Besides, Cults Do Not Exist

"Cult" is a meaningless word that bigoted people apply to groups that they do not like. That is why, decades ago, sociologists of religion stopped saying “cult” and started saying “new religious movement." Therefore, cults no longer exist.

Philip Zimbardo, a so-called Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, has said: "Cult methods of recruiting, indoctrinating and influencing their members are not exotic forms of mind control, but only more intensely applied mundane tactics of social influence practiced daily by all compliance professionals and societal agents of influence."

A-ha! Even this so-called expert agrees that there is no such thing as cult mind control. There is only social conditioning, which we in Soka call "training." Sensei has said that he trusts no one who has been in Soka for less than ten years. So please be determined to uphold the treasured bond of Soka for at least a decade before you form an opinion about it.

• All religious organizations treat people as objects to be manipulated for the benefit of the leaders. Except for Soka, where leaders work hard for the members' happiness!
• All religious organizations believe and behave as though the group’s noble ends justify means that most people deem unethical. Except for Soka, where the ends truly do justify the means.
• All religious organizations harm some of the people involved with or affected by the group. Except for Soka, where the only people harmed are the foolish ones who cannot handle their own karma and leave.

Do you see? Soka is a new religious movement, not a cult. Soka is a very interesting group of friendly people who will fulfill your pressing needs for social approval and give you a clear sense of direction. We give you what is lacking in society today -- value, purpose and the direct path to enlightenment in the real world. Soka is totally real. It is truly authentic -- more genuine than what most people call reality. This is because Soka reflects the ultimate reality.

You do not have to quit your job to join Soka. Actually, it is even better if you have a good job, or perhaps become a celebrity as proof of the righteousness of Soka. The majority of Soka members are normal, average, intelligent people who become capable of accomplishing anything when their individual personalities are influenced by manipulated situational conditions. How wondrous!

Soka is a business and members are the customers. Leaders are really just customer service representatives and customer service supervisors. We are valuable to the kosen-rufu movement of Soka to the extent that we provide service, no more. Unless we can create an ethic of service at the core of our Buddhist practice, we don't have a chance of attracting 500,000 new Soka recruits in America by October 2010. This is the goal that Sensei has set for us and we must accomplish it. We must reply to our mentor's expectations. Failure is a disgrace. Giving up is not an option.

The only worthwhile question for you to ask is, "What can I do for Soka and my fellow human beings?" You would never have such a noble mission if you were in a destructive, soul-sucking cult. You must have total confidence in this point.

Still not convinced? Read more.