Cult Leadership - Dangerous Devotion

INTRODUCTION - WHAT IS A CULT?

Many definitions can be used to define the term cult, but the primary one to be concerned about is religious fanaticism. Some definitions of cults are.

"A religious movement which makes a fundamental breaks with the religious traditions of the culture and which is composed of individuals who had or seek mystical experience (Galanter)."

"A highly manipulative group which exploits its members and can cause psychological, financial and physical harm. It dictates in an absolute manner the behavior, thoughts and emotions of its followers. Manipulation techniques are used to transform the new recruit into a loyal, obedient and subservient member (Info-Cult)."

The major religions of the world are not cults. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism are not cults. A cult is not just a religion. There is nothing wrong with having a religion, especially if that religion gives you a sense of peace and joy. But the line is crossed when religious beliefs become an obsession and negatively affect other aspects of one’s life.

While a specific definition of a "cult" may be difficult, there are several common factors that seem to be a part of the kinds of cults that raise concern. While every group is different in their specific beliefs and rituals, some more common factors of cults are:

• has a living leader;

• cult doctrine based on leaders' techniques and beliefs;

• members adhere to leaders' beliefs;

• leader may claim special powers or connection to a higher being;

• leader is sole judge of dedication and quality of member's faith

• leader may be very comfortable while members suffer (leader may eat while others starve; leader may have sex while others remain celibate);

• leader may predict the end of the world;

• cult may say that it works to save the world but helps no one outside the cult;

• daily work demeaning;

• cults provide salvation - anyone outside cult is evil;

• members must cut self off from past life;

• ego destruction and thought control;

• questioning religion and criticism frowned upon - sign of bad faith; intolerance of other beliefs;

• emphasize moneymaking;

• structure and discipline;

• no grey area - everything and everyone is either right