The House, a Cult?!?!?

[Bholanath]

There are some who might choose to see (or call, or at least imply) that House of the Dreaming should be construed as a "cult". Nothing could be further from the truth.

First, it should be realized that a cult -- in its most neutral and traditional sense -- is not necessarily a bad thing. It simply means a "system of religious beliefs and rituals". It can also be used to describe the adherants of such a system. In a more modern sense, the beliefs and rituals needn't be religious: they could be political or even aesthetic. It is related to the word "cultivation". However, the important thing to realize is that through the unified adhesion to such a system, the individual members find security and/or empowerment.

Any careful examination of the articles on the website and discussions on the House message boards (or for those so fortunate, in real time) should prove that while the House does attempt to cultivate the personal evolutions of each member, we don't exemplify a single set of beliefs or practices; instead we put forth insight and speculation upon an array of beliefs and practices. While each of us may have our own preferences towards what is right for us and may openly offer reasons to disparage what we find distasteful, we do not insist that other members of the House should adopt such viewpoints or customs.


In more modern times, the word cult has been loaded with a negative spin, insinuating that the "leaders" exploit the "followers" by brainwashing them, drugging them, draining their personal resources, exploiting their bodies, and even encouraging them to commit suicide.

By contrast, House of the Dreaming has always valued and encouraged individual thought. We have disparaged drug use. We never asked even for donations from its members to cover the costs of materials used during rituals (or from the time and energy given to various on and offline endevours, pro bono). Depending upon an individual's level of involvement and enthusiasm, we may suggest assignments of various sorts to affiliates: However, aside from participation in [usually public and never sexual] rituals none of those assignments have a physical component; nor have we ever made nor implied that any activity was a requirement and could not be amicably refused.


In particular, we have been assailed as a cult because some of us openly frown on Christianity and invite members and affiliates to reexamine preconceived notions, which some might consider the core of their identity. It must be realized that not all members of the House frown on Christianity and in various ways and extents different members and affiliates consider themselves Christian. On the other hand, the history, beliefs, and practices, of Christianity and Christians [taken along with its unavoidable proximity in contemporary life] offers a disproportionate lot to scrutinize. Nor can it be overlooked that the modern experience of many nonconformists when confronted by the words and actions of many who call themselves "Christian" offers a multitude of reasons for bitterness and [in applicable cases] disillusionment with said religion. While the House of the Dreaming exists to explore vampyrism and spirituality, neither of these can be honestly, thoroughly, properly, or entirely divorced from religion. While the House of the Dreaming may choose to moderate some discussions, we do allow members and affiliates a lot of latitude in not only what to think and believe but also what to discussion, and when and how to discuss it.

As to matters of identity: there are many conflicting ideas what might constitute an identity, and therefore what might somehow constitute some essential core to that identity. Beliefs come from many sources, and neither all beliefs nor all sources are good. While some religions might dubiously insist upon the importance of [unexamined] faith, it is still folly to mistake faith for knowledge. If faith does not bear scrutiny, then it is up to the individual whether they feel it is better to remain ignorant [for the sake of preserving their "soul"] or to seek a personal evolution. As a House we might encourage personal evolution, but we don't even try to force it. If an ostrich chooses to stick its head in the sand, I (and I don't necessarily speak on behalf of other HotD members on this) would let the wolf eat it: we each choose our own path.

Further, I would severely question the notion that anything you can be seperated from, whether by whim, will, or woodworking-tool, should really be construed as some essential part of your identity. Obviously if it is removed and yet there is something which you call "I" that survives, whatever-it-was must have been less then crucial or necessary. Perhaps what you consider your "new" self, might seem unto you as different as a butterfly from a caterpillar, but this is not to say that you lost something good or valuable. Rather, it means that you have undergone a critical step in your own personal evolution. To deny the validity of such a step is but an immature desire to live in Never Never Land.


All those who are here, are here entirely of their own will. They are here to learn about who and what they are, what they may be capable of, and who and what they may become. To each, the answers will be ultimately be different. However, we offer (and even receive from) our members and affiliates the opportunity to grow through sharing perspectives and perhaps sometimes even living vicariously in each other's footsteps.

Entomb yourself in your current state of "faith" / "superstition" / "ignorance", if that is what you like (or feel that you need). We, however, would rather you read, contemplate, question and evolve with us. The choice is always yours: do not condemn us for offering it to you.


_Bholanath_

[redlotus88]

HotD occult? HotD a CULT?

No one recruited me. No one said I had to stay, no one said that there would be punishment for leaving. No one punishes me for speaking my mind. No one tells me what to beleive. I have not been excluded because I do not practice Wicca. I have not been excluded because I practice both Catholicism and am a Mahayana Buddhist. No one told me how to dress.I don't have to wear somr sort of symbol that ties me to a cult, I don't recruit others, I don't have to pass out copies of The Black Veil at the laundromat. I was not promised anything,I was not asked to give my body to anyone as a sexual sacrifice.I was not asked to do anything "strange". I don't have to relocate anywhere unless it is my own free will.I HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD WHAT TO THINK. No one has tried to change me to better fit a cookie cutter mold.No one said"Hey Red Lotus, abandon your beliefs and follow us complicitly.
How could anyone believe this is a cult?
Maybe some people Need to be Told what to think and how to be.
Not I. I am not perfect, but I am comfortable in my own skin, and I tend to assess and analyze what I choose to be part of....
I have not been brainwashed in anyway.
No one can make me use the word MUNDANE,if I hate it , for non vampyres, just because it is acceptable lingo.
The House does not force people to change.
People in the House change of their own free will if they decide to change.
We have the Black Veil because it is necessary for any organization to have ground rules. We can not exploit the Houuse or its members for selfish gain. I see nothing cult like in honouring diversity, respecting people, etc. I see this as ettiquite, self discretion and safety.
This is not a role playing game, either. Although at times the drama some people create makes me nauseated.
A cult does not provide the opportunity to speak freely to other members. We have members here who are not even vampyres. Thats goes beyond the tolerance any cult would accept. Acult does not foster the individual growth of its constituants. I t forces them to adhere to strict doctrines, puts persons above principles, promises and expects sacrifices.

[RavenHarte]

Ooooh I frown upon that word, though I completely agree with Bholanath that the word itself isnt a bad thing. The connotation is awful in these times and I'm guessing whoever called us that meant it in that negative way

[Guest]