A) INTRODUCTION.

B) QUICKLY RECOGNIZING A CULT.

C) A LITTLE COMMON SENSE.

D) DEEPER OVERVIEW.

E) BORDERLINE RECOGNITIONS.

F) YOU CAN HELP.

G) THE INDOCTRINATION.

 

 

A) INTRODUCTION

 

 

Unfortunately, most people define a “Cult” as a people group that does not adhere to the principles that they deem to be right.  This is how you can quickly determine incorrectly that certain organizations are a “Cult,” thus isolating them from you.

 

In the religious world, that is also true, along with this standard definition:  “A cult is groups that claim to be Christian but deviate [in their evaluation; which may they themselves may be in error] significantly [or a little] from core Biblical doctrine.”  With that in mind, THAT IS NOT WHAT A CULT IS!

 

FIRST AND FOREMOST, cultic organizations cannot, or will not change themselves.  They either refuse to acknowledge that what they are doing is wrong; or that even though it is wrong (crimes against individuals or what normal society would consider wrong; such as child molestation), their religion (“cult”) deems it acceptable.

 

Therefore, the only way to change the organizations (cults) policies, is to change the laws governing the nation in regards to such institutions that advocate, or create an environment that promotes violations of individual rights, or societies rights to prosecute them.

 

Keep in mind that this “Mind Control” is not isolated to the religious world.  It is used in politics, social societies, etcetera.

 

 

B) QUICKLY RECOGNIZING A CULT

 

 

First, a “cult” IS NOT a different religion that does not agree with yours (you may be the cult).  Don’t dismiss what the other individual is stating.  Verify that your truth is the true truth.

1) Cults typically have one or more charismatic leaders.

2) They generally have an exclusive religious system away from main stream religion (conspiracy theories, apocalyptic prophecies, specific time for the Second Coming of Christ).

3) Members are physically or mentally isolated from society.

4) Control over information.  Only the “cults” literature can be studied and read (no outside information allowed). Jehovah’s Witnesses as an example.  No challenges to, or contradictions of the “cults” teachings can be explored.

5) Once #4 is achieved it fosters an emotional and social dependence upon the “cultists” group.

6) Behavior control.  Your daily routine is monitored to make sure you are following the dictates of the “cult.”

7) Dress Codes.  Although this is minor, it can be an identification.

8) Who you can talk to.  Until indoctrinated, access to family members, or anyone in the outside world is limited or non-acceptable.

9) Emotional Manipulation.  Promises if?  Fear if?  Guilt if?  Love if?  Acceptance if?

10) When you consider leaving a “cult,” you know and they know that you have built your livelihood, and everything you are and own, is tied up into that “cult;” thus making it near impossible to leave.

11) Whenever only certain individuals can go into certain places and certain rooms, and or, perform certain duties not known or available to the entire congregation, they are a “Cult.”

12) Shunning Family members or other disfellowshipped “cult” members (see below).  It is always an us (the group) verse them (the outside world) mentality.

13) Sleep Deprivation.  One is kept so busy and so tired they have no time to reason correctly.

14) Ridged expectations to authority.  To go against them is to say that you are going against the Will of God.  This will seriously affect how an individual sees God.  They now trust a human over God.  Which leads to #15;

15) Claiming to have unique special knowledge or a Divine connection.  In regards to the Divine, this can be tested Biblically before you believe them.  Leading to #16;

16) These leaders cannot be questioned.  They have complete, unerring authority.  Especially recognized when accompanied with punishment or emotional manipulation.

17) If you are not allowed to even assume to question the leader(s), or if you do (especially this), you are then assumed to be the enemy, put to shame, or silenced, don’t cow down, LEAVE.  Big “red flag.”  Questions should NEVER be the enemy.

18) Only approved questions are allowed.  (Can I get married; to whom can I get married; what home should I buy; where should I live; leading to an unhealthy dependence upon the leader).

19) Misquoting sources or withholding information.

20) Every Cult; again; Every Cult distorts the Bible. (Has their own version; discourages investigation of other versions).  Interpretation of the Bible is only correct within the group (leader).

21) The group has its own words or phrases that are particular to only themselves.

22) Cults often shower new members or perspective members with praise, affection, gifts, being helpful.  You will never be as loved as you are here within this (“cult”) group.

23) Most Cults ALWAYS control and ask for more money.  Not just money.  More money.

 

 

C) A LITTLE COMMON SENSE

 

 

What is amazing to me is that, “What Cults will do for a lie, most Christians will not do for the truth.”  Dr. James White.  If truth harms your belief, then your beliefs are not grounded in truth.  And then, your truth needs to be examined.  Always, always double check your belief system.  Do not EVER be afraid to investigate.  It will only make it stronger if it stands up to any test.

