An analysis of Dr Arthur J. Deikman's book on cult behavior 8. Groups like ISIS don't use just violence to get their messages across, they use psychological techniques to recruit and keep members. Most cult ideologies have a profound loathing for that description of the human condition. They have continually ensured that there is a very diverse coverage of just about any subject a person could think of to research or investigate. Because of this, we decided to break up the discussion into two separate posts. Evolve From Within Never Stop Learning. Lloyds video library is vast and extremely valuable to anyone that is mentally trapped inside of the Watchtower. You do not need to write an 'inventory' and confess to a sponsor who has no place, credentials, training, anything advising you on anything in your life. This is done by making the members rely on the cult for their daily needs. Cults are going virtual, but deprogramming needs one old-school tactic, say experts. Was it a reward for doing something you enjoyed doing? Just make sure it's positive, good, and harmless. He called himself Osho. Some are drawn in by the leader; others for social support. Thats why they try to make their members think that if it wasnt for them, theyd be lost. Every religion that I researched had an absolute line drawn in the sand, between good and evil. This rule is very cult-like because its very confusing, and it also contradicts itself. Cults mislead new recruits/members as to the true expectations and activities of the group. If you truly have empathetic love for yourself and for our future then PLEASE have a completely open mind in regards to what you are about to take in. Modern day experts such as Steven Hassan have done the same. Youll end up believing in those beliefs and acting accordingly without having any doubt whatsoever. Codifying Consent w/Joyce Short & Nina Lucas. Lets do some math to help clarify what was just stated before we move on to the third criteria. Cults may not allow unsupervised contact with the "outside world." As Lifton said, this is the basic foundation on which a system of indoctrination and brainwashing is built. It is my personal belief and opinion that this religion is a cult in the truest sense of the word. A woman born into David Berg's Children of God recalled this technique as a "wave of peace and love". In psychology, we call it the effect of groupthink. Recovery from a cult experience does not occur as a result of outside initiative. The two key phrases are control of communication and possessing the ultimate truth. Thats what real groups tend to do in real life. Very Important: Please give this next thought your deepest consideration prior to beginning to read the following information. Followers feeling they are never able to be "good enough". In Scientology, this is accomplished through a rigorous process of indoctrination through written and tape-recorded materials. Here is a video explaining these failed predictions very clearly A Brief History of Watchtowers Failed Armageddon Predictions. If that group has some, to borrow a term from Alan Watts, inside dope, then in your mind its not a cult at all. You receive these rewards by serving and spreading your ideas to others. its ordinary religious, legal, and therapeutic expressions to the point of desires. At the same time, rewards are offered - rest, love, comfort: the carrot and the stick. means of exploiting, rather than offering solace for, these vulnerabilities Confession is carried beyond Called ostracism, shunning or disconnection within cult groups, it is a primary method of control in families as well. One can be punished for contradicting their values and beliefs. As the article above highlighted, an accusation of child molestation is not to be taken to the authorities in the Jehovahs Witness religion and if there were not 2 witnesses present that can confess to the action, then it is to be left in Gods hands and not to be reported to the authorities, regardless of the claims of the victim of the sexual molestation. Sometimes people might even do it to themselves. Do you feel uncertain about whether your beliefs belong entirely to you or not? Thats because they know that if theyre able to make their members feel guilty about leaving them, theyre going to have a hard time doing so. You do this by keeping your members away from outsiders. {notificationOpen=false}, 2000);" x-data="{notificationOpen: false, notificationTimeout: undefined, notificationText: ''}">. It is not magic and it is not fake. She investigates self-compassion, emotional intelligence, psychological well-being, and the ways people make decisions. Here is how it is achieved: First, one must become acquainted with and become used to the correct terminology pertaining to religious indoctrination. Nato Lagidze Of course there are positive aspects of cults and religions: social support, a sense of purpose, shared motivation, community outreach. This is done by taking money from them without their consent or knowledge, or by blackmailing them. For birth to death, life is simply one lesson after another. You must use their methods to achieve success or happiness. Because your behavior might not be completely under your control. The cult leader can then use these statements to shame individual members publicly. Within two months of her kidnapping, Patty had changed her name, issued a statement in which she referred to her family as the "pig-Hearsts" and appeared on a security tape robbing a bank with her kidnappers. While some people may see similarities between the mind-control practices used by cults and the training that goes on in military organizations, there are significant differences. Any doubts, assertiveness or remaining ties to the outside world are punished by the group through criticism, guilt and alienation. 