Is my religion a cult? Part 2

14. Are non-believers regarded with aloofness and suspicion?
Jehovah's Witness - not in my experience
Soka Gakkai International - no, I felt very comfortable
Nichiren Shoshu - no
Paganism - no

15. Are members told who to vote for in public elections?
JW - members are told to not vote at all, to remain neutral
SGI - not that I'm aware of
NS - not that I'm aware of
P - not that I'm aware of

16. Does the organization interfere in a member's choice of personal lifestyle?
JW - yes
SGI - no
NS - unsure
P - no

17. Does the organization interfere in a member's choice of martial partner?
JW - yes. Only other JWs and gay partners are definitely not allowed.
SGI - don't think so
NS - unsure but I believe they encourage members to marry other NS. Unsure about gay partners.
P - no

18. Are scandals within the organization hidden?
JW - unknown
SGI - unknown
NS - unknown
P - no central organization

19. Does the organization attack competing organizations, denominations, or religions?
JW - yes
SGI - not as viciously as others
NS - yes
P - some sects do, as a whole, I would say no.

20. Is culture misused, watered down, or bastardized in order to help acheive numerous rapid shallow conversions?
JW- unknown
SGI - unknown
NS - unknown
P - no, Paganism is not concerned with converting anyone

21. Are members discouraged from asking a lot of questions?
JW - yes
SGI - no
NS - no
P - no

22. Is individuality suppressed and conformity promoted?
JW - yes
SGI - no
NS - yes
P - no

23. Are some of the beliefs, doctrines, or practices bizarre?
JW - no
SGI - no
NS - no
P - they can be depending on the specific sect

24. Is dissent suppressed and hidden?
JW - yes, dissenters are cast out
SGI - unknown
NS - unknown
P - no

25. Are members told that if they discontinue their participation, their personal destiny will deteriorate?
JW - yes
SGI - unsure
NS - yes
P - no, but this could depend on the sect