 

Self “suppression of the truth” does not cancel the truth.  Therefore, do not be afraid to search out your own faith (whatever it is).  Often, when testing your own religion, it makes your truth stronger; or you discover you have been duped.  Conclusion, don’t ignore problems just because you want to stay or be a part of that particular group.

 

The other outstanding problem with “cults” is that they know you cannot replace their version of what is truth with something better.  Most religions teach you the need to replace the bad with the good.  In other words, it is a well-known (Biblical) fact, that if you do not replace what was once a bad habit with a good one, you will revert back to the old habit.  The Bible calls this repentance.

 

Most people who are in “cults” will not, or cannot recognize them as being cults, because they are being deceived or under some sort of mind control.  And they wish to have it so once indoctrinated.  Children who are raised in these environments are the most vulnerable.

 

By contrast, “cults” do not like being defined as a “cult,” because it empowers members to search and see if they are in a “cult.”  Of course, only those members who still have reasoning powers will even attempt to reason.  Most people, even those not in a cult, will not do the research of their own doctrines and covenants.

 

The Bible’s interpretation of Salvation is clear.  To muddy it up is to derange It’s clear principles.  Yes, some sections are difficult.  But not Salvation (Col. 1:27).  It is always interesting that it is ALWAYS an attack upon the Bible.  No other historic literature is questioned as much as the Bible.  The Devil overplays his hand here, in that when you recognize that the attacks are always upon God’s Word, then you can know you are in a “Cult.”

 

 

D) DEEPER OVERVIEW

 

 

1) BEHAVIOR CONTROL  Regulating and manipulating the actions and conduct of perspective members to establish compliance and dependance upon the group. (Must attend these meetings; Must not attend those meetings; Organization constantly gives you a sense of guilt; No friends outside of the organization; the excuse being that anyone other than the group might take you from the group; which of course, has the only truth; This promotes a sense of superiority when within the group; Outsiders are to be feared or seen as a treat);

 

2) THOUGHT CONTROL  Demanding absolute loyalty.  Critical thinking is ALWAYS downplayed and looked at as a vice.  Your mind is a bad thing and truth is subjective.  If you hear, only allow positive thoughts and not negative thoughts; question which thoughts are they telling you not to have?  You are not as spiritual (yet; ever); you are not as smart; you are not respected; if you used your reasoning powers against the group, you are rebellious.  The reason this is done is to protect the false teachings of the group.  Discussion is not allowed.  Controlled by being shunned by the group or having fear of the group disapproving what you are saying or expressing (no expressions allowed).  Remember, your entire identity is found within the group.  FEAR is a great motivator. (We are the ONLY way to Heaven; Telling one’s thoughts only to superiors; Teaching that there is no happiness outside of the organization; dependency upon the group for redemption; Only the group can provide the longing, purpose, and right perspective, support; nobody else will love you like we do);

 

3) INFORMATION CONTROL (Can’t read anyone else’s literature; Explore other options; Be open to research outside the organization).  Sure, you can ask all the questions you want (as long as it is within the group).  And here are the people you can talk to about this (only within the group).  Any information outside of the group is critical, false, lying, false information, will lead you astray (from the group).  Note:  One should always be a Christian apologist, verifying each and every doctrine or teachings of the group.  Find out why people who don’t believe the way you do, believe the way they do.  Isolation from outsiders is the best way for the group to control the information you may receive.  Let along, if you should come into contact with information, you will quickly reject it and not examine it because of your training within the group.  Alternative perspectives are not allowed.  No matter the environment, college classroom, lecture, religious setting (only where you don’t understand something or the belief is wrong to you), and only one view is allowed (red flag), get out.  Even if they are right; it is wrong for you;

 

4) EMOTIONAL CONTROL  Words are used to promote emotions.  Perceptions become clouded when you are told to not look at it a certain way other than the groups way. (Shunning; breaking up of friends and family; spying [reporting] on people).  If reality says one thing, but the group says another, this is “Mind Control.”  When truth is inconvenient, then one is open to the “Cults” convincing them that they have a better, more pleasing way.  Personal information is used against you.  Or, you are instructed that something you remember is not remembered correctly; and you are instructed as to what really (didn’t) happened.  Feelings are more important than truth (because feelings can be manipulated or explained away easier; therefore, controlling the member).  Members are always made to feel ashamed for any doubts.  To even think of leaving the group you must be insane (this is an abusive relationship).

 

IF THEY TEACH, rather, IF THEY DO NOT TEACH you their doctrine right from the start, doesn’t it make sense that they are attempting to hide something?  And, by the time you learn that something, you are so indoctrinated, so invested, or so embarrassed, or whatever, it becomes hard for you to leave.  This is why their organization has not collapsed.  According to Second Timothy, Chapter 3, verse 10, Christian Churches are to disclose their entire doctrine before (baptizing) inviting you to join their Church.