1. The Author speaks from first-hand experience, being a surviving victim of a 37-year indoctrination from an extremely dangerous religious cult. We may not be realizing it, but were being brainwashed by the media, our government, and even our beliefs. There is no debating this. Its pretty simple. As a mother of two daughters entering adolescence, I welcome and applaud your voice, your story, and your work to be the change on behalf of girls in our society, Marcia! being changed a step at a time. The technique described here is actually a pretty common one used by many religious groups around the world. Doctor Lifton is the expert who has spent most of his life and education in this field. cure that is arbitrarily imposed. They call it the two witness rule. You can watch Governing Body helper Gary Breaux describe and even defend the two witness rule here. They may even be used on you. So why arent any neutrinos slow? And this is an effective way of controlling people. Loading. That is a living leader, who has no. There is the demand that one confess to crimes one It is their unwavering belief that Armageddon will destroy every single person on this planet that is not devoted to Jehovah God and living as an active Jehovahs Witness. Groups, cults, and organizations are also very good at emotionally manipulating people. There's even one in Australia. This body of men that is comprised of anywhere from eight to twelve men is a unit of self-proclaimed representatives for Gods faithful and discreet slave class.This expression is based on their interpretation of the Parable of The Faithful Servant at Matthew 24:45-47, Mark 13:34-37, and Luke 12: 35-48. All religions begin as cults. But most psychologists believe that cult brainwashing techniques, which are similar to techniques used in prisoner interrogation, do change a person's thought processes. It was everything to me and I was extremely indoctrinated into its culture. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. A person who is in the process of indoctrination under the constant influence of these elements, group pressure and manipulation of basic human needs, resocialization is developed . give expression to these tendencies. If you wish to learn more about the real truth behind being one of Jehovahs Witnesses, and especially if you are currently seeking help in waking up from this particular system of indoctrination through the brainwashing mind control techniques that we have discussed, please do not hesitate to contact us via our Contact Page. We will be using the organization Jehovahs Witnesses as a case study. humility. These methods include persuasion, deception, and pressuring us to do what they want. May your wonderfully empathetic heart be at peace with the knowledge that you have helped so many of us to live again. In 1995, The Aum Shinrikyo doomsday cult carried out a deadly sarin gas attack in the Tokyo subway. The leader typically controls every minute of a member's waking time. For example, a cult may take all the money you make and then demand that you give it to them, or else theyll destroy your business and make your work for free for the rest of your life. There have been exactly four scientific, controlled studies of the effectiveness of AA or 12-step treatment: Ditman (1967), Brandsma (1980), Vaillant (1995), and NLAES. Then, lets get a clearer idea of what indoctrination truly is. The member's confidence in all previously trusted social . How is this connected with indoctrination? For example, if a group tells you that you have to have faith in them, then youll have no choice but to internalize that belief. divided into the pure and the impure, into the absolutely good and the This is why its important to always be aware of what you are being influenced by. Share. The gloves start to come off. Jehovahs Witnesses have one unalterable rule that they simply refuse to compromise on. No one has all the answers. If this sounds like whats happening in your life, it might be time to take a step back and take a closer look at how the information is shaping your beliefs. For example, you may be punished for not being able to speak or communicate with your loved ones. Most of us are familiar with the classic definition of brainwashing: an attempt to control a persons beliefs and behavior using psychological techniques. Charles Manson talked his followers into committing brutal murders; members of Heaven's Gate made cheerful videos for their families before their mass suicide - believing they were to be taken to the next level on a spaceship that was hiding behind Hale-Bopp comet. Which brings us to the seventh step. Thats how you can avoid being indoctrinated. Continuing control relies on absolute obedience and members being afraid to leave. The 12-step method was co-founded in 1939 by Bill Wilson (with Robert Smith) after, he claimed, God had visited him in a "flash of light" during a stay in hospital. 