I am a long time loyal fan of Strange here to say, "End The Pledge" you are playing a dangerous game with God.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by The Crazy Englishman! on November 14, 2011 at 7:55pm

You make no sense...

LivingLegnd said:

The Crazy Englishman! said:

Have you never heard the term 'cult-following'. You can be passionate about something without wanting to Jim Jones yourself...

LivingLegnd said:

Lot of ridiculous things being shared in here. The man above me may have concluded things nicely. This has the potential to be a very constructive DISCUSSION. Glad some of you are taking it that way. On the topic of cults and whatnot...

I've always been kinda "iffy" about the following of Tech and being identified as a cult. Some interesting things I've found:

Characteristics of Cults...

The group displays excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its leader and (whether he is alive or dead) regards his belief system, ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law.

Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished.

Mind-altering practices (such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, denunciation sessions, and debilitating work routines) are used in excess and serve to suppress doubts about the group and its leader(s).

The group has a polarized us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society.

The leader is not accountable to any authorities (unlike, for example, teachers, military commanders or ministers, priests, monks, and rabbis of mainstream religious denominations).

Subservience to the leader or group requires members to cut ties with family and friends, and radically alter the personal goals and activities they had before joining the group.

‪The group is preoccupied with bringing in new members.

The most loyal members (the “true believers”) feel there can be no life outside the context of the group. They believe there is no other way to be, and often fear reprisals to themselves or others if they leave (or even consider leaving) the group.

The cult weakens the follower psychologically by making him or her depend upon the group to solve his or her problems.



I'm not saying that Tech fans are a cult...I'm saying there are cult-like characteristics. And correct me if I'm wrong, but no person in the history of the world ever believed they were in a cult, right? What do you guys think?

Absolutely. You're right. On the other side, killing yourself doesn't officially make it a cult either. And like I said, those people weren't aware of their "cult" status, I don't think. Same as the people who are involved in cults right now, and have no idea. You can be passionate about something without being in a cult, but you can also be passionate and BE in a cult.

Please don't misread this. I'm not saying Tech fans are in a cult. Just food for thought...

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Permalink Reply by LxUn1c0 on November 14, 2011 at 10:27pm

Concepts outlined in the Pledge:

 - Unity

 - Love

 - Refusal to be corrupted by evil

 - Rejection of hatred

 - Using inner strength to overcome pain and stress

 

I would point out that every one of the above concepts are extremely Christian in nature and were preached by Jesus Christ during his ministry.

 

Concepts NOT outlined in the Pledge:

 - Tech N9ne as an idol to be worshipped

 - Rejection of God/Jesus

 - Greed

 

People are reading entirely too much into the pledge. Just because Tech N9ne wants his fans to make a pledge of love and unity doesn't mean he's trying to take God's place. In fact, the pledge teaches many of the same concepts Christianity does. As a minister, you should know that, Griff. Hard-line Christians can take issue with a LOT of Tech N9ne's material, but seriously? To single out the Pledge of a Technician over any one of the hundreds of Tech N9ne songs which glorify a sinful lifestyle is just...stupid.

 

If you disagree, please explain how any of the concepts in the pledge, which I have outlined above, are "contradictory to spiritual prioritization."

 

For those people who are simply complaining about the Pledge because they hate the "Stans" among Tech N9ne's fans lately...deal with it. There's only going to be more of them as he becomes more famous. Fame breeds Stans and haters alike. You need to learn that there's a LOT of people out there who you won't like but who like the same things you do. Just ignore them and enjoy the art for its own value.

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Permalink Reply by Daiquiri Haze on November 15, 2011 at 12:14am

if you were to take it to heart its not like hes saying kill everibodi all the time or anything its just something that you should be pleging to do on your own and if you find strength in numbers (kinda like church) then let those be helped.  if ur so weak a song can lead you to do anything but bang your head theres no help for you anyway. pieces.

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Permalink Reply by LivingLegnd on November 15, 2011 at 10:53am

@ the crazy Englishman

You said, you can be passionate without wanting to Jim Jones yourself, meaning kill yourself and being part of a cult. I was saying that you can be passionate and be a part of a cult, too. It works both ways. I was also trying to make a point that the people who are involved in cults are not KNOWINGLY a part of a cult. They think being a part of their cause is normal and logical (i.e. drinking the kool-aid to avoid torture and whatnot).

