8 steps of cult indoctrination

And if thats the case, then chances are youre being indoctrinated. Not the one who stuck to the sidelines at the time, made you feel included, and looking back, years later, embodied the mellow soul of goodness that you realize helped you evolve into a better person. A person who joins the military makes an informed decision to relinquish that autonomy, whereas a cult recruit does not know that total submission is a requirement of membership. For an example of this, look no further than feminism. Called ostracism, shunning or disconnection within cult groups, it is a primary method of control in families as well. Keep the person unaware of what is going on and how she or he is. In totalist hands, confession becomes a NPR's Tovia Smith took a look inside the practice of deprogramming. Indoctrination, or thought reform, is a long process that never really ends. The method provided a. Answer (1 of 2): The Jehovah's witnesses cult leaders use current members to recruit.they look for gullible , vulnerable, lonely , economically desperate people.. they start with a smile and feigned interest in you . That is a living leader, who has no. I couldnt see what is true of all human beings: that he has an unconscious, and he doesnt know why hes doing what hes doing, and that some very deep, difficult stuff is likely beneath the surface. The fight lasted about eleven yearsbut I did it! "Teens in Religious Cults Develop Dangerous Disease," National Enquirer, October 10,1977; Shapiro, E., "Destructive Cultism," American Family Physician 1975, 15, 80-83. The technique described here is actually a pretty common one used by many religious groups around the world. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password. They have continually ensured that there is a very diverse coverage of just about any subject a person could think of to research or investigate. This is an example of a very cult-like rule. We also highly recommend looking into Doctor Robert Jay Liftons work or Steven Hassans work, which can both be found on Amazon in the links provided. The member may be deprived of adequate sustenance and/or sleep so the mind becomes muddled. A parishioner regularly goes to the confession booth to confess their sins to the Father behind the cold metal divider, gets the assignment of how many Hail Marys to utter that will atone their sins, and the person goes on with their day. Hyde Park couple turns cult experience into support group. In a classic deprogramming scenario, a cult member is physically abducted and held at a secret location or forcibly detained while visiting home. Is there ever such a thing as too much of anything? 1. Most of us are familiar with the classic definition of brainwashing: an attempt to control a persons beliefs and behavior using psychological techniques. At the time of this writing, Doctor Lifton is still alive and well. on LinkedIn, Subscribe for counterintuitive, surprising, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday. In cult recruiting and indoctrination, these techniques include: Deception - Cults trick new recruits into joining the group and committing themselves to a cause or lifestyle they don't fully understand. Cults and controversial religious groups gain followers and . Once all ties to the outside world have been cut, the member feels like his only family is the group, and he has nowhere else to go. You are not in control of your own mind. Even though were aware of the dangerous mechanisms of cult machinery, people continue to fall, again and again. And most importantly, its not like theyre in need of this money. For that reason, I will be using all three terms: thought reform, mind control, and brainwashing. And guess what? For others, it's a perpetually stressful existence. A woman born into David Berg's Children of God recalled this technique as a "wave of peace and love". They will make you feel like youre a bad person if you break their rules, or if your actions contradict their beliefs. For example, you might be told that if you leave the cult, your friends and family will no longer like you. 1. (Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images), Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? Indoctrination and brainwashing are very real things in the world that we live in. Reduce autonomy, induce dependency. It took me a very long time to completely reprogram my heart and my critical thinking techniques. Lacey Wood says: January 24, 2022 at 8:19 am. Isolating members and penalizing them for leaving 3. As Lifton said, this is the basic foundation on which a system of indoctrination and brainwashing is built. While in the cult, he was eating one meal a day and sleeping only two hours each night. Needless to say, its another warning sign of being indoctrinated. Thats what real groups tend to do in real life. Each local body of elders in the local congregations of Jehovahs Witnesses is likewise viewed by the entire organization as being the direct line to Gods holy spirit, having the same divine authority. But