Is it normal to want to start a religion or cult?

43% Normal
78 Comments

Is it wrong or abnormal to want to start a religious belief system or cult with yourself at the head/centre of it?

This is something I've wanted to do for a couple years now and I never really knew what to make of it. It feels morally wrong but at the same time so right to do. I want to do it but am also unsure of where to start or how to get the word out there about it.

I don't mean for it to be any sort of weird serial killer thing or some creepy set of principles which likens it all to slavery through belief. This kind of thing is often associated with what I want to do but I don't feel it is what I'm going to do and want to stay away from.

Anyway, is it normal to want to do this? And if so, what would be a good way to get it all started?

Voting Results
43% Normal
Based on 30 votes (13 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 78 )
  • Boojum
    4 years ago

    The fundamental prerequisite for starting a cult is being high on the psychopathy scale. You need to have an unshakeable belief in your own importance, an instinctive understanding of how to spot the vulnerabilities of people and push their buttons, an unquenchable need to control others, and a willingness to use people for your own ends without any qualms. Most importantly, you need to have heaps of superficial charm, since that will allow you to worm your way into the heads of your victims in the first place.

    The particularly BS you're selling isn't as important as how you brand and package it and yourself, but you need to identify something that's lacking in the lives of a significant portion of the population and come up with a superficially plausible product that will fill that need. You also need to figure out how you're going to monetise your product. There's no point in starting a cult if you haven't figured out a way to shear your flock and keep the sheep hanging around to give you more.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    2
    2
      -
    • A_Snek
      4 years ago

      I'm not really planning on specifically starting a cult, more like founding a religion for lack of better explanation

      I mainly say founding a cult in the ask and in a few comments here due to how it would likely be perceived by the general populous and what the definition of a cult has become colloquially

      Though in sure if I actually had the desire to and put my mind tonight I could found a honest to the gods good old fashioned cult, though I have no particular desire to

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
        -
      • Boojum
        4 years ago

        Historically, "cult" was just a negative term used for non-conforming groups by those who had signed up to one of the mainstream religions. Christianity was seen as a Jewish cult in its early days, but at some point it became too strong to dismiss as just a bunch of Jewish wingnuts who believed the Messiah had already arrived.

        These days, "cult" is usually applied to small organisations which often have a charismatic leader and a non-mainstream belief system combined with policies which exploit the members, deliberately separate them from their previous social and family networks and limit the ability of members to detach from the organisation.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        1
        1
          -
        • A_Snek
          4 years ago

          Yeah that's how one would be described nowadays, but at least where I'm from the colloquial definition is a lot less sinister and is mainly for a tight knit religious order that believes in non-mainstream ideals and practices

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          0
          0
            -
          • Bazinga
            4 years ago

            Televangelism might work out well for you. Practice public speaking like the most magnonomous shyster you can think of, and tell loser people they will be great if they give 10% of their income to you. This donation is a material sign of their commitment to God's divine cause, so they can feel good about it.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
            1
            1
              -
            • A_Snek
              4 years ago

              Thanks for the advice, I'll keep it in mind. My great grandfather one my father's side was a televangelist according to my dad. We both aren't too fond of the fact but can't deny the cash it brought in

              Comment Hidden ( show )
              0
              0
      • NoLifer
        4 years ago

        By definition a cult is a religion once it gets a good number of people.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
  • MrMercury24
    4 years ago

    No it isn't normal but you should do it anyway because why the fuck not?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • d0esnormalmatter
    4 years ago

    One of the most degenerate posts ever on here. You are seriously a scumbag.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • A_Snek
      4 years ago

      I don't see how it's "degenerate", it doesn't sound like you've really read any of the discussion down here. I genuinely wish the best for everyone and just want to help in my own way, even if it is pretty strange and I have a hard time figuring out how to express it properly

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
        -
      • d0esnormalmatter
        4 years ago

        Hey I can relate?

        I have a hard time "expressing properly" how fucking stupid and wrong this post is.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
          -
        • A_Snek
          4 years ago

          Saying that just simply states how closed minded you are being, and not taking into account other possible intentions of definitions to words and phrases. I don't aim to convert you to my way of thinking, simply try to explain to you I don't mean any harm and that I think your hostility towards me is misguided

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          0
          0
  • DIO
    4 years ago

    A_Snek: Contact me in private message. I can help.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • A_Snek
      4 years ago

      Help in what way? And with what?