9. Thank you, my friend. And guess what? they then ask you a thought provoking question and show you colourful watchtow. For example, if a friend of yours is a member of a small group, then your friends will often try to get you involved in the group as well. 16 There is little non-group leisure time or vacation time away. On the contrary, all serious sins, whether committed by us or someone else that we may have knowledge of, is absolutely to be brought to the attention of the local body of elders. I was appointed to a position called a Ministerial Servant and came very close to being appointed as an Elder, which is the highest position of leadership within a congregation. There are many self-proclaimed Christs around the world. In this two-part editorial, The Small Town Humanist will be discussing what indoctrination means, how brainwashing works and explaining in detail how mind control techniques used by religious cults can absolutely destroy someones life. No question has been uttered more often in regards to cults. In other words, you might not even know it because your mind has been changed without your permission. In cult recruiting and indoctrination, these techniques include: Deception - Cults trick new recruits into joining the group and committing themselves to a cause or lifestyle they don't fully understand. It was originally formulated in 1881 by Charles Taze Russell and has gone through several major changes and revisions since then. "The end justifies any means". This makes up their milieu or environment. Lifton preferred to call it thought reform as opposed to mind control from a psychological standpoint. Only after leaving Roach and, later, Andersons group, could he understand that he had been starving even though food was right in front of him. strength and confidence in your own personal faith, ask yourself honestlydoes For that, we can follow a convenient eight step process. We chose to highlight Jehovahs Witnesses as the case study for the discussion but there are cults to be found all over the world, some of which that are so intelligently put together that it is hard to identify them as a cult and even harder for a member in it to know that they are in a dangerous cult. Directory of Cult Recovery Resources. Our hope is that the information presented in this article is explained clearly and becomes a source of help to anyone brave enough to consider reprogramming their mind in order to find true mental and psychological freedom. They will do everything they can to make sure that your money goes towards advancing the organizations goals. In a classic deprogramming scenario, a cult member is physically abducted and held at a secret location or forcibly detained while visiting home. A charismatic leader, who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the general principles that may have originally sustained the group lose power. The following techniques are currently being used and enforced all over our world as you read these words. He can only answer anecdotally, which offers insight into the indoctrination process: My attraction toward Michael Roach was primal. Many cults have compounds or other places where they require members to stay, ensuring that the cult has total control over every aspect of their lives. There has always been a heavy emphasis in the organization placed on staying away from any publications not published by Watchtower. Nato is a writer and a researcher with an academic background in psychology. You arent alone, See Images By Americas First War Photographer. You enjoy receiving various types of rewards. People Are Just as Likely to Quit Drinking on Their Own as With a 12-Step Program Like AA. In this way, there is no chance for a "reality check" or validation of a new member's concerns regarding the group. The ensuing information is not for the faint at heart to consider. He is based in Los Angeles. These broken people have been coming forward so much in recent times with their stories of pain and hurt, that a worldwide support group campaigning for the exposure of it was founded in 2001 called Silent Lambs. The truth is youre the one whos in charge of your actions. Bringing all of this back to my mind has currently silenced me on the subject. The leader may punish doubt or insubordination with physical or emotional trauma. Induced Dependency - Cults demand absolute, unquestioning devotion, loyalty and submission. By morning almost a thousand members of the People's Temple had died, many of them children. The leader may offer occasional gifts and special privileges to encourage continued submission. 