A cult usually refers to a social group defined by its religious, spiritual, or philosophical belief. The fascination with cults probably stems from the fine line between what appears to be a Utopian community and a dangerous freewill groups.
There are several famous cults that all you have to do is say their name, Branch Davidians founder David Koresh, the Manson Family, Peoples Temple most famous founder Jim Jones, Scientology, and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint founder Warren Jeffs.
So how do these cults recruit everyday people to become involved in these groups?
Most cults begin inviting prospective members in a non-threatening event, such as services, cookouts, and classes. The members begin showering the recruit with attention and praise creating a positive experience; this is called love-bombing. Extracting an agreement from you that you want the prize and are willing to work for it. The attractive prize sucks the recruit in because the prize is something that is wanted very much so.
Once the recruit is sucked into the cult and becomes dependent on the prize, then the leaders have something to control that person with. The establishment threatens to take away the prize; The recruit will be rewarded with the prize for good behavior and then punished for bad behavior.
The prospective members are disassociated from family and friends. This is an important process; it makes the recruit feel alone and vulnerable. Anyone is susceptible to the type of mind control that these cults use but people who lonely, unassertive, finding answers, idealistic and looking for the spiritual meaning of life.
The seven signs that you're possibly in a cult is if the group opposes critical thinking, of course isolating the members, seeking inappropriate loyalty to their leader, dishonoring the family unit, crossing Biblical boundaries of behavior (versus sexual purity and personal ownership), and separation from the church.
The cult's appearance on the outside is usually very warm and fuzzy, promising redemption, renewal, rejuvenation, and reinvention. They also promise answers, solutions, and happiness. But what isn't seen is the reality of the cult is the leader demanding complete obedience from members, the psychological pressure, and the ability to subordinate all activities to the leaders will.
Most of the time people stumble upon the cults accidentally. A flyer in the laundromat for a free meditation class. A listing in the newspaper for a community service project. A poster at the library for a musical performance. Then the pull becomes gradual and gentle.
Be mindful of things that may offer something that sounds so good, because sometimes you have to give up yourself to receive it. Need to pay attention and take a good look at who's in charge, usually a narcissitic personality, ability to read others. Claims special powers and charisma meets anger. Look for signs of brainwashing, such as isolation, peer pressure, confession, control, sleep deprivation, language control, and threats of expulsion. One big advice is always to ask questions.