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
        -
      • DIO
        4 years ago

        In starting a cult. And how to start it.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
          -
        • lmgg25
          4 years ago

          Hate religion and want to help start a cult? Get some lithium compounds.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          0
          0
            -
          • DIO
            4 years ago

            I don't hate religion. I hate what people have made of it.
            A cult is a tool useful to gaslight people and experiment some things.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
            0
            0
        • A_Snek
          4 years ago

          I'd say look through the rest of the comments on here and get back to me on whether you'd still like to lend a hand

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          0
          0
            -
          • DIO
            4 years ago

            As I said, I can help. I won't say it again.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
            0
            0
  • [Old Memory]
    4 years ago

    Look up covens and neo-paganism. There are plenty of pagan-like circles all over. Though many are very ancient and closed. Usually ethnic exclusive. I could explain better but there really isn’t any English translation for a lot of the terms I need

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • A_Snek
      4 years ago

      I have looked into that and some beliefs they hold coincide with my own but there are a decent amount of differences as well. Thanks for the suggestion though

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
  • andithoughtiwasweird
    4 years ago

    I get turned on by the idea of like sex cults where lots of sex is involved. But like, consensual

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • A_Snek
      4 years ago

      I can see that, and in my ideals non-consentual sex is a "sin" and would be severely punished. Though sex itself is viewed in a much more casual light and as something that shouldn't be as "sacred" as other beliefs and the current society make it out to be

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      1
      1
  • Kmoshea5
    4 years ago

    I don’t really know what I believe when comes to religion. I guess I’d agree with Buddhists and say “Nirvana” should be the goal. Reaching a state of Nirvana in your life and not getting bad karma. Good Karma and Nirvana.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • A_Snek
      4 years ago

      That makes a lot of sense, I'd say if that's what you believe keep an eye on this and check backbone a couple days to see my pastebin link detailing my beliefs and their values

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
  • SunSnow
    4 years ago

    Charles Manson

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • A_Snek
      4 years ago

      Unlike him I actually want what's best for everyone and don't plan on murdering anybody

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      1
      1
        -
      • d0esnormalmatter
        4 years ago

        Fuck you asshole

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
          -
        • A_Snek
          4 years ago

          That's a little uncalled for, mind telling me what brought about this hostility towards me?

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          0
          0
            -
          • d0esnormalmatter
            4 years ago

            Lying that fucking bad. Do you realize how hypocritical it is to say you want the best for everyone on a post where you say you want to start a cult?

            Comment Hidden ( show )
            0
            0
              -
            • A_Snek
              4 years ago

              Well, you are ignoring one colloquial definition of a cult and an old definition of it. A tight knit religious group that has differing beliefs to most of the population and major religious figureheads that is lead by a singular person

              On top of that I never said I wanted to start a cult in the more dubious way they are often portrayed. Namely I said I wanted to start a new religious practice and one of the main ways it would have to be organized in the beginning could be classified as my above description of a cult

              Comment Hidden ( show )
              0
              0
      • BleedingPain
        4 years ago

        Do you plan on allowing kink into your *religious commune* ? Is this even a commune, or is it just a religion like all the others where people can go home from it at the end of the day? If it is a commune esque thing, Will real world money be handled by your followers, or will they barter and trade within your system?

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
          -
        • A_Snek
          4 years ago

          For answers to all those questions and more, check back in a day or two's time to look at the pastebin I am developing.

          Also, explain what you mean by "allowing kink into" it please

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          0
          0
            -
          • BleedingPain
            4 years ago

            My good friend is creating a 10 year plan to create his own commune, that is essentially a closed group of kinky friends who will only be bartering and trading while he and a select few handle all the real world money to keep it running... its essentially one big polyamorous community where everyone fucks everyone.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
            0
            0
              -
            • A_Snek
              4 years ago

              Sounds pretty strange, but it's their life not mine! What I'm trying to do would be more beneficial to everyone and isn't closed off at all for the most part

              Comment Hidden ( show )
              0
              0
  • litelander8
    4 years ago

    I've always wanted to be in a cult.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • A_Snek
      4 years ago

      You can be my first member! Wanna join? I might actually do this if people are interested

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
        -
      • litelander8
        4 years ago

        I'm gonna need details on what we're getting together for.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
          -
        • A_Snek
          4 years ago

          Would you like a way to contact me for details then? And I don't know if it would specifically classify as a cult or not so just a warning. Though for fun I could create one on the side (might not be a real cult as well)

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          0
          0
            -
          • litelander8
            4 years ago

            I would rather you tell me on IIN and the good people of this community can also know. Maybe some others may be interested.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
            0
            0
              -
            • A_Snek
              4 years ago

              Makes sense. I'll make an explanation in a pastebin asap and link it in a new comment thread for people to read

              Comment Hidden ( show )
              0
              0
  • RoseIsabella
    4 years ago

    No, it's not normal to want to start a cult? You talk about this the same way other people talk about wanting to join a gym, or get a new haircut. Maybe you're a self-absorbed narcissist? It's possible, stranger things have happened.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • A_Snek
      4 years ago

      I don't want to be worshiped in it, just the leader showing people a brighter path. Kind of like a bishop in the Catholic order.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      2
      2
        -
      • RoseIsabella
        4 years ago

        Like a Catholic bishop huh, are you sure you're not trying to be like a Mormon prophet, or that Scientology guy?

