Disordered Cults

[Pelerin]

All cults are like that. I call it spiritual carnage with a devastating effect on souls. Cult groups can be found in every denomination too and only seem to last less than 50 years.

If they last more than fifty years, we stop calling them a cult and just call them the [Founder’s Name] Conference.

[steve-in-kville]

You're not right, but you're not wrong. I see where you're coming from, though.

[temporal1]

You're not right, but you're not wrong. I see where you're coming from, though.

i’m so glad you’re back.

[MaxPC]

Bumping this thread because of the many excellent posts and they're well worth revisiting. I've noticed in times of confusion and scandal, it becomes easier for people to seek stability by getting involved with a pseudo-messiah or a cult.

What are the warning signs that a disordered cult is beginning to form?

What are the signs of a cult leader personality?

[steve-in-kville]

What are the warning signs that a disordered cult is beginning to form?

What are the signs of a cult leader personality?

The top things that come to mind are leaders who are narcistic and controlling.

Also- a trait that I have seen too many times.... the more you're told that you are loved and they want you there, the less chance of it being true!!

Don't tell me, show me.

[Bootstrap]

I haven't read the entire article, but this list seems on target:

Cults usually exhibit most or all of the following characteristics, in extreme degree and without the presence of cultural checks and balances:

1. A rigid belief system that cannot be questioned
2. A charismatic, authoritarian leader who claims to have a new truth or vision and who exercises considerable control over the members
3. Isolation from nonmembers and families of origin, imposed by lifestyle, communal living, or the group’s belief that contact with nonmembers is detrimental
4. A high-demand schedule with much time spent in group-centered activities, such as meditation and chanting, fund raising, proselytizing, and religious study. Extreme peer pressure urges conformity, and nonconformists may be shunned or expelled.
5. Deceptive recruitment tactics; extreme emotional manipulation of members; privileges granted to the leader, but denied to members; and the expectation that members relinquish all financial assets to the group.

Be careful applying these criteria. Each carries an element of control, but none is necessarily harmful by itself. Some, like charisma, are admired in other settings.

Cults are usually religious, but notable examples are not, such as extremist political cults, with or without a religious bias; some large group-awareness training and psychotherapy groups; and some pyramid and multilevel marketing groups.

[MaxPC]

What are the warning signs that a disordered cult is beginning to form?

What are the signs of a cult leader personality?

The top things that come to mind are leaders who are narcistic and controlling.

Also- a trait that I have seen too many times.... the more you're told that you are loved and they want you there, the less chance of it being true!!

Don't tell me, show me.

I've also seen that coupled with "we want you here but not those other guys because ... (whatever the reason)". The idea being to make you feel like one of the "elect".

[KingdomBuilder]

I haven't read the entire article, but this list seems on target:

Cults usually exhibit most or all of the following characteristics, in extreme degree and without the presence of cultural checks and balances:

1. A rigid belief system that cannot be questioned
2. A charismatic, authoritarian leader who claims to have a new truth or vision and who exercises considerable control over the members
3. Isolation from nonmembers and families of origin, imposed by lifestyle, communal living, or the group’s belief that contact with nonmembers is detrimental
4. A high-demand schedule with much time spent in group-centered activities, such as meditation and chanting, fund raising, proselytizing, and religious study. Extreme peer pressure urges conformity, and nonconformists may be shunned or expelled.
5. Deceptive recruitment tactics; extreme emotional manipulation of members; privileges granted to the leader, but denied to members; and the expectation that members relinquish all financial assets to the group.

Be careful applying these criteria. Each carries an element of control, but none is necessarily harmful by itself. Some, like charisma, are admired in other settings.

Cults are usually religious, but notable examples are not, such as extremist political cults, with or without a religious bias; some large group-awareness training and psychotherapy groups; and some pyramid and multilevel marketing groups.

Seems like a significant charge could be placed against nearly every conservative Christian group based on this list. I'd disagree with such a claim, though, as such a spectrum of motivation and Spirit can underlie plenty of these.