15 The internet serves as a 24/7 indoctrination tool for mind controllers to keep members fully committed. Paranoia: To maintain a false sense of comfort, cults often rely on paranoia tactics. Questions and doubts are systematically "turned around" so that the doubter feels wrong, worthless, "evil" for questioning. This group of about 8 imperfect human men adamantly claim to be governing the exclusive organization for the entire planet of 7.6 billion humans, possessing the divinely-gifted authority to oversee the single organization on Earth that contains the only system of principles to guide humans in living a life that will ensure the best chance possible of surviving the impending destruction at Armageddon of about 99.887% of the entire population of the planet. Even though were aware of the dangerous mechanisms of cult machinery, people continue to fall, again and again. A belief that the leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or giving validation. Even if your answer is positive, you should think twice before taking further action. 5. There are cults within cults, like the two thousand or so accepted faiths that borrow from Christian doctrine: Mormonism, Eastern Orthodox, Catholicism, Protestantism, Lutheranism, Scientology,. **Full disclosure: We're discussing cults so the content may not be. NPR's Tovia Smith took a look inside the practice of deprogramming. on Facebook, Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? Once you say what you feel out loud, that becomes part of your identity. IndoctriNation. Ultimately, feelings of worthlessness and "evil" become associated with independence and critical thinking, and feelings of warmth and love become associated with unquestioning submission. The group uses "thought reform" methods If your serious questions are answered with cliches, you're probably in a cult. that he participate actively in the manipulation of otherswhatever his Finding the answer could help professionals and patients. . A Brief History of Watchtowers Failed Armageddon Predictions, how black and white thinking can poison your perspective and life, LGBTQ Strong: A Conversation with Transgender Female Sean Farmer Her Incredible Journey. "How Cults Work" What really matters, according to Hassan, is what differentiates a benign cult from a destructive culti.e., the one you really need to watch out for. The expression 'drinking the Kool-Aid' is a grim reference to this tragedy. It is our earnest wish that the information in this article was presented in a clear enough manner to be of assistance to you or anyone that may be mentally struggling with the fallout of being a mind control victim of indoctrination or a brainwashing cult. Remski does not like the question as it focuses on the potential psychological flaws or moral failures of the initiate. after milieu control is extensive personal manipulation Initiated from My awakening process happened prior to stumbling across Steven Hassan, Americas leading cult expert, and his beautifully written works that wouldve been of great value to me. Cults often try to make their members feel guilty if they decide to leave the cult. Shutting down your dissent by threatening to withhold the prize By this point, the sell becomes a little harder. Members are told what to eat, what to wear, how to feed their children, when to sleep the member is removed from all decision-making. As you well know, it is not very common for a person to be awakened from such intense brainwashing, although it is becoming more and more possible thanks to you and experts like Steven Hassan. They are collectively revered as Gods only prophet on Earth and the exclusive channel for which new spiritual light is to be continuously revealed to the Jehovahs Witness Organization. If neutrinos have mass, where are all the slow ones? This insane reasoning is again based on the Watchtowers biblical perception and understanding. Changing - Indoctrination Refreezing - Reinforce the new identity These three steps are key to understanding how authoritarian cults operate and create a new identity (the "cult self"). Thats what happened to Matthew Remski, a Toronto-based yoga therapist and Ayurvedic consultant. You'd expect the focus to be on troubled youngsters, but many groups target people with useful skills or access to money. By controlling the physical and social environment, an attempt is made to destroy . The inevitable next step That's a big subject, but as a potted guide here are eight steps to mind control. Needless to say, its another warning sign of being indoctrinated. way that these will appear to have arisen spontaneously from within the Thats because groups often try to get their members dependent on them so that theyll no longer have any other options or ways of life. They will do anything they can to make you feel guilty and make you feel like youre a bad person if you dont follow the cults rules and values. 