clash-of-worldviews.html

Posted by Barnabus at April 3, 2010 6:47 PM

I was in a cult for several years, although most people might not identify it as such -- the United Methodist Church.

What I've learned is that "cult" and "religion" are not discrete categories. Controlling and exploitative tendencies are common to all religions. It's just that some are more aggressive and destructive about it.

The more that you get into any cause or movement that claims transcendent truth, the more cult-like it becomes. Any group, if you go in far enough and deep enough, is a cult.

Posted by John at April 4, 2010 8:34 AM