That is correct, Ebbie. EVERY religion began as a cult. The more successful a cult becomes, the more legitimacy it gains in the eyes of large numbers of people as time goes by. After awhile they don't think of it as a "cult" anymore.

Look at the horrifying things done in the name of Christianity in the last 2,000 years. Can any modern "cult" match all that in for sheer dimensions of abuse and human suffering? I don't think so.

On the other hand, many wonderful things have also been done by Christians and by the Christian churches, so it all depends what part you focus on, doesn't it?

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I have known quite a number of Jehovah's witnesses personally, Ebbie, and I'll say this. Although I consider some of their beliefs totally wacky, and I think they are naive to go around knocking on people's doors and trying to convert them, still the Jehovah's Witnesses that I have known personally have without exception been very good and honest people who I am glad to have as friends. I don't care if their religion seems wacky. It suits them, and that's okay with me.

Have also known a number of Pagans. Some were great people, some were a bit odd, one was downright dangerous. My basic opinion of Paganism, therefore, remains neutral at this point. I like their version of the Golden Rule: "Do as you will, and harm no one."

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Alice, if you have had friends who were seriously hurt by Scientology, then yes, I do understand why it is an important issue to you. Fair enough.