Is It a Mind Controlling Cult?

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Experts on cults have reported the following as common characteristics of religious cults:

• The organization will frequently be started by a self-proclaimed messiah, often professing to have received "divine" revelations.  Members are told that if they diligently follow the "divine teachings" and spiritual practices of the founder, that they may be "saved," work off their sins, and /or receive increased protection from God.  Members may be told that they are the "Chosen Ones" for a coming new civilization.

• The organization will be a pyramid-shaped authoritarian regime with a person or small group of people at the top having dictatorial control.

• The leaders will encourage obedience, humility and dependence, rather than independent thinking, spiritual research, and wholesome adventurous fulfillment outside the organization.

• The organization practices subtle but highly effective behavior modification (which leads to mind-control) techniques such as requiring washing hands, bowing and clapping, chanting, greeting people in a certain manner when entering or leaving, etc.  This behavior modification is especially effective if it is practiced in harmony as a group.  Once the organization has succeeded in modifying a person's behavior and gets them involved in the repetitive spiritual practice of the group, it becomes much easier to influence the person's belief system through study classes, seminars, ceremonies, experience stories, etc.

• The leaders encourage members to attend study classes and meetings that tend to be a one-way dissemination of the organization's teachings, rather than a forum that encourages questions or dissension.  Members are expected to believe what they are told without question or independent investigation.  Those who question or dissent may be ostracized and or/ branded as "disturbed" or under the influence of "evil spirits."

• The organization may distribute "divine" or "holy" objects or talismans which are purported to connect the members with God, allow the members to have a special power, and allow the members to receive increased "divine protection."  Usually only the head of the organization may bestow the purported spiritual connection between the members and God.  The organization requires members to make regular payments to continue to receive the benefits of the "divine objects," and members are warned that these spiritual benefits will cease if the money flow stops or if they leave the organization.

• Members are encouraged to recruit their families, friends and coworkers in order that they too can be "saved." Members are allowed to "advance" to the next "spiritual level" based on the number of people they recruit to the organization.

• Members are specifically instructed how to treat visitors and to limit the information which they are told about the organization.  Guests may be treated differently than members.

• Members are warned that great calamities will take place in the world and that they may be one of the people saved if they diligently follow the teachings of the organization.  It may be stated or implied that they may personally receive great misfortune if they do not follow the teachings and practices of the organization.  Frequently members are told that great natural disasters have been averted due to "divine intercession" by the spiritual head.

• Members are encouraged to make frequent financial contributions or "offerings" to the organization under the auspices that the offerings are actually for God.  There may be many categories of offerings encouraged, such as for receiving spiritual power, for reparation of sins or "negative karma," in gratitude for favors received, for the building of monuments, museums, temples, etc.  The offerings disappear into real estate purchases, construction of buildings, and luxurious lifestyles for the top leadership.  Offerings are rarely, if ever, used to support charitable activities such as the homeless, disadvantaged, disaster relief activities, etc.

• The organization does not practice full disclosure.  Information is withheld from members, especially unflattering or embarrassing information about the founder and key leaders.  Unflattering or embarrassing information is categorically denied as rumors and lies, despite all evidence to the contrary.

• Members are encouraged to seek "guidance" from and to report everything to the leadership.  Members are not encouraged to think for themselves nor to conduct their own independent research.

For further reference on cults and mind control, read the following:

• Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism, by Dr. Robert J. Lifton ; specifically Chapter 22 on the use of mind control techniques in cults.

• Deception, Dependency & Dread, by Michael Langone, Ph.D. , The American Family Foundation

• Six Conditions for Thought Reform by Dr. Margaret T. Singer

Resources/Links:

American Family Foundation

A non-profit research center and educational organization that studies psychological manipulation and cultic groups, educates the public and professionals, and assists those who have been adversely affected by a cult experience.  They have a catalog of books, videos, periodicals, reprints of articles, information packets and reports available.

        PO Box 2265
        Bonita Springs, FL 34133
        Telephone: 212-533-5420
        Message Center: 212-249-7693
        Website:   http://www.csj.org

A support and referral network for people who seek healing from adverse effects experienced due to their involvement in a totalist or extremely controlling organization or relationship.

        PO Box 2180
        Flagler Beach, FL 32136-2180
        Telephone:  904-439-7541
        Website:       http://www.nwrain.net/~refocus/archives.html

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Last Updated:  Thursday, 19 July 2001