QUIZ TIME FOR SES MEMBERS!

Discussion of cults generally - not specifically related to the SES or its related organisations.
Justice
Posts: 223
Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:13 pm

QUIZ TIME FOR SES MEMBERS!

Postby Justice » Mon Feb 27, 2006 10:57 am

QUIZ TIME FOR SES MEMBERS!


In order to lighten things up a little on this increasingly gloomy and argumentative Bulletin Board I thought it might be fun to invite everyone to take part in a ?Cult Quiz? which I came across through Steven Hassan?s ?Freedom of Mind? website which assists victims of cults and their families and friends.

Take a good look at the ?Theosophical Society? which seems remarkably similar to the ?School of Economic Science?.



Quote from School of Economic Science Website at :

http://www.schooleconomicscience.org/ne ... -intro.htm
?The ideas held by individuals have a profound influence on their lives and on the communities and nations in which they live, for better or for worse. True ideas based on natural law provide a sure foundation for a happy, useful and fulfilling life.
Being essentially practical and concerned with the essence of the great teachings of the world, this philosophy is for everyone regardless of education, occupation, age, culture and religion. It explores the meaning of wisdom, truth and consciousness, the real nature of the human being and what inhibits human development. Its study and practice naturally involve all three levels of human experience - physical, mental and emotional - and bring a new perspective to life: more open, natural, loving and unified. Greater efficiency in thought and action arises from greater clarity of mind coupled with the growing realisation that the stresses of modern life can be overcome through personal effort and a change in outlook.?
Quote from the ?Theosophical Society? website at:
http://www.theosophical.org/society/intro/index.html
? ?has a vision of wholeness that inspires a fellowship united in study, meditation, and service.
? encourages open-minded inquiry into world religions, philosophy, science, and the arts in order to understand the wisdom of the ages, respect the unity of all life, and help people explore spiritual self-transformation.
? holds that our every action, feeling, and thought affects all other beings and that each of us is capable of and responsible for contributing to the benefit of the whole.
Not only does the Society have a vision of union with one another, and a mission of exploration, but also an ethic of putting these high ideals into action.
We invite you to explore with us and join us in the great adventure.?

If this all sounds very familiar then it?s really not surprising. Over the years many cults have sprung up after disaffected members leave their cult and set up their own. Or, they are seduced by the dreams of power and wealth that running their own cult give them.
It?s a bit like a franchise really. Just change a few words around, design a new logo and ?Hey Presto!? ?. A NEW CULT IS BORN!

ENJOY THE QUIZ!

THE CULT TEST:

1. What is the name of the cult leader who received a sacred text
on golden tablets from an angel in upstate New York? And what
is the name of the cult?

a.) Madame Blavatsky; Theosophical Society
b.) Mark Prophet; Church Universal and Triumphant
C.) Brigham Young; Church of Christ, Scientist
d.) Joseph Smith; Church of Jesus Christ of Latte Day Saints
e.) Mary Baker Eddy; Church of Christ, Scientist

2. What is the name of the cult that became the longest lasting
and largest cult (most populous) to maintain an absolute,
uncompromising ban on sexual activity of any kind for all its
members?

a.) The Mormons
b.) Heaven's Gate
c.) The Shakers
d.) The Aquarian Way
e.) The Oxford Group Movement

3. This group was so strange in their appearance and behavior,
bus tours were created so tourists could go and look at these
people. The bus company advertised, "the only foreign tour
within the continental limits of the United States." What was the
name of this group and where did they live?

a.) The Diggers; San Francisco, CA
b.) The Amish; Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
c.) The Montana Militia; Jordan, Montana
d.) The Hare Krishna; Los Angeles, CA
e.) The Republicans; Dubuque, Iowa

4. The poet Allen Ginsberg was commonly known for being a
Buddhist. Before he converted to Buddhism he was a member of
a particular cult that he encountered in the East Village of New
York City in the mid-sixties. What was the name of that cult?

