Cult of the Tokyo Takarazuka TheaterOkawara is one of many devotees whose lives literally revolve around Takarazuka and their favorite stars; they regularly wait for them to show up, watch the plays until they memorize the lines and wear matching fan jackets
Unlike the seemingly crazed groupies of some rock stars, Takarazuka aficionados follow strict, self-imposed codes of behavior.
While waiting outside the theater, they form a gallery, with those in the front rows required to sit when an actress appears so that fans in the back have a better view. Another reason fans reportedly sit in the presence of actresses is that it is a sign of respect, keeping their eye-level lower than those of the stars.
Cults and Crazy ThinkingCults "think differently". Its a complex issue and some tool is needed so we can quickly evaluate whether a group is a genuine religious movement or a dangerous cult group. Over the last ten years of ministry to cults I have developed some tools that help me to help others improve their judgement. Such tools have to be simple, transferable and memorisable so they can sit in the person's memory and pop up when needed - a little bit like a TSR I suppose. The above diagram is one such tool. Its meant to be memorised. Its meant to be simple. And its meant to work as an elementary tool for evaluating religious groups and their leaders. Well here goes!
FG Forum discussion with cult links Psychosocial Parameters of Internet Addiction