Cults
* The tragic suicide of members of the Heaven’s Gate cult in Rancho Santa Fe (March 27) tests our commitment to democracy like nothing else. The rush in the media to demonize cults conflicts with the basic requirement of democracy: the tolerance of those who appear to reject tolerance.
We should remember that all great religions started as cults that inspired the disdain of others. Our own society began with the beliefs of those fearless enough to make a break with the corruption and dogma of the past. Cults throughout our history have provided a mirror for our own behavior.
To reject all cults outright is to become ourselves a cult and to lose what makes us unique as a people.
WILLIAM DuBAY
Costa Mesa
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