a.) The Velvet Underground
b.) The Beatniks
c.) The Hare Krishna
d.) The Theosophical Society
e.) The Unification Church

5. This cult began in 1968. While under the influence of LSD, a
man named Paul had a vision of Jesus Christ that was so
intense he changed his name to something a little more cult
guru-like and started an intentional community that still exists
today. In 1978 an article in the National Enquirer predicted that
this group would be the next to commit mass suicide. That never
happened, but the leader did develop a very expensive cocaine
habit that resulted in the loss most of the group's assets and
two-thirds of its membership in 1984. What is the name of the
Group and the leader's "enlightened" name.

a.) Heaven's Gate; Bo
b.) Unification Church; Rev. Sun Yung Moon
c.) The Hare Krishna; Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
d.) The Diggers; Timothy Leary
e.) The Love Family; Love Isreal

6. In order to escape the pressures of Babylon, these cult
members go "Home." Home is a place without fences, guns,
banks, locks, clocks, or shopping malls. What is the name of the
cult?

a.) The Rainbow Family
b.) The New Age Movement
c.) Wicca
d.) Ordo Templi Orientis
e.) All of the above

7. After receiving a degree in physics, this cult leader created his
first group in 1956. Using a typical cultish bait and switch tactic
he openly claimed that his technique "contained no religion" but
it turned out that those who studied the Bagavad Gita and other
Hindu texts learned faster and better. Who am I talking about?

a.) Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
b.) Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
c.) The Dalai Lama
d.) Siddhartha Guatama
e.) Anton Mesmer

8. What is the name of the cult leader who forced his children to
sell candy door-to-door?

a.) Jimmy Swaggart
b.) Sammy Davis Junior
c.) Fred Phelps
d.) Jim Jones
e.) Charles Taze Russell

9. Which cult leader started a worldwide movement in 1958 by
communicating with the "Ascended Master" El Morya?

a.) Mark Prophet
b.) Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
c.) Jim Jones
d.) Elizabeth Claire Prophet
e.) Rev. Sun Yung Moon

10. What is the name of the cult leader who kept a pet lion? And
what is the name of the cult?

a.) Jorge Angel Livraga Rizzi; New Acropolis
b.) Sigfreid and Roy; Temple of Bhakti
c.) Anton Levay, Church of Satan
d.) Jim Jones; People's Temple
e.) Both a and c

11. He was convicted of molesting a girl in his chiropractic office.
He was serving time in prison for the crime. While in his cell an
angel visited him and revealed to him his destiny to teach
prophecy to others. He was actually able to develop a highly
committed cult following both inside and outside the prison
while he was incarcerated. After he was released predicted the
day and time of the end of the world as we know it due to a
nuclear holocaust. On that day about 150 of his faithful, true
believers gathered in several underground shelters in four
states. After his prediction did not come true he lost all but a few
core members of his following. What is the name of this cult
Leader?

a.) Jimmy Swaggart
b.) Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
c.) Dave Berg
d.) Ronald C. Kline
e.) Leland Jenson

12. This person was known for hanging up photographs of his
'enemies' and shooting then with a pistol. Who and what cult?

a.) David Miscavige; Church of Scientology
b.) Jim Jones; People's Temple
c.) Lincoln Rockwell; American Nazi Party
d.) Charlton Heston; National Rifle Association
e.) All of the above

13. This cult leader's father was a member of the Ku Klux Klan
-- who and what cult?


a.) Jim Jones; People's Temple
b.) Marshall "Herff" Applewhite; Heaven's Gate
c.) Lincoln Rockwell; American Nazi Party
d.) Fred Phelps; Westboro Baptist Church
e.) Love Israel: Love Family

14. This group traveled from town to town putting on a public
display of masochism. They were trying to convince God to stop
a plague. Who were they?

a.) The Pythagoreans
b.) Devo
c.) The Theosophical Society
d.) The Oxford Group Movement
e.) The Brotherhood of Flagellants