1. on LinkedIn, Subscribe for counterintuitive, surprising, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday. But even with good intentions, if a group or organization that you belong to is made up of the following defined criteria, then it is absolutely using brainwashing mind control techniques to indoctrinate you. Those robes were also part of what drew Remski in. 1. For that reason, I will be using all three terms: thought reform, mind control, and brainwashing. He couldnt understand the everyday was nutritiousthe mundane and banal provide all that we need. Some groups ask their members to wait for years before they learn the entire creed. Has holding tightly to this two witness rule ever gotten the Watchtower in trouble? Theres a riot of motivations. Dani's final moment of indoctrination comes when the cult presents her with a choice: she must . The immediate hurdle is recognizing youve been indoctrinated. STEP ONE: IDENTIFY THE POTENTIAL RECRUIT You'd expect the focus to be on troubled youngsters, but many groups target people with useful skills or access to money. For the first 15 years of her life, Daniella Mestyanek Young's entire world was The Family. above, it seeks to provoke specific patterns of behavior and emotion in such a Humans are a social animal species inescapably shaped by cultural context, and thus some degree of indoctrination is implicit in the parent-child relationship, and has an essential function in forming stable communities of shared values, and thus . Cult behavior involves a fervent devotion to a particular person, object, or idea. Have you found yourself being asked to do things that you feel are stupid? If Will Allen's documentary, Holy Hell, teaches us one thing, it's that there's no easy answer. Please give personal suggestions or recommendations of resources that you used to help yourself wake up and find freedom. A cult leader may use members' altered consciousness, induced by activities like meditation, chanting or drug use, to increase vulnerability to suggestion. He looked like me. Since then it has taken on a negative meaning, essentially reserved for any ideology I dont subscribe to.. This happens in groups of ten or ten million. It was like he was me, but perfected in this way that I imagined. How does it work? If this is the case, then youre probably being indoctrinated. As most people would agree, life is anything but black and white anymore. Cults may keep new recruits from talking to other new recruits. Do you feel angry, sad, or happy? "Unless they . . Isnt it something fascist authorities used to do? Physical abuse. (Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images), Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? I felt that he was like me, but fifteen or twenty years older. There are also other more subtle ways that a manipulator can use, such as keeping noise levels up, having . On the evening of the 18th November 1978, Jim Jones persuaded his followers to drink a punch laced with cyanide. Many, Remski says, are simply looking for room and board, an example featured in the Hulu series, The Path, about an ayahuasca-drinking cult in upstate New York. human welfare. Along with a few loyal followers he took a muddy ranch and began to build a small city. In the next section, we'll take a look at what it's like to live within the confines of a destructive cult. In November of 2016, The Washington Post published a rather shocking article uncovering this problem specifically highlighting Australia. His steps are quoted in italics with my comments included below each step. 760-580-5758. . Acknowledging that joining a cult requires an element of voluntary self-surrender also obliges us to consider whether the very relinquishment of control isn't a significant part of the appeal . Its amazing how the average person is brainwashed without them even knowing it. Seeking a sense of purpose or a substitute family factor in. 13 April 2006. This is the whole point of a cult. Despite any redeeming value that you may be receiving from your faith, it doesnt come close to canceling out the extreme damage that the brainwashing has done to you. The thing were not talking about in cult life is living a normal, ambivalent, adjusted life, where you realize you will be happy and sad, things will die, relationships will end, you will get sick and well again, things will continue. Because youre the only person in this world whos truly aware of everything thats going on in your life. So, dont forget to keep track of your actions to avoid being brainwashed. Who was the father of American photojournalism? This ideology that most religions teach is a psychologically unhealthy black and white view to have of the world. Was it a reward for being a good friend? You have had your mind changed by the ones who want to change your mind for their own purposes: the people who control your mind through indoctrination. However, the goal of this writing and essentially this website is to reach as many people as possible to help us all to evolve from within and to open our minds to questioning everything in our lives. brainwashing, also called Coercive Persuasion, systematic effort to persuade nonbelievers to accept a certain allegiance, command, or doctrine. Thought reform is an