he Fellowship of Friends is a religious organization that has been accused of being a cult. The group was founded in 1970 by Robert Earl Burton, who claimed to be a spiritual teacher. The Fellowship of Friends has its headquarters in Oregon House, California, and has a number of smaller communities around the world.
The Fellowship of Friends teaches that the world is a place of illusion and that the only way to achieve true happiness is to awaken to one’s true nature. The group’s members believe that Burton is the only person who can help them achieve this awakening.
The Fellowship of Friends has been criticized for its use of mind control techniques, its isolation of members from the outside world, and its financial exploitation of members. The group has also been accused of sexual abuse and other forms of physical and emotional abuse.
In 2012, the Fellowship of Friends was the subject of a documentary film called “The Fellowship of Friends: A Cult in the Making.” The film, which was directed by filmmaker Joe Cultice, alleges that the Fellowship of Friends is a cult that uses mind control techniques to keep its members in line.
The Fellowship of Friends has denied the allegations made in the documentary. The group’s website states that the film is “a distorted and inaccurate portrayal of our community.”
The Fellowship of Friends is a controversial organization that has been accused of being a cult. The group’s teachings and practices have been criticized by some, while others have defended the group’s right to practice its religion.
History
The Fellowship of Friends was founded in 1970 by Robert Earl Burton, who claimed to be a spiritual teacher. Burton was born in 1932 in Chicago, Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois, where he studied psychology. After graduating from college, Burton worked as a teacher and a counselor.
In the early 1960s, Burton became interested in Eastern religions. He traveled to India and Nepal, where he studied with several spiritual teachers. In 1970, Burton returned to the United States and founded the Fellowship of Friends.
The Fellowship of Friends quickly grew in size. By the mid-1970s, the group had several hundred members. The group’s headquarters was located in Oregon House, California.
In the early 1980s, the Fellowship of Friends began to expand its activities. The group established a number of smaller communities around the world. The group also began to publish books and articles about its teachings.
In the 1990s, the Fellowship of Friends came under fire from critics who accused the group of being a cult. The group’s teachings and practices were criticized for being manipulative and controlling.
In the 2000s, the Fellowship of Friends continued to grow in size. The group’s membership now includes people from all over the world. The group’s headquarters is still located in Oregon House, California.
Beliefs
The Fellowship of Friends teaches that the world is a place of illusion. The group believes that the only way to achieve true happiness is to awaken to one’s true nature. The Fellowship of Friends teaches that Burton is the only person who can help members achieve this awakening.
The Fellowship of Friends also teaches that the world is divided into two groups: the “elect” and the “non-elect.” The group believes that the elect are the only ones who are capable of achieving true enlightenment. The non-elect, on the other hand, are doomed to live in ignorance and suffering.
Practices
The Fellowship of Friends has a number of practices that are designed to help members awaken to their true nature. These practices include meditation, yoga, and chanting. The group also encourages its members to study Burton’s teachings and to participate in the group’s rituals.
The Fellowship of Friends also has a number of rules and regulations that its members are expected to follow. These rules include dress codes, dietary restrictions, and restrictions on contact with the outside world.
Criticism
The Fellowship of Friends has been criticized for its use of mind control techniques, its isolation of members from the outside world, and its financial exploitation of members. The group has also been accused of sexual abuse and other forms of physical and emotional abuse.
In 2012, the Fellowship of Friends was the subject of a documentary film called “The Fellowship of Friends: A Cult in the Making.” The film, which was directed by filmmaker Joe Cultice, alleges that the Fellowship of Friends is a cult that uses mind control techniques to keep its members in line.
The Fellowship of Friends has denied the allegations made in the documentary. The group’s website states that the film is “a distorted and inaccurate portrayal of our community.”
Conclusion
The Fellowship of Friends is a controversial organization that has been accused of being a cult (hint: it is)