15. Where, on this day, Jan 10 1998, was German psychologist
Heidi Fittkau-Garthe charged with a plot of murder-suicide in
which 31 cult followers, including five children, were to ingest
poison? They intended to meet space ships at this location.

a.) Roswell, New Mexico
b.) Tokyo, Japan
c.) Phoenix, Arizona
d.) Canary Islands
e.) London, England

16. This cult leader was fired from a teaching position at a small
college for having an affair with one of his male students in the
mid-1960s. Who and what cult?

a.) Marshal Appelwhite, Heaven's Gate
b.) Jim Jones; Peoples Temple
c.) Love Israel; The Love Family
d.) b and c
e.) none of these

17.This cult leader spoke of "Zeus energy," "our princehood,"
and the "genuine patriarchy [that] brings down the sun through
the Sacred King." Who is this?

a.) Rev. Sun Yung Moon
b.) Robert Bly
c.) Love Israel
d.) Elizabeth Claire Prophet
e.) None of these


18.This cult is in the United States, it still exists but only a portion
of what it was at its peak. The founder was a woman. She is
dead. This cult has in its possession a vintage Cadillac which
has been modified to fit the group's zany style. Who are they?

a.) The Hell's Angels
b.) The Unarius Society
c.) The Rainbow Family
d.) Mary Kay
e.) Both b and d

19.This is a cult of the ancient world. The followers of this man
firmly believed that all the answers to the mysteries of the
universe lay in numerical values. Who were they?

a.) The Pagans
b.) The Rosicrucians
c.) The Pythagoreans
d.) The Illuminati
e.) The Incas

20. Which Cult leader died on Jan 24 1986?

a.) L. Ron Hubbard
b.) Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
c.) Frank Buchman
d.) Billy Graham
e.) Elizabeth Claire Prophet


21. On Jan 25 1971, this cult leader and three of his followers
were convicted of multiple murders. All were sentenced to the
gas chamber, with sentences commuted to life imprisonment
when the death penalty was temporarily abolished. Name the
cult leader and the title of the folk guitar album he released to
pay for his defense.

a.) Charles Manson; Lie: The Love and Terror Cult
b.) Charles Manson; Pet Sounds
c.) Jim Jones; Rock On
d.) Charles Manson; These Songs of Freedom
e.) Jim Jones; Killing Me Softly

22. This cult leader formed his cult while serving a prison term.
He had the opportunity to be released early, but asked to stay on
for a long enough period to fully develop his cult that had gained
the warden's approval. Many years after his release, and long
after his cult had become international; he was hired by his
former prison to administrate grievances from inmates. He's
dead now. But his cult is not. Name the cult founder and the cult.

a.) William Benitez; Narconon
b.) Dave Berg; Children of God
c.) Rev. Sun Yung Moon: Unification Church
d.) Jim Jones; People's Temple
e.) George W. Bush; Assholes for Jesus

23. This cult leader claimed to have attained "full enlightenment"
in India in 1986, shortly after he formed a yoga and meditation
group in Tokyo in 1984. He promised his follower the ability to
achieve levitation, wish fulfillment and telepathy. Who?
a.) Dave Berg
b.) Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
c.) Shoko Asahara
d.) Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
e.) Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

24. The leader of this cult was arrested for masterminding a
triple murder that took place in Arkansas. Evidence that led to his
arrest was obtained from a skinhead who was arrested in South
Dakota for a traffic violation. The man's car contained a stolen
assault rifle. The skinhead provided information that led to the
arrest of the leader's brother and later him. What is the name of
the cult?

a.) American Nazi Party
b.) Ku Klux Klan
c.) The Aryan Way
d.) Scientology
e.) None of these

25. Despite the fact that this group forbids having one's
photograph taken or portrait painted, you have seen many
pictures of the group's members.

a.) The Diggers
b.) The Amish
c.) The Branch Davidians
d.) The Manson Family
e.) The Ku Klux Klan