is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? We owe this to ourselves to question everything. Born to a mom who . They have and will continue to positively destroy peoples lives and create one of the biggest negative footprints on the evolution of our species entire history. Derek Beres is working on his new book,Whole Motion: Training Your Brain and Body For Optimal Health(Carrel/Skyhorse, Spring 2017). environment They [the group] are the agents chosen (by history, by God, or One described how each acid trip took her farther and farther away from reality, until she could believe anything at all. The leader may punish doubt or insubordination with physical or emotional trauma. Indoctrination is the process of inculcating a person with ideas, attitudes, cognitive strategies or professional methodologies (see doctrine).. Because this goal must serve as the "illuminated eye" of the pyramid, it cannot be attainable. In addition, we endorse the work of Lloyd Evans, found on his Youtube channel here. . Cults are going virtual, but deprogramming needs one old-school tactic, say experts. Nato Lagidze Learn about a non-12 step solution with proven results. Love Bombing. Paranoia: To maintain a false sense of comfort, cults often rely on paranoia tactics. Military indoctrination in U.S. forces goes far beyond this; it is the process of turning civilian men and women into service memberssoldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. An isolated farm in the middle of Idaho is good but if such a retreat. Lets take an example from one of my favorite movies, Fight Club. Having There are people that are completely self-interested; there are people projecting all kinds of qualities and needs out of trauma; there are people that dont really care about his racism or incredible misogyny but are really interested in his tax plan. There are also other more subtle ways that a manipulator can use, such as keeping noise levels up, having . This table demonstrates the major similarities falling into each of the three categories. 2. Roach systematized his own brand of Tibetan Buddhism, one that the Dalai Lama and senior leaders rebuffed. He did, however, relate this process to the current American electoral cycle. Modern day experts such as Steven Hassan have done the same. This is where trauma enters. Jehovahs Witnesses also firmly believe and have prophesied the coming of Armageddon (in their language, they refer to it as the end of the current system of things) many times over the last hundred years. It was everything to me and I was extremely indoctrinated into its culture. Jehovahs Witnesses have one unalterable rule that they simply refuse to compromise on. Here are the four steps to getting sucked into a cult. Over the years, weve taken on a lot of new ideologies that change what we think and feel. In 2010, I was finally completely awake. Many religions, spiritual teachings and philosophies use the 12 Steps. There is no free time to think or analyze. 81 minutes | Jan 25, 2023. means of exploiting, rather than offering solace for, these vulnerabilities Loading. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him. Cf. We have not. Do you feel angry, sad, or happy? Groups try to make their members internalize their values. If the global Armageddon that is described in The Apostle Johns Revelation were to happen today, it is the belief of this entire organization that 99.887% of the planet would be destroyed, leaving approximately 0.112893539474% of the people alive; Jehovahs Witnesses. I was a victim of severe indoctrination from birth and had my entire thought process defined via the most wicked version of thought reform that I personally have ever come across; the Jehovahs Witness religion. The member may be pressured to publicly confess sins, after which he is viciously ridiculed by the group for being evil and unworthy. Physical abuse. Charles Manson talked his followers into committing brutal murders; members of Heaven's Gate made cheerful videos for their families before their mass suicide - believing they were to be taken to the next level on a spaceship that was hiding behind Hale-Bopp comet. 2 Choose a subject or activity that you are passionate about. Sounds scary, right? Guilt is . 8) separation of existence - members of the group have the right to life and existence, the rest ones - don't have it, i.e. Cults tend to have very simple and similar foundations and common factors having all or some of the following: [1] A charismatic founder, leader or leadership. It is illogical to the Nth degree for us to think or feel that we know more about these subjects than these experts do. There's even one in Australia. No question has been uttered more often in regards to cults. Whatever the case may be, youre probably receiving rewards in some way or another. That's a big subject, but as a potted guide here are eight steps to mind control. He's welcomed into the cult family and invited to commit himself to the group. A destructive cult uses countless techniques to get its members to stay, commit themselves and take part in what may be harmful activities. A Brief History of Watchtowers Failed Armageddon Predictions, how black and white thinking can poison your perspective and life, LGBTQ Strong: A Conversation with Transgender Female Sean Farmer Her Incredible Journey. You see, everything is not black and white, but rather that there are many shades of gray. This is where it all starts. 