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 Today, BetterHelp, TherapyTribe
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.
Follow Lyn Smith Gregory here: Lyn Website
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