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How many times have you been recruited by a cult?

posted 2 months ago by Where (1263)
28 replies | jump to latest

Or cult-like organizations like pyramid marketing schemes?

Been approached a few times. Once a co-worker invited me to an career seminar which turned out to be a religious event. They kept trying to invite me to their retreats and Bible groups after that. Two friends tried to get me to sign up for two different pyramid marketing scams - one selling a whole array of crap from household products to vitamins. The other one was selling some junky water filter. Then I went to a local church a few times, then went back a few weeks later and a strange lady cornered me and asked where had I been, why did I leave the church.

[–] mechajutaro (2788) 2 months ago

Each time I encounter Intersectionality or/and Red Pill Theory

[–] michaelDclarke (1648) 2 months ago

Ugh... Those kinds of folks are delusional and crazy and possibly dangerous. I'd stay far away from them.

--Michael D. Clarke

[–] AndyKing1967 (33913) 2 months ago

I’ve been approached by Scientologists a few times.

[–] moviechatterer (13341) 2 months ago

Really?
I only get Jehovahs , had a pair at the door the other day .
Have recently been supplied with wireless headset for meetings.
I found keeping the "working from home headset" on really helps speed the conversation

[–] AndyKing1967 (33913) 2 months ago

The Scientologists have a stand in the town centre.

As for the Jehovah Witnesses - they have employed a new tactic - they now bring a little girl with them, which means you have to be extra nice, whist she looks up with sad puppy dog eyes 🥺

[–] moviechatterer (13341) 2 months ago

that poor girl :(

[–] AndyKing1967 (33913) 2 months ago

My wife thought it was hilarious; it’s like the ultimate weapon, lol.

[–] sslssg (27903) 2 months ago

I have Jehovah neighbours currently who are pretty chill. I've watched their dogs while they have been attending weekend long "cult meetings". Her words, not mine. :)

[–] [deleted] 2 months ago

she would be the last person to know that she's in a cult

[–] sslssg (27903) 2 months ago

I think they were raised in the church. They don't seem to be too religious. I wouldn't have even known if it weren't for dog sitting for them. I also credit them for not getting any one coming to my door, as they probably, and I'm just guessing as I've never asked, told the church that they have the area covered. Been here almost 15 years and have never had a jehovah door knocker.

[–] AmeriGirl26 (12319) 2 months ago

Never.

[–] Roguemail (1565) 2 months ago

You sound far too polite. You need to learn to say no to such people.

I say this because many people who agree to things like this are worried about offending people if they say no. You shouldn't.

[–] Where (1263) 2 months ago

Thanks. With the friends, I politely declined but didn’t want to end the friendship over it. I found another church that is low key and non intrusive. I just ghosted the co-worker’s churchy cult.

[–] WarrenPeace (2267) 2 months ago

"I say this because many people who agree to things like this are worried about offending people if they say no. You shouldn't."

I am one of those people and am working on it by drilling into my head over and over and over again to fuck their feelings.
If they, or anyone else in other circumstances, are not taking my feelings into consideration why should I do that for them?
Fuck their feelings.

[–] capuchin (2671) 2 months ago

Some evangelical types came to the door just the other day -- probably Jehovah's Witnesses, possibly Mormons, but I'm not sure they mentioned their particular brand of nuttiness. Just asked me if I wanted to talk to them about Jesus.

I used to be quite snotty to these people, but I have a kind of sympathy for them now. Two young, misguided American women being sent over to the UK to knock on the doors of people who, for the most part, think they're bat-shit and probably aren't shy about telling them that.

So I shouted 'WE ONLY WORSHIP BEELZEBUB HERE' and slammed the door in their stupid faces.

I made that last part up. I politely declined the offer.

[–] Roguemail (1565) 2 months ago

I had a friend that had an interesting waybof getting rid of Jehovahs and similar groups.

He would invite them in, make them welcome, make tea etc...and shortly after would lean over, squeeze, their knee and say "I'm so lonely!".

Usually did the trick.

[–] capuchin (2671) 2 months ago

The kind of thing I used to think about doing, but never really did.

I rarely see any any more. And, when I do, they're almost always young Americans now... which was always true for the Mormons but now it's the Jehovahs too. Must be a shortage of home-grown ones.

[–] Roguemail (1565) 2 months ago

In the UK I don't really see Jehovahs any more. Occasionally we have Christian preachers knock on the door. I also see them at the train station. Though God knows why they people to stop and have conversations on the way to work is beyond me.

However, there is a proliferation of charity workers that knock. Usually have a badge around their neck, collecting money. And they usually have a speech...but I dont have the patience.

[–] parkerbot (5353) 2 months ago

None yet.

My bullshit detector is fully functioning. Most times.

[–] WarrenPeace (2267) 2 months ago

I was in EST.

So there was the first time which was to sign me up for their main program which took place over two weekends in a row and a Tues. night for "graduation."

Then after that they have a weekly seminar based on various things to help you improve your life.
If you want attention with phone calls or folks hounding you at the center/H.Q. to stay for taking the next seminar even before your current one ends just keep on saying, "No," or "I'll think about it."
When you finally break down and say, "Yes," then they leave you all alone and no longer act like you are their friend.
"Hey, how's it going. Can I talk to you? Meet you for coffee?"
"Sorry. Too busy right now."
They also have an intensive 6 Day program where again they hound you to try and recruit you like crazy into it.
(I was a volunteer for it and never signed up for it.)
I could go on with similar stories but one day I realized I was done and my path ended with them.
Even though I was a volunteer at the founder's office I quit before my official time expired there.
I just was no longer getting anything out of it.