|
In our discussion of cults we must first distinguish between two different types of cults. The first, and the most dangerous type of cult is termed a “destructive cult.” In a destructive cult there is a definite heirachy of power with a person or a group of people being in charge. You could definitely liken it to a dictatorship. The people “on top” are in control of everything. When new members are recruited they are not told what the group is really about, from the beginning. They may think they know what the group is about and what will be expected of them, but they do not. Destructive cults are deceptive and manipulative. They attempt to make people conform to being like the cult leader and their individuality is not encouraged. Many, many times cults twist scripture to use for their own gain. Some cults are called “doomsday” cults, and most of these are religious in nature.
A cult would be defined as any group of people whose beliefs and rituals are not really mainstream. A cult would not be considered “destructive” if people can join the group freely with knowledge of what the group is really about, and if they can quit the group without fear or pressure.
Some of the hate groups we find in society are considered destructive cults because they teach hate openly (KKK, Nazis, White Supremacists.) In addition to the hate groups and religious groups that are considered cults, there are cults that could be labeled as therapy cults, political cults and business cults. Many destructive cults embody more than one type -- they could be religious, political and business all wrapped into one mind-controlling entity.
The main characteristic of a destructive cult
would be mind control, however, all mind control is not bad. In some circumstances techniques like visualization, prayer, hypnosis, and meditation can be beneficial to a person or a group. However, when there is a hidden agenda within a group, people will eventually be coerced to relinquish their power and their possessions to the group. This is when mind control is bad, and a cult would be considered destructive.
Under the umbrella of “destructive cults” there are many varying degrees of danger. Cults that act out against society are an example of dangerous cults. The Japanese cult that used nerve gas in the subway in 1995 also used physical imprisonment, drugs, and other forms of torture to indoctrinate new members. If people tried to leave this cult they might be killed. In contrast to that highly dangerous group would be one that employs mind control and hypnosis to get its members to have unswerving faith in their leader/messiah. Although this seems more benign to society at large, it can be just as dangerous to the individual.
When a group takes away your option to exercise your God-given privilege of free-will, it is a cult. When you give it up to the group, voluntarily, they’ve done their job well!
|
| |