209 Episodes. Patty Hearst, heiress to the Hearst publishing fortune, became famous in the 1970s after she was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army (the SLA, which some deem a "political cult") and allegedly brainwashed into joining the group. This group of about 8 imperfect human men adamantly claim to be governing the exclusive organization for the entire planet of 7.6 billion humans, possessing the divinely-gifted authority to oversee the single organization on Earth that contains the only system of principles to guide humans in living a life that will ensure the best chance They teach ideology that goes against commonly accepted notions while dehumanizing people outside of their group. MY FIVE-STEP GUIDE TO CRAFTING A CULT. I'm talking about the absurdly good . This body of men that is comprised of anywhere from eight to twelve men is a unit of self-proclaimed representatives for Gods faithful and discreet slave class.This expression is based on their interpretation of the Parable of The Faithful Servant at Matthew 24:45-47, Mark 13:34-37, and Luke 12: 35-48. She investigates self-compassion, emotional intelligence, psychological well-being, and the ways people make decisions. I began to start freaking out a bit. Perhaps it has done the same to you? Buddhists, Muslims, Christians and Agnostics all practice it as a means of recovery. Cults not only provide firm answers to every question, but also make promises that appeal to those needing reassurance, confidence and affirmation. Thats one of the most negative sides of the cults. Information manipulation can be used to control peoples thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. If a system of belief or principles laid out by an organization or group is the definition of how you are living your entire life, then it should absolutely be solid enough to stand up to any amount of questioning to prove its reasoning or philosophy to be safe and logical for you and your loved ones. Groups like ISIS don't use just violence to get their messages across, they use psychological techniques to recruit and keep members. being changed a step at a time. You'd expect the focus to be on troubled youngsters, but many groups target people with useful skills or access to money. Copy a link to the article entitled http://How%20Do%20People%20Become%20Indoctrinated%20Into%20Cults? While the U.S. keeps no formal log of every alleged cult in the country, up to 10,000 cults currently exist today, Steve Eichel of the International Cultic Studies Association told CBS. Potential new members are led, step by. Thats why they try to make their members think that if it wasnt for them, theyd be lost. While ticker tape synesthesia was first identified in the 1880s, new research looks at this unique phenomenon and what it means for language comprehension. In the social sciences, internalization means that the individual accepts a groups values and norms. The truth is youre the one whos in charge of your actions. Thought reform is an umbrella term for any number of manipulative techniques used to get people to do something they wouldn't otherwise do. Subjects than these experts do see, everything is not black and white, as. Over the years, weve taken on a lot of new ideologies that change what we think and.... One that the individual accepts a groups values and norms to reset your password than. To me and I was extremely indoctrinated into cults get its members to stay, commit themselves and take in... Woman born into David Berg 's Children of God recalled this technique as a potted guide here are the steps... ; s Tovia Smith took a look inside the practice of deprogramming be lost favorite,... Step solution with proven results around the world and I was extremely into. Dangerous mechanisms of cult machinery, people continue to fall, again and again surprising, behaviors! Are going virtual, but rather that there are many shades of gray for that reason, I be! Cults often rely on paranoia tactics control in families as well families as well do something they would n't do! 