Recognize the Red Flags: Are You Caught in a Cult? Part 2
There are features most cults share and if we learn about them, it will help us avoid the tentacles of cult-like persons who may offer the trappings of such membership. Here are the common traits:
Red Flag #1 - Imitation - “We are the family you never had.” Cult ambassadors will oftentimes promote their membership using emotional manipulation and false promises. Their audience may be people with real problems seeking answers. These cult ambassadors are offering them what may feel like solutions! They are accomplished at using these tactics! If they weren’t skilled in altering someone’s perception of reality, they would have no followers.
Red Flag #2 - Insinuation - They will use phrases like “you are broken, you need us, we have the answer, we are the answer!” People navigating life transitions, isolation, or adversity often seek community and purpose. Cults exploit these human desires for connection.
They pretend to care about the struggles of families to lure them in. They may spin a story about how “no one sees what you have been through except us!” They are masters at promoting the “us versus them” mentality by creating an enemy. That perceived “enemy” is someone who usually doesn’t look like them. They are experts at creating a problem and then magically having the solution to the problem that never really existed before they created it!
Red Flag #3 - Isolation - “No one has the truth like we do!” The organization will see itself as elite. Only they have the real facts, knowledge or wisdom. In promoting these thoughts, their influence gathers people to themselves and causes them to see people on the outside as dangerous threats! Those “on the outside” may be put there because of their race, religion, gender, or color. If someone is accepted by the cult, there will be pressure for them to cut ties with “the outsiders” even if those outsiders are their own family members! This in turn makes them completely dependent on the cult.
Red Flag #4 - Intimidation - “Do what we say or else!” If a member of the organization starts having doubts and dares to question the group's belief system or activities, they may be in for a rough ride! One tactic the leadership may use is that they will start telling other cult members that this person is “listening to the enemy” and can’t be trusted. The leadership may insist on public confession to strengthen their control and show other members just how uncomfortable it can be when an individual dares to question those in charge!
Financial intimidation is generally at play in these groups as well. Some may have meetings where they lock the doors to solidify who is really running the show and demand “offerings” or donations to keep the vision alive. There may be required membership fees or hours of volunteer services due from all participants. Giving of time and money is expected without question. Some organizations may even have a membership class where the “new members” sign papers showing they are agreeing to the money and volunteer hours required of them! If you don’t give what you have, your loyalty is in question - and maybe you aren’t really one of us!
Red Flag #5 - Incubation - “Stay with us and be safe.” Anyone outside of the “cherished group” may be considered an enemy, a threat to country, family, and future. The implication here is that “we know what you need.” We know how to create a better future so you are never lacking like you were before you were with us. Don’t go back to how things were, “let us guide you.” “Let us provide for you” when in reality the cult is asking you to provide for them certainly financially, possibly emotionally, and socially as well. They may benefit from someone’s social status, their connections at work or in the community. Perhaps they were selected because of their socioeconomic standing. Nothing here is by chance.
Red Flag #6 - Indoctrination - “We know the truth”, end of story. When a deceptive leader can persuade a group of people to believe without questioning, they have done their job. Someone promoting a cult will use repetition to get others to accept their words as truth. A lie repeated long enough becomes believable in the minds of the people.
They use repetitive scripted language, rehearsed jargon with unusual catch phrases. Independent thought is severely rejected. Anyone who questions the authority of the leader will experience retailiation by the leadership and social isolation.
Red Flag #7 - Initiation - Now go recruit others! After all, faithfulness to us is not truly proven until the new recruits bring in more followers. What better way to guilt trip someone into action than by making them think their integrity is in question! Someone has not been successfully brainwashed until they take that step to draw others into the fold. Once they have started to recruit their own family and friends, they’re locked in. They have been skillfully manipulated and now they are convincing others to join them! If their circle of friends rejects them, they are taught to “not take it personally” but understand those people are simply rejecting the truth, the light, the way of the right. Best to cut them off, lest their dark deeds encroach on the cult member’s true path to greatness.
Does any of this sound familiar? If you or someone you know feels like they may be in an unhealthy controlling environment, there are some questions to ask with the purpose of gaining clarity. We invite you to read or listen to our next blog to learn:
What Questions to Ask: Are You Caught in a Cult? Part 3
This information has been provided to help people who have been drawn into unhealthy controlling organizations. If you wish to learn more, or care to share your story to help others, please contact us at Glue Your Life Back to Better.com
Back to Better Blog is presented in partnership with BacktoBetter.com and Brilliant Beam Media.
