Cults

1. Cults

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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Cults • Popular Cults: • Manson Family • Heaven’s Gate • Order of the Solar Temple • Branch Davidians • People’s Temple (Jonestown) • AumShinrikyo