26. The women of this cult wore bobbed hair starting in 1848, the
style was not common in the larger society until the 1920s. What
is the name of the cult?

a.) The Shakers
b.) The Quakers
c.) The Amish
d.) The Theosophical Society
e.) The Oneida Community

27. The by-laws of this cult are listed in something they call the
"Manual". This document was revised 89 times within 15 years.
The last revision was over 100 years ago, because it has not
been revised since the charismatic leader died. What is the cult?

a.) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
b.) Jehovah's Witnesses
c.) Church of Christ, Scientist
d.) The Theosophical Society
e.) The Seventh Day Adventists

28. In 1867 this cult outlined its primary purposes as such, First:
To protect the weak, the innocent, and the defenseless from the
indignities, wrongs and outrages of the lawless, the violent and
the brutal; to relieve the injured and oppressed; to succor the
suffering and unfortunate, and especially the widows and
orphans of the Confederate soldiers. Second: To protect and
defend the Constitution of the United States Third: To aid and
assist in the execution of all constitutional laws, and to protect
the people from unlawful seizure, and from trial except by their
peers in conformity with the laws of the land.

a.) The Theosophical Society
b.) The Oneida Community
c.) The Patriot Act
d.) The Ku Klux Klan
e.) Daughters of the American Revolution


29. These cult members were armed and considered very
dangerous to the FBI who were held at bay outside a rural
structure for almost three months. No perso0ns were killed in
the incident. What is the name of the cult and where did this take
place?

a.) The Branch Davidians; Waco, Texas
b.) The Ku Klux Klan; Ruby Ridge, Idaho
C.) The Wyoming Militia; Thermopolis, Wyoming
d.) The Freemen; Jordan, Montana
e.) Christian Identity; Wallace, Idaho

30. Members of this cult believe that they are unable to control
their consumption of alcoholic beverages without the help of a
supreme being. If they do not perform a series of steps to
impress this being every day they will be overcome with an urge
drink liquor until they die. What is the name of this cult?

a.) The Jack Mormons
b.) The Oxford Group Movement
c.) The Theosophical Society
d.) The Amish
e.) Alcoholics Anonymous

ross nolan
Posts: 184
Joined: Fri May 20, 2005 5:10 am
Location: Melbourne Australia

trick questions

Postby ross nolan » Mon Feb 27, 2006 11:14 am

Justice! I want you to publicly confess that you made up that one about George Bush and "assholes for Jesus".





You did, didn't you...............?
Skeptic

Justice
Posts: 223
Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:13 pm

QUIZ TIME FOR SES MEMBERS!

Postby Justice » Mon Feb 27, 2006 3:12 pm

Sorry Ross,

I can plead not guilty to that!

Justice
Posts: 223
Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:13 pm

QUIZ TIME FOR SES MEMBERS!

Postby Justice » Mon Feb 27, 2006 10:36 pm

I would be interested to know how many people agree that there appears to be a remarkable similarity between the School of Economic Science and the Theosophical Society. (See web links at the top of this topic.)

Goblinboy
Moderator
Posts: 227
Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2004 4:07 am

Re: QUIZ TIME FOR SES MEMBERS!

Postby Goblinboy » Mon Feb 27, 2006 10:56 pm

Justice! wrote:I would be interested to know how many people agree that there appears to be a remarkable similarity between the School of Economic Science and the Theosophical Society. (See web links at the top of this topic.)


Justice,

No voting required. The relationship between the SoES / SES and Theosophy is documented in Peter Washington's 1996 book on the history of Theosophy and related spiritual movements and cults, titled Madame Blavatsky's Baboon. Available via Amazon. Quite readable.

GB

Matthew
Posts: 212
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2004 6:57 pm
Location: London

Postby Matthew » Mon Feb 27, 2006 11:45 pm

GB, you're right, it is quite readable. I bought that book on your recommendation, and ended up scanning the relevant sections and submitting them to Townend for the inquiry. It seems like he made use of it, as it was part of his bibliography. So just wanted to say thanks.