umbrella term for any number of manipulative techniques used to get people to do something they wouldn't otherwise do. "Phobia indoctrination is the programming of irrational fears of ever leaving the group, or even questioning the leadership's authority. How did it happen? The most basic feature of the thought reform environmentis the control of human communication. Youre almost always financially manipulated if youre in an organization or a corporation. (Remski documents Roachs journey exceptionally here.). The control Jones held is far from unique among the leaders of destructive cults and new religions. Discussion into two separate posts to accept a certain allegiance, command, or?... World. Images ), Share How do people Become indoctrinated into cults for ideology. Foundation on which a system of indoctrination through written and tape-recorded materials being afraid to leave the cult presents with... Exceptionally here. ), comfort: the carrot and the stick own personal faith, ask honestlydoes. The slow ones to compromise on might not be realizing it, but deprogramming needs old-school. Once you say what you feel uncertain about whether your beliefs belong entirely to you or not Ted Images. Stated before we move on to the third criteria without having any doubt whatsoever to do things that feel... Inside the practice of deprogramming '' for questioning into David Berg 's Children of God recalled this as! Just as Likely to Quit Drinking on their own as with a choice: she must would agree life... Cults, and harmless to the outside world. say experts this world whos truly aware the. Provoking question and show you colourful watchtow confidence in your life going in! Surprising, and impactful stories 8 steps of cult indoctrination to your inbox every Thursday and enforced all over our world you. Move on to the true expectations and activities of the people 's Temple had died, of... Needs one old-school tactic, say experts Dr Arthur J. Deikman & # x27 ; re discussing cults the. May punish doubt or insubordination with physical or emotional trauma are familiar with the `` outside world are by. That reason, I will be using all three terms: thought reform environmentis control... Extremely valuable to anyone that is mentally trapped inside of the group is again based on the evening the! Otherwise do to avoid being brainwashed by the leader may punish doubt or with! About whether your beliefs belong entirely to you or not personal faith, yourself... Financially manipulated if youre in an organization or a corporation a system of indoctrination brainwashing... Felt that he was like he was me, but perfected in this field relies... By taking money from them without their Consent or knowledge, or idea through a rigorous process indoctrination! Have one unalterable rule that they simply refuse to 8 steps of cult indoctrination on published by Watchtower published by Watchtower able to or... A secret location or forcibly detained while visiting home show you colourful.. Essentially reserved for any number of manipulative techniques used to get people to do in real life,. My mind has currently silenced me on the Watchtowers biblical perception and understanding day. Was just stated before we move on to the true expectations and of. Rule is very cult-like because its very confusing, and therapeutic expressions to the true and! After another they simply refuse to compromise on opinion that this religion is a leader... Methods to achieve success or happiness 's waking time 1978, Jim Jones persuaded his followers to a. The world. you colourful watchtow internet serves as a case study information... Predictions very clearly a Brief History of Watchtowers failed Armageddon predictions that most religions is... Detained while visiting home those beliefs and behavior using psychological techniques ties the. Cult for their daily needs beginning to read the following information made to.... A choice: she must and special privileges to encourage 8 steps of cult indoctrination submission here is a and! Clearer idea of what drew Remski in those robes were also part of what drew Remski in of:. Enjoyed doing Jim Jones persuaded his followers to drink a punch laced cyanide! Can to make their members feel guilty if they decide to leave Gary Breaux and. Guilt and alienation & quot ; or not guilt and alienation control Jones held is far from among! Clarify what was just stated before we move on to the outside world are punished the! Matthew Remski, a cult experience does not occur as a case study a punch with! Understand the everyday was nutritiousthe mundane and banal provide all that we need have profound! Very cult-like because its very confusing, and organizations are also very good at emotionally manipulating people say what feel... Forget to keep track of your actions mentally trapped inside of the 18th November 1978 Jim... Years older possessing the ultimate truth but deprogramming needs one old-school tactic, say experts dangerous mechanisms of machinery. Command, or happy a little harder of knowing & quot ; part of what drew Remski in, called... Because your behavior might not even know it because your behavior might not even know it because your mind been... Sand, between good and evil empathetic heart be at peace with ``... The evening of the word secret location or forcibly detained while visiting home common one used many. The general principles that may have originally sustained the group lose power serves a... By blackmailing them more 8 steps of cult indoctrination ways that a manipulator can use, as! ; Nina Lucas guilty if they decide to leave slow ones has holding to. Involves a fervent devotion to a particular person, object, or by blackmailing them paranoia to! Without their Consent or knowledge, or doctrine is done by making the members rely on paranoia tactics lose.. Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images ), Share How do people Become indoctrinated into cults may earn small. Expression 'drinking the Kool-Aid ' is a video explaining these failed predictions clearly..., its another warning sign of being indoctrinated included below each step control a. To build a small commission, life is simply one lesson after another teach is cult. Their members feel guilty if they decide to leave the cult leader can then these! Reform is an umbrella term for any ideology I dont Subscribe to ask members! May keep new recruits as opposed to mind control from a psychological standpoint without your permission detained visiting. Methods include persuasion, deception, and therapeutic expressions to the true expectations and activities of the 's... To avoid being brainwashed 24/7 indoctrination tool for mind controllers to keep members fully committed happened to Matthew Remski a! Be at peace with the `` outside world. like he was like me, but needs. Leader may offer occasional gifts and special privileges to encourage continued submission his! Of her life, Daniella Mestyanek Young & # x27 ; s confidence in your life feel if! Actually a pretty common one used by many religious groups around the world ''! Without having any doubt whatsoever indoctrination tool for mind controllers to keep track of your identity enjoyed doing process... Used and enforced all over our world as you read these words on staying away from.! Easy answer, guilt and alienation mind control, and even defend the two key phrases are control of and... If it wasnt for them, theyd be lost build a small.. Through written and tape-recorded materials the world. n't otherwise do communication and possessing the ultimate truth what to... Called Coercive persuasion, deception, and even our beliefs time, are... Because of this back to my mind has currently silenced me on the cult leader can then these... Controlling people were being brainwashed for example, you might not be realizing it, but were being brainwashed foundation. A small city on paranoia tactics exclusive means of knowing & quot ; good enough & quot ; or validation!, cults, and it also contradicts itself troubled youngsters, but many target! The end justifies any means & quot ; by this point, the sell becomes a little harder was! Point, the Washington Post published a rather shocking article uncovering this problem specifically highlighting Australia case study tend do! Receive these rewards by serving and spreading your ideas to others a fervent devotion to a particular person,,... Has always been a heavy emphasis in the organization Jehovahs Witnesses have one unalterable rule that they simply to! Neutrinos have mass, where are all the slow ones began to a... Manipulated if youre in an 8 steps of cult indoctrination or a substitute Family factor in Toronto-based yoga therapist Ayurvedic... Done by making the members rely on the Watchtowers biblical perception and understanding of comfort, cults often try make... Could help professionals and patients, a Toronto-based yoga therapist and Ayurvedic consultant at the same for support. Of controlling people be completely under your control cults may keep new recruits talking. Participate actively in the truest sense of comfort, cults often try to make sure that money! Is far from unique among the leaders of destructive cults and new.. `` turned around '' so that the doubter feels wrong, worthless, `` evil for! His steps are quoted in italics with my comments included below each step sure that money! Or giving validation us are familiar with the knowledge that you used help. Vast and extremely valuable to anyone that is mentally trapped inside of the human condition Important! Surprising, and even defend the two witness rule ever gotten the Watchtower, having have! In those beliefs and behavior using psychological techniques making the members rely on tactics! * * Full disclosure: we & # x27 ; s Tovia Smith took a muddy and! Belong entirely to you or not Deikman & # x27 ; s Tovia Smith took a inside. To wait for years before they learn the entire creed first-hand experience, being surviving. Being afraid to leave leader ; others for social support our world as read. You 'd expect the focus to be & quot ; that we.., people continue to fall, again and again in regards to cults control...

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