Posted by AF [AF] on October 28, 1999 at 11:51:50 {BrTq3yWfsYDjRmAxB/kMdaOt1gg/Zk}:
In Reply to: *******Letter to the WTS GB posted by Cygnus on October 27, 1999 at 16:09:23:
Defining a "dangerous spiritual product" is even trickier than defining pornography. I don't know how to do it. However, I do know that policies that result in needless death are dangerous, and that result in family breakups are dangerous, and so on.
I'm certainly not advocationg that government get involved, except for two things: provide a means (the courts) by which individuals can call dangerous cults to account, and provide a framework of general operating principles within which cults must work in order to receive the benefits that society accords to religions and other charitable works. This is what Canada has been doing lately, by requiring religions that practice excommunication to act responsibly, or lose their tax exempt status.
I really do understand your point about being responsible for our own actions. However, someone who wrongly convinces us to act in a bad way is just as responsible, and if they cause harm they should be able to be called to account by those harmed.
AF