ProNihil

I was just wondering if anyone here knows of anyone or perhaps you youself have gone deep cover into enemy territory in order to cause havoc or just gather intelligence.

I would find the havoc causing to be way too much, even bordering on wrong. Unless of course that organization was doing something they really shouldnt be. But intelligence gathering, now that would be cool. Are there any moral obligations concerned with this type of mission? Is it wrong to pretend to be a mormon to see for one's self just what exactly is inside that salt lake temple? What about the Masonic lodge? Really, this would work for any religious institution that is somewhat secretive.

What of an Atheist taking oaths and going through ritual to attain information? If it is all bunk anyway, where would the wrong be? I personally don't really know one way or the other, but since I thought of this whole thing, that tells me that others have thought about it too, and perhaps even undertaken missions to that extent. I think it would be kinda neat to read about them.

philechat

I believed it was done before. There were psychologists who delved into the Moonies to study the nature of cult behaviors, etc., so they probably went through the entire ritual thing to gather information about them. As for wreaking havoc in churches, I have no idea...though Oscar Wilde apparently insulted the entire courtroom with his wit during his homosexuality trial.

trillian

I think its only necessary to do this if the church is particularly "cultish". Otherwise their beliefs/practices are pretty much out in the open. Though I guess you could pretend to believe, then have "serious" questions which you just happen to ask in front of everyone. I dont know of anyone having more than a passing fancy of doing that though. Anyone?

There are several online reports from cults like the Scientologists, which are a really good read if you get around to it. Scientologists are hard-sell marketers and vicious about secrecy.

I liken religious infiltration to my attempts to go to a bar and act stupid to guys (like: la la la la la you're so smart! really? How fascinating!..la la la la). Sounds like fun (only because guys say the most outlandish things to stupid girls) but only lasts about 5 minutes before I fold! Just can't do it. The CIA won't be calling me anytme soon I guess.

I'm pretty sure I offended someone in this post but at the moment I don't care.

Trillian

Cutter

I once thought about joining the Masons, just for the hell of it.

Godot

Although it would make for an interesting study, there's those small things called ethics. If you are told something with the expectation that it be kept confidential, then you have an obligation to keep your mouth shut.
If you think a lack of ethics gets you off of the hook, think about it in terms of a non-disclosure agreement.

Jack the Bodiless

There was a British explorer (whose name I forget) who stained his skin darker, put on Arab dress, and went into Mecca to investigate the Ka'aba (not sure of the spelling, but it's the big sacred stone that Muslims kiss).

If he'd been found out, he would have been killed.

Pierre Bezukhov

Sir Richard Francis Burton

Bill

Shake

I'll go under cover into the Mormons, but I'll need some extra wives! And of course, we'll have to consumate the marriages! like bunnies!

mike_decock

What about going under cover and blowing the whistle on missionaries who are going to hostile countries under the guise of "humanitarian" efforts? Would it be unethical to report them to the appropriate authorities of those countries where the Christians INTEND to break the law?

-Mike...

Mageth

I spent the first 45 years of my life in various churches. Not much to see or hear there, really. I will be going back as little as possible.