Belshekistan wrote:CoraSpia wrote:So what is the distinction that you draw between two groups that are apparently harmful? Is it size? Length of establishment?
Size is not the distinction, but it is the most helpful indicator. The distinction is control. The smaller and more tightly knit the group is, the more likely it is that most or all of the group truly believes in whatever harmful ideology the group's leadership espouses, but even a large group can have widespread indoctrination to those ideas. I know from my experience talking to catholics that this is not the case with them.
I know a good few pagan groups which are very tight-knit and small, like what you describe. Very nice people. Dangerous cults?