Leaving Mormonism and Religious Trauma

Resources from Leaving Mormonism episode

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR HIGH CONTROL ORGANIZATION OR RELIGION IS A CULT

Understanding Cults: Recognizing the Characteristics

The term "cult" is commonly used to describe social groups with extreme religious, philosophical, or spiritual beliefs centered around a specific personality, object, or goal. These groups often employ manipulative psychological tactics to attract and control members, such as high-pressure recruitment methods. Cults are usually marked by unconventional or socially deviant practices and beliefs. It's import to note cults can vary and widely in size, from small local groups to international organizations with millions of members. 

It is difficult to determine the number of Americans who are or who have been involved with cult religions. Still, Margaret Singer, a psychology professor at he University of California, Berkeley, who has counseled more than 3,000 former cult members, estimates that ten million to 20 million Americans have been involved with some for of cult in recent years.

Identifying the Traits of Cults

Recognizing he Characteristics of Cults 

1. Isolation

        Isolating members from outside influences

        Penalties for leaving the group

2. Inappropriate Loyalty to Leaders

        excessive demands for loyalty

        Prioritizing leaders over personal and familial relationship

3. Dishonoring the Family Unity

        Disrupting or devaluing familial bonds

4.  Absolute Authoritarianism

        Leaders possess ultimate authority without accountability

5.  Intolerance for Questions 

       Suppression of critical inquiry and dissent

6.  Lack of Financial Transparency 

        No disclosure of budget or expenses

        Absence of independently audited financial statements

7.  Fear and Paranoia 

        promoting unreasonable fears about the outside world

        emphasis on impending catastrophes, conspiracies, and persecution

8.  Illegitimacy of Leaving

        Stigmatization and demonization of former members

        Portraying leaving as a moral or spiritual failure

9.  Perpetual Inadequacy 

        Inducing feelings of never being "good enough"

10. Infallibility of Leaders

        Leaders are always right

        Loss of personal autonomy

11. Monopoly on Truth

        Leaders claim exclusive access to "truth" and validation


Cults convince members to forfeit their critical thinking ability in return for a sense of belonging, authority, and purpose. People who contradict the group are viewed as persecutors and are often given labels like "anti," "apostate," or "suppressive person." Members are discouraged from consuming any material that is critical of the group.

Because the cult considers itself the ultimate authority on truth, it can't imagine anybody leaving it with their integrity intact. Thus, it has to perpetuate a false narrative that former members were deceived, proud, immoral, or lazy. If former members speak out, they are dismissed as bitter, angry, dishonest, or evil. 

Cults trap members in shame cycles by imposing abnormally strict codes of conduct (usually prescriptions about diet, appearance, sex, relationship, media), guilting members for their shortcomings, and then positioning themselves as the unique remedy to those feelings of guilt which they themselves created.

Cults see themselves as enlightened, chosen, and elect organizations tasked with radically transforming individual lives and the entire world. This elitism creates greater sense of group unity and responsibility centered on a united purpose.

Cults use secret rituals a rites of passage that solidify a member's loyalty to the group. Initiation into these rites usually only comes after a member has undergone certain tests or made adequate financial contributions. 

Support Resources Available

Leaving a cult can be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience. Here are some support resources that can help individuals transition out of cults and rebuild their lives:

National and International Organizations

    1. International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)

        Provides information, resources, and support for individuals affected by cults

        Website ICSA

    2. Cult Education Institute (CEI)

        Offer information and resources on cults and related issues.

        Website Cult Education Institute

    3. Recovering from Religion (RfR)

        Provides support for those leaving religious groups and cults, including online communities and                helplines.

        Website Recovering from Religion

    4. Freedom of Mind Resource Center

        Run by Steven Hassan, a former cult member and mental health professional, this center provides            resources and counseling for those affected by cults. 

        Website Freedom of Mind

Therapy and Counseling

    1. Therapist Directories 

        Websites like Psychology Today, BetterHelp, and TherapyTribe can help find therapists specializing            in cult recovery. Psychology TodayBetterHelpTherapyTribe

    2. Local Mental Health Services

        Many local communities offer mental health services and counseling that can be accessed through              community health centers or mental health organizations.

Books and Publications 

    1.     "Combating Cult Mind Control" by Steven Hassan 

                A comprehensive and guide to understanding and recovering from cults. 

                Available on various book platforms.

    2.     "Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Other Leaving Their Religion"                by Marlene Winell

                A helpful resource for those transitioning out of fundamentalist groups and cults.

                Available on various book platforms.

Legal Support

    1. Lawyers Specializing in Cult Cases

        Some legal professionals specialize in cases involving cults, including issues of coercion, abuse, and          financial exploitation. Websites like Avvo and Findlaw can help such lawyers.

        Websites: AvvoFindLaw

Follow Lyn Smith Gregory here: Lyn Website


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