I’m working on a writing discussion question and need support to help me learn.

I want you to read through the two descriptions (posted below) and determine which is from a high demand religion and which is from a cult. These descriptions are from the organizations themselves, rather than written by others outside of the practice, so it is important to keep in mind that they are inherently biased (as they are trying to promote and/or recruit followers).

Once you’ve decided which description is which, write a post where you:

• identify which description is the high demand religion
• describe at least 3 elements/characteristics that you think make this description one from a high demand religion (versus a cult)
• conclude your post by answering the following questions – How confident are you that you correctly chose the high demand religion? Do you think it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between high demand religions and cults? Does this (as well as the lecture/textbook materials) provide you with a new perspective on how/why people can become so drawn to cults and cult-like organizations?

Description 1: [We] emphasize a prophetic call to social justice, with the belief that the kingdom of God can be established on earth by living in an apostolic community. The church is committed to solving social problems, with individuals from the church performing altruistic deeds for the community. The church has a reputation for aiding the poorest citizens, especially racial minorities, drug addicts, and the homeless. Members come from every walk of life, with many members of the church being those that were once helped by it, to turn their lives around and get off of drugs or depart from a life of crime. Members are encouraged to live communally, as the church’s utopianist ideals are believed to only be able to be lived out through the establishment of a community separate from the evil and injustice of the rest of the world. The church owns and operates 9 residential care homes for the elderly, 6 homes for foster children, and a state-licensed 40-acre ranch for developmentally disabled persons. Romantic relationships within the [church] are discouraged because they are seen as a threat to the cause, believing that the members should be focused on their work.

Description 2: [We] offer a method of overcoming the suffering that is inherent in being, and its followers must take it upon themselves to devote their lives to overcoming that suffering. One-on-one instruction allows you to delve deeper into these teachings and gain a more complete understanding of what will be expected of you. You are required to follow a code of conduct, which says you may not work a normal, everyday job to support one’s self. You may possess only what is required for a very simple quality of life, nothing more. Once you join the religion, your life will be devoted to the community. Your days will be spent in service of others, and your focus will be on those who need your help. You will have little contact with your family, and will be encouraged to think of your community as your new family. The religion does not accept candidates who are married or have strong relationship ties, as single people are more able to devote themselves to the teachings, since they don’t have outside forces pulling their attention away. As a member, you are not allowed to engage in sexual behavior of any kind; in some cases, males and females are not allowed to communicate with one another about matters that aren’t related to everyday business. The idea is that the energy you’d normally put into sex is directed to matters greater than the self. The vows you take upon joining the community focus on doing compassionate deeds, striving to benefit every human being and seeking enlightenment. The vows serve as a way for you to embody your highest aspirations. They commit you to a life of selfless service, and you will recite your vows on a regular basis.