Goblinboy
Moderator
Posts: 227
Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2004 4:07 am

Postby Goblinboy » Mon Feb 27, 2006 11:57 pm

Glad it was of some use, Matthew.

Cheers,

GB

Justice
Posts: 223
Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:13 pm

QUIZ TIME FOR SES MEMBERS!

Postby Justice » Tue Feb 28, 2006 12:03 am

Dear Goblinboy,

Is it possible you could let us have an excerpt of 2-3 paragraphs or so from the book?

It sounds as if it could be quite revealing.

Very few people realise the amazing similarity between MANY different cults.

Steven Hassan, 'America's Leading Cult Counsellor' who wrote the best selling book aimed at helping people to escape from Cults: 'Releasing The Bonds - Empowering People to Think for Themselves' summed it up neatly when he said in Chapter 1:

"What ties these groups together is their focus on religious dogma or spiritual practices. In many Bible-oriented groups (Jewish, Christian, Muslim), leaders claim to be a Messiah, Prophet, or Apostle.

In some, an elite group of several people, the "governing body," claim to know the real meaning of Scripture. In groups based on an eastern religion (Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Sufi), leaders claim to be "enlightened" avatars, gurus, rinpoches, Perfect Masters, or reincarnations of various enlightened masters from the past."

Goblinboy
Moderator
Posts: 227
Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2004 4:07 am

Re: QUIZ TIME FOR SES MEMBERS!

Postby Goblinboy » Tue Feb 28, 2006 12:24 am

Justice! wrote:Dear Goblinboy,

Is it possible you could let us have an excerpt of 2-3 paragraphs or so from the book?
[/b]


Justice,

You'll find the book and excepts at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805210245/102-7765115-4313767?v=glance&n=283155


GB

ross nolan
Posts: 184
Joined: Fri May 20, 2005 5:10 am
Location: Melbourne Australia

links etc

Postby ross nolan » Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:55 am

No surprise about the similarities if you know the "family tree" of many of these religions,cults etc -- the seventh day adventists and Jehovah's witnesses are branches from "Millerite" religious 'branch' -- started by a former baptist William Miller -- the worldwide church of god (Herbert W Armstrong ) also sprang from that twig (my Mother and my Brother each joined these seperate splinters from the same rootstock -- made for some interesting theological arguments and if nothing esle you learn how to really annoy JW's when they come a knockin.... ) I had a seventh day adventist girlfriend in the States and got exposed to a little of their doctrine and practices -- also in the town I lived in their were 23 churches of various kinds -- also Amish living locally and came in to the diner I often ate at , regular "revivalists' passing through etc -- this wasn't even in the "Bible belt" as such.

I reccomend "In search of heaven on Earth" by Rachel Storm for a good overview on the various cults -- guess where I bought my copy ? (plus some other Vedic literature ) The Erasmus school open day -- second hand book sale -- A bit like selling rifles in a bank ! (as in Michael Moore
bowling for Columbine or was it Farenheit 9/11 ?)
Skeptic

Justice
Posts: 223
Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:13 pm

QUIZ TIME FOR SES MEMBERS!

Postby Justice » Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:56 am

OK, Thanks

ross nolan
Posts: 184
Joined: Fri May 20, 2005 5:10 am
Location: Melbourne Australia

SES/Theosaphy

Postby ross nolan » Tue Feb 28, 2006 10:26 am

Got a bit diverted there..

The primary link between SES and Theosaphy seems to be the Gurdjieff and Ouspensky connection -- Mac Claren fell in with the study group formed to follow Gurdjieffs' teachings and then felt he had located the source in the Shankahara in India ..... did anyone note the obviously Gurdjieffian overtones in "Batman Begins" -- the trekking to remote Tibetan monasteries, the secret teachings ,the dancing ,etc and the formation of an underground brotherhood to finally rescue the corrupt and degenerate city/state and step in to bring a new era of peace and enlightenment . Just about the standard 'scenario' for all cults particularly 'post Armageddon' types , 'rapturists' etc etc -- all conform to an archetype of the hero who 'saves' his people from some threat and brings in a new age of hope and truth (Joseph Campbell has made extensive analysis of folk tales from all over the world that give only a handful of themes and all pit "good" against "evil" .