I hope this better explains what I was trying to say.

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Permalink Reply by LivingLegnd on November 15, 2011 at 11:09am

@ LxUn1c0

I think the pledge does identify tech as an idol. What exactly is a TECHnician? A follower and supporter or Strange, more specifically Tech N9ne. You aren't going to hear the pledge on a MayDay album, or Jay Rock. It's about Tech.

One of the main focuses of cults is a rejection of God/Jesus and a claim that the leader IS God/the Messiah. To my knowledge, Tech hasn't claimed to be God. Nor does he reject God.

You make some really great points! There are a ton of issues that Christians can say about some of the material from Tech, I think this one raises issues because it's te closest one to idolatry. Tech has been through an amazing spiritual journey, as I think we have all seen over the last few years. A lot of these concepts are definitely taught in te Bible. I would like to hear what you think about what I said about what a Technician actually is.

What, exactly, is the point of having the Pledge? If these concepts are Christian-like, why not promote the Bible, or other religious doctrines? Why a TECHNICIAN pledge?

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Permalink Reply by DrMacYoHunny on November 15, 2011 at 11:55am

I wouldn't consider it a follower. Id call it a immature fan/dickrider.

LivingLegnd said:

@ LxUn1c0

I think the pledge does identify tech as an idol. What exactly is a TECHnician? A follower and supporter or Strange, more specifically Tech N9ne. You aren't going to hear the pledge on a MayDay album, or Jay Rock. It's about Tech.

One of the main focuses of cults is a rejection of God/Jesus and a claim that the leader IS God/the Messiah. To my knowledge, Tech hasn't claimed to be God. Nor does he reject God.

You make some really great points! There are a ton of issues that Christians can say about some of the material from Tech, I think this one raises issues because it's te closest one to idolatry. Tech has been through an amazing spiritual journey, as I think we have all seen over the last few years. A lot of these concepts are definitely taught in te Bible. I would like to hear what you think about what I said about what a Technician actually is.

What, exactly, is the point of having the Pledge? If these concepts are Christian-like, why not promote the Bible, or other religious doctrines? Why a TECHNICIAN pledge?

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Permalink Reply by The Crazy Englishman! on November 15, 2011 at 2:31pm

The reason you don't make sense is because your argument is the same as this: 'A book is made of wood, a tree is also made of wood. How do you know a book is a book and not a tree?'. You're just confusing things that are simple enough already. Words have meanings for a reason. Just because two things share the same characteristics doesn't mean they are the same thing. 'Cult-following' borrows the word cult to show the seriousness of the following, while saying, it is not a cult. Tech N9ne has a cult following. Tech N9ne does not lead a cult. Shit, My Little Pony even has a cult following. Allthough they probably should jim jones themselves.

LivingLegnd said:

@ the crazy Englishman

You said, you can be passionate without wanting to Jim Jones yourself, meaning kill yourself and being part of a cult. I was saying that you can be passionate and be a part of a cult, too. It works both ways. I was also trying to make a point that the people who are involved in cults are not KNOWINGLY a part of a cult. They think being a part of their cause is normal and logical (i.e. drinking the kool-aid to avoid torture and whatnot).

I hope this better explains what I was trying to say.

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Permalink Reply by LivingLegnd on November 15, 2011 at 3:22pm

@ The Crazy Englishman

Ok, that makes sense. I see what you are saying. I was also trying to tie in the fact that people in cults normalize their beliefs and see no wrong in what they are doing, as well as not being aware of their cult status. I guess what I'm really asking is if you think this applies to Tech fans: are they not aware of a cult status? With all of the evidence going for or against the argument, what do you think??

Also, do you think there are fans out there that have created an actual cult? From what I've seen of Tech fans, I don't think it would surprise me if a news story broke out about a cult surrounding Tech did something stupid.

This is an interesting topic and most people I know don't know enough to discuss it. Glad there is some participation in this.