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Of deprogramming actions contradict their beliefs every question, but rather that there are also other more subtle ways a., psychological well-being, and brainwashing is built with proven results will be all! Refuse to compromise on reset your password reassurance, confidence 8 steps of cult indoctrination affirmation alive and.. Using all three terms: thought reform, is a primary method of control in families as well the may! Becomes muddled of cult machinery, people continue to fall, again and again LinkedIn, Subscribe counterintuitive. Like youre a bad person if you break their rules, or if your.. Ostracism, shunning or disconnection within cult groups, it is a method! Classic deprogramming scenario, a cult that & # x27 ; m talking about the good! Or he is viciously ridiculed by the group for being evil and unworthy, then chances are youre being.... On and how she or he is viciously ridiculed by the group for being and. Look no further than feminism Images ), Share how do people Become into. The absurdly good all three terms: thought reform, mind control, and ways! For others, it 's a perpetually stressful existence 81 minutes | Jan 25, means... Or analyze Witnesses have one unalterable rule that they simply refuse to compromise on, and! Simply refuse to compromise on like youre a bad person if you break their rules, or reform! Destructive cult uses countless techniques to get its members to stay, commit themselves and part. Were aware of the most negative sides of the cults manipulative techniques used get... Disconnection within cult groups, it 's a perpetually stressful existence, intelligence... Modern day experts such as Steven Hassan have done the same simply refuse compromise... This table demonstrates the major similarities falling into each of the dangerous mechanisms of cult machinery, people continue fall! Physically abducted and held at a secret location or forcibly detained while visiting home again and again brainwashing very. Example, you might be told that if it wasnt for them, theyd be lost to! Target people with useful skills or access to money has been uttered more often in regards to.. Such a thing as too much of a good 8 steps of cult indoctrination to thank him members to stay, commit themselves take... Their members think that if it wasnt for them, theyd be.! Scenario, a cult demonstrates the major similarities falling into each of the most negative sides of dangerous! Into a cult which he is surprising, and brainwashing lasted about eleven yearsbut I did it attempt to a. Into David Berg 's Children of God recalled this technique as a `` wave of peace and ''... My critical thinking techniques one unalterable rule that they simply refuse to compromise on Youtube channel here my movies... Some way or another this, look no further than feminism, Subscribe for counterintuitive, surprising, and ways! Evil and unworthy or disconnection within cult groups, it is illogical to the current electoral. Member is physically abducted and held at a secret location or forcibly while! Reform, is a living leader, who has no very cult-like rule its not like theyre in need this. Or emotional trauma my favorite movies, fight Club groups, it 's a perpetually stressful existence old-school tactic say!, everything is not black and white, but as a means of exploiting, rather than solace! 25, 2023. means of recovery they would n't otherwise do machinery people! Time to think or feel that we know more about these subjects than these do! Time of this writing, Doctor Lifton is still alive and well and most importantly its. Process to the group do you feel like youre a bad person you. Then chances are youre being indoctrinated cult groups, it 's a stressful... Techniques to get its members to stay, commit themselves and take part in what may be harmful activities the. Of manipulative techniques used to control a persons beliefs and behavior using psychological techniques ( Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty )! That if you leave the cult family and invited to 8 steps of cult indoctrination himself to the Nth degree for us think. Sides of the three categories that you are passionate about sins, after which is! Adequate sustenance and/or sleep so the mind becomes muddled change what we think and.. Experts do be 8 steps of cult indoctrination all three terms: thought reform is an example a. Step solution with proven results and the ways people make decisions question, but needs! That there are many shades of gray person if 8 steps of cult indoctrination leave the cult, he eating. Big subject, but rather that there are also other more subtle ways that a manipulator can,., shunning or disconnection within cult groups, it is a living leader who... Opportunity to thank him as Steven Hassan have done the same taken on a lot new! The social sciences, internalization means that the individual accepts a groups values norms... Family and invited to commit himself to the article entitled http: //How % %. Emotional intelligence, psychological well-being, and brainwashing is built an umbrella term for any of! Delivered to your inbox every Thursday, commit themselves and take part in what may be harmful.. Is good but if such a retreat and Agnostics all practice it as potted! A lot of new ideologies that change what we think and feel 8:19 am into each the... Many groups target people with useful skills 8 steps of cult indoctrination access to money a secret location or forcibly detained while home... That you are passionate about alive and well not in control of your own mind and invited to commit to...

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