Lord of the rings is Tolkien's distillation of this archetypal battle and the restoration of a lost golden age --- ditto for Christianity , Hinduism etc etc
-- there is a deep need to feel that one's life is meaningful and that it all counts for something and these religions are expressions of that.

Has anyone won the Quiz?

Can I join Assholes for Jesus Christ ?

What kind of handgun would Jesus use ? (if he came back tomorrow driving his Honda Accord )

Is it profitable ultimately to study the minutae of various religions looking for "the truth" when, as Richard Dawkins is fond of pointing out, the religion you subscribe to is ALWAYS 'THE" right one but is only yours in 99% of cases because your parents, your compatriots or friends happen to be members (ie all random factors).

Somehow I think God will have more time for honest atheists than for 'his' people --- how many readers think that (a) life and the universe is ultimately a chance event without overall meaning or (b) there is a super intelligence and human existence has some relation to it (?) This question might go top why you are interested in the SES and possibly your reaction to finding out what it really is.

(I know this thread was meant for some light relief but still many a true word said in jest...)
Skeptic

Justice
Posts: 223
Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:13 pm

QUIZ TIME FOR SES MEMBERS!

Postby Justice » Tue Feb 28, 2006 10:53 am

Dear Ross,

No winners yet!

I believe the address you are looking for re your membership application can be found at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

ross nolan
Posts: 184
Joined: Fri May 20, 2005 5:10 am
Location: Melbourne Australia

joining 'assholes' etc

Postby ross nolan » Tue Feb 28, 2006 12:29 pm

Touche Justice!

Do you remember the case of George senior commending the organization "NAMBLA" for both it's generous campaign donation and it's ongoing work .

Somewhat later Pres Bush was informed that NAMBLA stood for the "north american man boy love association" -- donation quietly returned . (true story)

My much earlier posting about the amazing similarity between the "magnum opus" of Gurdjieff (..Beelzebub's Tales to his Grandson ) and his description of intergalactic spaceships ,warring aliens etc and the later bizarre science fiction based 'religion' invented by L.Ron Hubbard -known as scientology might be re read -- In used to read scientology 'study material' sent to a share house I was in for a former,departed, 'inmate' -- hilarious and convoluted rubbish.

The also hilarious but meant to be serious film of the Scientologists' 'pre history' "Battlefield Earth" starring John Revolta has been nominated for the worst film of all time (narrowly pipping "showgirls" and possibly "attack of the killer tomatoes" (which personally I found highly commendable )

To show how gullible 'new agers' are a scientist at JPL in Pasadena 'started' the cult of pyramid power as a joke - ie you can sharpen old razor blades by putting them under a wire pyramid,grow bigger plants (usually dope) , etc etc -- once started he found it impossible to 'debunk' and could not stop people believing it was all true and profound . If you have the time "Space" by James A Michener is a worthwhile read (only 816 pages) that is amazingly prescient in predicting the turning away from science and rationality by the Americans (and westerners) in favour of 'old time religion' and the reassuring myths of the past. Highly reccomended.

Ross .

P.S. Are Non SES members eligible to enter the quiz?

Charles Taze Russel (founder of JW's) is buried under a pyramid with both Illuminati ,Freemason and Rosicrucian symbology on it and was apparently also a member of these secret sects . (do a web search for confirmation )
Skeptic

Justice
Posts: 223
Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:13 pm

QUIZ TIME FOR SES MEMBERS!

Postby Justice » Tue Feb 28, 2006 5:27 pm

Rear Ross,

EVERYONE is welcome!

Come one come all!


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