I am a fan of recruitment videos where everyone is having a good time to show off their chapter. I understand the benefits of a sorority. It has opened many doors for me and I have met so many great people in my organization and out of it.
What I don't understand is how someone can compare us to a cult?
Ron Rhodes, author of The Challenge of the Cults and New Religions: The Essential Guide to Their History, Their Doctrine, and Our Response, listed six sociological characteristics of cults.
1. Authoritarian Leadership, "Authoritarianism involves the acceptance of an authority figure who exercises excessive control on cult members."
2. Exclusivism, "The cult views itself as the single means of salvation on earth: to leave the group is to endanger one's soul."
3. Isolationism, "Cults require members to renounce and break off associations with parents and siblings."
4. Opposition to Independent Thinking, "Some cultic groups discourage members from thinking independently. The “thinking,” as it were, has already been done for them by the cult leadership; the proper response is merely to submit. . . ."
5. Fear of Being "Disfellowshiped", "People are urged to remain faithful to avoid being “disfellowshiped,” or disbarred, from the group."
6. Threats of Satanic Attack, "Finally, some cults use fear and intimidation to keep members in line. Members may be told that something awful will happen to them should they choose to leave the group. Others may be told that Satan will attack them and may even kill them, for they will have committed the unpardonable sin. Such fear tactics are designed to induce submission. Even when people do muster enough courage to leave the group, they may endure psychological consequences and emotional baggage for years to come."
All of which sorority women are not a part of.
Sorority women raise money for their philanthropies, we offer community service, we uphold strong academics, we support each other and the community, and we pride ourselves with our letters. One sorority member on Facebook commented, "This is sickening. I am a member of a philanthropic organization. I am a member of a family. I am a member of a support system. I am a member of a 24 hour comedy club. I am a member of a house. I am a member of a service team. I am a member of a study group. I am a member of a council. I AM a member of a sorority. I AM NOT a member of a ‘cult’"