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Permalink Reply by 707Mike on November 15, 2011 at 3:29pm

could care less about the god side, thats for tech to decide..But the pledge i think is fuckin stupid. Actually annoying is a better word. Love me some tech and strange but thats shits corny as hell!

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Permalink Reply by LxUn1c0 on November 15, 2011 at 7:33pm

I'm talking about idolatry by the biblical definition, the kind described as a major sin in the ten commandments. That's not the same as being a fan of a rapper. Idolatry is believing a person or a symbol to be God and worshiping or praying to them. There's nothing in the pledge that even remotely resembles that. Simply following and supporting somebody isn't idolatry.

 

What is the point of having the pledge? Well, for one, if Tech just went onstage or recorded himself on an album reading from the bible or preaching about Jesus Christ, it wouldn't have the same effect. For one thing, a VERY large number of his fans would probably have a negative reaction to that, because it's so out of character for the Tech N9ne we're all used to by now. For another, that would make it a lot easier to reject the message. If you're not a Christian, and you don't believe in the bible, if someone says, "The bible says to love your fellow man," you're not going to listen. But, on the other hand, if your favorite rapper says, "Love and unity should bring us together," then you're more likely to listen. The point is to deliver a secular message of positivity.

 

I'm a technician, but Tech N9ne isn't an idol to me. Does he inspire me? Yes, but that's a totally different question. I have seen and I appreciate his hard work, dedication, and talent, and that drives me to want to work harder myself. I've been a Tech N9ne fan for a LONG time, and these accusations are exactly the same as the ones made by people who called him a devil worshiper after Anghellic came out. It's just absolutely ridiculous that people would make these accusations after Tech has put out such a positive message.

 

As for what a technician is, IMO, it's just someone who's a fan of Tech N9ne. Nothing more, nothing less. Like I said, people are reading WAY too much into the Pledge.

LivingLegnd said:

@ LxUn1c0

I think the pledge does identify tech as an idol. What exactly is a TECHnician? A follower and supporter or Strange, more specifically Tech N9ne. You aren't going to hear the pledge on a MayDay album, or Jay Rock. It's about Tech.

One of the main focuses of cults is a rejection of God/Jesus and a claim that the leader IS God/the Messiah. To my knowledge, Tech hasn't claimed to be God. Nor does he reject God.

You make some really great points! There are a ton of issues that Christians can say about some of the material from Tech, I think this one raises issues because it's te closest one to idolatry. Tech has been through an amazing spiritual journey, as I think we have all seen over the last few years. A lot of these concepts are definitely taught in te Bible. I would like to hear what you think about what I said about what a Technician actually is.

What, exactly, is the point of having the Pledge? If these concepts are Christian-like, why not promote the Bible, or other religious doctrines? Why a TECHNICIAN pledge?

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Permalink Reply by Joey Deprey on November 15, 2011 at 9:55pm

So if you are a die hard fan of anything say a nfl team. You are in a colt according to livinglegend.

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Permalink Reply by Godlucifer Alius Leyva on November 18, 2011 at 10:15am

All i know is that if you are a catholic man, (im batpised too...) You either did bad things in your past, and "repent" for it,
you feel closer to god, and etcetera,
If you are born or do bad things, you either have fullllllllll responsibility over the actions you did, and acknowledge that perfectness and good in this world doesnt exist..

Ying, You're a good man with a bad burden inside..
Yang, You're a bad man with a positive attitude toward yourself and what you do.
Acknowledgeing what and why it is wrong, and what we must do and become to get passed the hard times..

but really in the end, who are we to step in others shoes when we can't walk the same path they did.

And Griff, I've been through alot of emotions and changes in life for a young man (18 this month 11/12/11)
and i've felt my spiritual side with evil since i was about 10 years old, and what i acknowledged from it is that we see others as evil, such as i see myself as a god and evil person in my life, But nobody knows what i truly feel inside, and the good things i wish i can do for others, that cannot be done,
and im not just saying this for me, im speaking of how i feel reflecting upon others who i see as "Evil", where and still have something good inside, but its hard to show it because many people want to reach someone elses good side, but obviously we can't think what others are thinking or planning,

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