In Mandamus No. 1, AMORC comments on the difference between religion and a mystical order. Regarding religion, it says that

-is intent upon perpetuating dogmas that were established originally by one or two individuals. When these dogmas reflect the Universal Good, the behaviors dictated by the religion are valid. Yet other dogmas may oppose a person’s physical and spiritual integrity.

As for AMORC’S form of teaching, it says-

Mysticism, on the other hand, seeks to promote the inner awakening of each individual and to provide the spiritual means of harmonizing directly with Cosmic Consciousness.

In this manner, AMORC sets its form of mysticism apart from dogmatic religion.

But there are flaws in AMORC’s portrayal of religion as well as its own portrayal of itself. One immediate part of a cult agenda is to separate a person from his family, his culture and his religion. As I mention in The Prisoner of San Jose, when speaking of cult member, I say, how in reality, the member-

-is being groomed to isolate himself from friends and family in the beginning and, in the long run, to isolate himself from society at large.

Whereas I am not advocating the membership in any specific religion, I do advocate the careful consideration of anyone to throw away any of the foundations of his personal belief system or even simple cultural identity or associations without a great deal of thought.

To throw something as important a part of one’s upbringing as that is to court danger with maintaining one’s internal integrity- but that is exactly what a cult wants to do.

Also see “Nothing” as a Dogma