Cults

Cults Any non-conforming group or religious sect outside the norms of society

Cults 5 traits: ◦ 1. Charismatic leader claiming to have all the answers; beliefs cannot be questioned ◦ 2. Only members will be saved or enlightened ◦ 3. Friendships and ‘family love’ replace other group relationships ◦ 4. members are psychologically manipulated / decieved to hide real purpose of group ◦ 5. Members abused physically, emotionally, financially

Cults Cults exploit fears, hopes and doubts of people and profess answers to problems. May claim to be religions, but a religion is associated with goodness. Give members a unique sense of belonging.

Cults Recruiting techniques : ◦ 1. love bombing – members receive love to feel special ◦ 2. exploitation of personal weaknesses or hope – use fears / dreams of recruit to get to join ◦ 3. group pressure – to conform. Rewards are love, punishments are rejection ◦ 4. critical thinking is discouraged – do not ask questions ◦ 5. isolation and no privacy – isolated from other groups and never left alone ◦ 6. food and sleep deprivation ◦ 7. Guilt – made to feel selfish and are pressured to confess errors

Cults Popular Cults: Manson Family Heaven’s Gate Order of the Solar Temple Branch Davidians People’s Temple (Jonestown) Aum Shinrikyo