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
          -
        • A_Snek
          4 years ago

          As I recently stated in other replies it's hard to really draw a parallel, but that's the best one I could think of at the time

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          0
          0
            -
          • RoseIsabella
            4 years ago

            Just give me a brief synopsis of what you believe.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
            0
            0
              -
            • A_Snek
              4 years ago

              Hard to explain, at least in a console way, as I've said elsewhere on here. Keep an eye out for a new comment thread on here where I'll link a pastebin explaining my beliefs and how I would structure things if I were to start preaching them

              Comment Hidden ( show )
              0
              0
        • Clunk42
          4 years ago

          "Catholic bishop," what a joke. Indeed, OP would be more like either of them, or maybe Muhammad, who knows? All though, I feel like the Mormon and Scientology people at least believed what they were saying, unlike OP or Muhammad.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          0
          0
            -
          • Boojum
            4 years ago

            There has been an unverifiable rumour for decades that L. Ron Hubbard once said that the best way to get rich was to start a religion. Regardless of whether he did actually say that to anyone, he definitely structured Scientology as primarily a money-making enterprise, and he lived very well off it. There's loads of evidence that Hubbard was a habitual liar, fantasist, schemer and manipulator from when he was young. Whether he truly believed the Diantetics crap is unknowable, but it is clear that later in life he did seem to truly believe his particular line of BS. But then later in his life he was also lost in delusions of grandeur, power-mad and came out with some totally batshit cray stuff.

            As for the Mormons, Joseph Smith was another interesting character who was either a whack-job who truly believed he was capable of using a special rock to find treasure, or a conman looking to make a living off the gullible. Maybe he genuinely didn't realise that chunks of the Book of Mormon were plagiarised from the Bible, novels and other books because the passages came to him due to subconscious memories, or maybe he knew perfectly well what he'd done. Maybe the parallels between Mormon rituals and symbols and those of Freemasonry are completely coincidental, and nothing to do with the fact that Smith was a Mason. Maybe he genuinely believed that polygamy was God's preferred form of marriage, and this claimed revelation had nothing to do with him and his cronies wanting to bone and control more women than just their wives.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
            2
            2
              -
            • Clunk42
              4 years ago

              You're right! The scienologist didn't believe what he was teaching. If I recall correctly, he made scientology entirely because of a bet. I believe the bet was around $20,000 to start a religion.

              Comment Hidden ( show )
              1
              1
            • RoseIsabella
              4 years ago

              I'd rather be dead than become a Mormon, or Scientologist. Those people are bat shit crazy! With regard to my religion I'm happy where I am.

              The fact that there are still Mormons around is mind boggling to me, because that polygamy shit is so stupid. I honestly think it would be better to just worship nature like a Wiccan than be a Mormon.

              I totally believe what you stated in your first paragraph about L. Ron Hubbard just wanting money.

              Comment Hidden ( show )
              1
              1
            • A_Snek
              4 years ago

              Yeah, there's a lot of whack people out there and some religions weren't founded on much or were debatable as to whether those foundings were actually for the sake of others and righteousness or for self profit

              One common meme I see about Christianity is the virgin Mary inventing a religion rather than admit she cheated, but with that being so far in the past it's really uncertain what's happened to cause Christianity and where it's true origins lie

              But we all have our own truth, even if that truth is dumbfuck insane

              Comment Hidden ( show )
              -1
              -1
          • A_Snek
            4 years ago

            I do believe in what what I say and would preach if given the chance, I said a Catholic bishop because it is very hard to find a parallel to what I would actually be doing

            Comment Hidden ( show )
            0
            0
      • [Old Memory]
        4 years ago

        Can’t you do that without creating a cult?

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
          -
        • A_Snek
          4 years ago

          There isn't any sort of thing for what I believe currently out there (at least not in an organized form). And trying to make it a thing would most likely make it classify as a cult due to how it would have to initially be structured. So not really no

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          0
          0
            -
          • RoseIsabella
            4 years ago

            So, what exactly do you believe?

            Comment Hidden ( show )
            0
            0
              -
            • A_Snek
              4 years ago

              Hard to fully explain, and honestly what I would actually be doing if I were to start trying to preach what I believe is more akin to something more akin to a tribal shaman rather that a Catholic bishop. It's hard to really put a parralel to it

              Comment Hidden ( show )
              0
              0
  • A_Snek
    4 years ago

    For anyone interested in the pastebin I've mentioned a few times on here, it's going to have to be delayed. While thinking of how to structure it and explain in detail my beliefs I'd need more time and resources than I currently have available to me. For those still interested please send me a message on here for a quick back and forth about it addressing main questions you may have. If you'd like I can also give you a way to contact me via E-mail or other means. I do apologize for any letdowns this causes and I'm sorry I wasn't able to follow through on my word there. When I have more time on my hands to accurately do it I will make sure to do my best and not disappoint those who were interested in reading it. Until then, dm me on here for a one on one conversation and possibly a way to contact me

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    -1
    -1
  • megadriver
    4 years ago

    Hey if you start a cult and need someone to handle finances and offshore accounts for those "salvation" fees and donations, I'm your guy.

    I'll wear a tin foil hat if I have to! Once this thing goes big, we'll be rich.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    -1
    -1
      -
    • A_Snek
      4 years ago

      I'm not looking to get rich or anything, just crate a place of worship and faith for those that desire it. I want to help people, not con them. Thank you for the offer though! If you'd still like to help in any way you are more than welcome to join the community that may very well come into being in the future thanks to this discussion thread

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      -1
      -1