What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘cult’?  People in long robes, with shaven heads, chanting and soliciting money from travelers in airports? Some of the most infamous cults include The Manson family who murdered Sharon Tate and others in Hollywood. Keep in mind that Charles Manson didn’t commit the crimes himself but convinced his followers to do it in his name. Rev. Sun Myung Moon founded the Unification Church; hence the name ‘Moonies’ was given to his cult. Moon was famous for holding mass wedding ceremonies between people of varying cultures, some who didn’t speak each other’s languages. The only thing that linked them was their shared membership in the group. Jim Jones was the nefarious founder of The People’s Temple who moved his followers to Guyana and created a commune called Jonestown. He convinced them to drink cyanide spiked Kool-aide.  He consequently murdered 918 of his followers, including 276 children.

What is the definition of the word cult? One description is “an organized group whose purpose is to dominate cult members through psychological manipulation and pressure strategies.”

Cults are usually headed up by a charismatic leader. Cult members are taught not to question the leader, not to sow seeds of doubt into the community and to adhere to the leader’s every command. Note that men lead the majority of cults.

According to the Cult Education Institute, there are specific warning signs to look out for when considering whether a group might be a cult. Cults are characterized by.

1. Absolute authoritarianism without accountability.

2. Zero tolerance for criticism or questions.
3. Lack of meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget.
4. Unreasonable fears about the outside world that often involve evil conspiracies.
5. A belief that former followers are always wrong for leaving and there is never a legitimate reason for anyone else to leave.
6. Abuse of members.
7. Records, books, articles, or programs documenting the abuses of the leader or group.
8. Followers feeling they are never able to be “good enough.”
9. A belief that the leader is right at all times.

10. A belief that the leader is the exclusive means of knowing “truth” or giving validation.

What is it about someone’s psychological makeup that draws them to cults and cult-like groups?

They tend to feel misunderstood in their lives and are drawn in to the cult leader’s contention that he/she understands them in ways that no one else could.

They want to feel a sense of belonging and are embraced by the cult family, particularly if they are alienated from their own family.
They get lured in to joining with a gradually demanding list of expectations. They might be invited to a community dinner, then be asked to volunteer at their church or garden which may lead to soliciting new members.
They are willing to sacrifice ‘for the sake of the community, which includes turning money or property over to the cult.
They are often spiritually questioning and find that their religion of choice may feel alienating.
They often have lofty and utopic visions of the world.
They want to improve their lives.
They are impressionable and can be brainwashed, even so far as to compel them to commit murder or take their own lives.
They may be vulnerable based on previous or current traumatic experiences.

They may be willing to turn over their body sovereignty to the leader, believing that it will bring them closer to God or imbue them with the same special powers of the leader if they allow for sexual interaction that they might not otherwise.

Sarah Edmunson is a survivor of a cult called Nxivm. Her involvement went so far as allowing a symbol of ownership to the cult leader Keith Raniere to be branded on her body. In her TED talk, called How to Spot a Cult, she offers warning and hope. If you are in a cult or know others who are, there is help for leaving and healing. Cultwatch has ideas to transition back into the greater world. Finding a therapist who is equipped to assist the person in re-entry is an important step.

I myself have worked for many years with people who have left or are in the process of considering leaving a cult or an abusive spiritual organization.

In collaboration with the Association of Spiritual Integrity, (their logo here), I will be offering a support group this fall for people who have left or are considering leaving an abusive spiritual community. If you are interested in the group or know someone who might be interested, register soon—the group is filling up fast. You can read about the upcoming group and register here.

For questions and information about starting therapy with me, click here.