 

IF THEY TEACH that you are not allowed to read, or watch, or listen, or even talk to anyone other than someone inside their own organization, or to read, or watch, or listen to anything other than what their organization teaches (MIND CONTROL; you can’t think for yourself), then you are in a “Cult.”  In other words, “Cults” do not allow you to invest in any sort of life outside of the group or its teachings.

 

NOTE:  Any organization that cannot stand up to any criticism is not worthy to be considered legitimate.

 

IF THEY TEACH that you should shun, disconnect, or whatever wording you want to use for this activity, then it is questionable.  In other words, it depends on how it is done.  For example, Jesus taught in Matthew 10:14 (see also Mark 6:11 & Luke 9:5; 10:11, then see Acts 13:51 & 18:6 where Jesus’ converts actually put this instruction into practice), that when you go to talk to people not of your belief system and they reject your message from God, that you are to “shake off the dust of your feet,” if they will not listen or receive your teachings.  In other words, you tried to help them but they were not interested.  This has nothing to do with family members (who think you are nuts anyway).

 

Clearly notice that this is speaking of people outside of your belief system, not inside.  The instruction procedure for someone inside your organization is found in Matthew, Chapter 18, and is for those who are now questioning or going against what the body of believers has established as their belief system.  That instruction is to attempt to persuade them to reconsider their actions.  Never to shun them (ex-members that is).  In other words, they are always welcome.

 

Notice that it is not designed to be in any way forceful or degrading.  It does not teach that you are to “shun,” or “disconnect” from family, long established friendships or acquaintances.  This would be counterproductive to the later possibility of converting or reconverting these individuals, and ultimately the growing of your organizations faith system.

 

NOTE:  If the organization teaches that when someone disconnects from them and that they are then to harass, badger, bully, pester, stalk, hound, or any other type of word or action you can think of, then they are a “Cult.”  In other words, “find out what happens when you attempt to leave before you join.”

 

IF THEY TEACH that when you go against them you are to be punished or physically harmed in any way (run), they are a “Cult.”

 

NOTE:  If you have to escape, sneak out, flee, breakout, or any other wording you want to use, they are a “Cult.”

 

IF THEY TEACH that it is acceptable to lie to the public about what they believe, they are a “Cult.”

 

IF THEY TEACH that they are the only organization that has the truth (that is fine if you check it out for yourself), or they have the full truth, in other words, they are perfect, then they are a “Cult.”  However, no one organization has the entire truth.  Always be open.

 

IF THEY TEACH and go so far as to teach that you are to kill anyone who does not believe the way they do (run), then they are a “Cult.”

 

 

E) BORDERLINE RECOGNITIONS

 

 

If you should find an error in the organizations teaching(s) and you point it out to them and they are not willing to correct it, this is borderline to leaving it, because you may be wrong (but you need to stand up for what you believe and leave).  However, if it gets to a point that they then begin calling you a liar and even go to the next steps of harassing, badgering, bullying, pestering, stalking, and hounding, then they are a “Cult.”

 

 

F) YOU CAN HELP

 

 

Rarely do people leave, but when they do you need not jump upon them with all of your enlightening information all at once.  Realize that they are still attempting to unlearn behavior’s that they grew up with or had learned over a long period of time.  They are still questioning their old paradigm, and the new paradigm they are newly in or rediscovering will be a long, hard road.  They are still tackling how they could have been so deceived.  They will still be considering going back into it should they not connect with whatever got them out.  Be gracious and they will have a better chance of disconnecting.

 

 

G) THE INDOCTRINATION

 

 

1) The first objective of any “cult” is to break down your inhibitions.  They must and do have an answer for any of your objections or cautious behavior.  With every answer comes more of your personal breakdown and acceptance that nothing is wrong here.  Solution:  If it seems wrong it is wrong.

 

2) They then begin to reframe your identity emotionally (mostly) and psychologically (done once you become emotionally attached).  Solution:  Once you notice you are going against principles you have previously established in your life, stop and reevaluate.

 

3) They then bring you alone with conformity and compliance; building you up with praise and appreciation.  Solution: You are in trouble at this point.

 

4) Now you will do just about anything for them and you believe what they are asking you to do is both for your benefit and the benefit of the organization which you now believe is your destiny and salvation.  Solution:  Only when they ask you to do something you would never have contemplated does your conscience have a slight chance to “wake up and smell the roses,” as they say.  Many have already severed their conscience at this point though.

 

5) Mind Control is not the same as Brain Washing.  Simply put.  Brain Washing is forced.  Mind Control is manipulation, coerced.  Mind Control is gaining oversight over peoples thoughts, emotions, reasoning power, and beliefs.

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