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. Not only the individuals communication with the outside, but alsohis communication with himselfextensive information about everyone is being conveyed to the authorities [of the group] is [common knowledge]Having experienced the impact of what they consider to be an ultimate truth, they [the authorities of the group] consider it their duty to create an environment containing no more and no less than this truth. [The group member] is deprived of the combination of external information and inner reflection which anyone requires to test the realities of his environment and to maintain a measure of identity separate from it. There were so many scars to heal, too many insecurities to face. 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. 88SharesThe year was 1983. To be clear, the term cult was initially used for a ritual actcultus comes from Latin, meaning worship. Throughout the world the word is still used to cite a religious group. Charles Manson was said to be giving his followers large doses of LSD. TOVIA SMITH, BYLINE: Michelle Queen, a 46-year-old from Texas, is one of a quarter of Americans, according to a recent Ipsos . Some groups use meditation, mind-numbing chanting, euphoric music or dancing at this stage. Do you entirely understand the meaning of the word internalization? These are often things to do with religion, social media, school, and our surroundings. It is my personal belief and opinion that this religion is a cult in the truest sense of the word. Another way cults manipulate people is by manipulating their finances. Guilt is . Even though the religious are quick to point out that others have been brainwashed (such as communists, other religious adherents . Loading. 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. 9. The immediate hurdle is recognizing youve been indoctrinated. Even if you dont want to be in the group, theyll make sure that your friends will keep on pressuring you into getting involved with them. Was it a reward for spending time with your family and friends? The member may believe that only group members are "saved," so if he leaves, he will face eternal damnation. Those in power distribute rewards for "good" behavior and . They might use fear or guilt as a tool to get you to believe their message. Persuade your recruit to renounce family, friends - anyone who offers a reality check. Do others think the same way as well? Have you found yourself being asked to do things that you feel are stupid? Why? You arent alone, See Images By Americas First War Photographer. Some are drawn in by the leader; others for social support. Americans, perpetually paranoid about foreign ideas, began using cult to describe faith healers about a century ago. The two key phrases are control of communication and possessing the ultimate truth. has not committed, to sinfulness that is artificially induced, in the name of a While some people may see similarities between the mind-control practices used by cults and the training that goes on in military organizations, there are significant differences. At the same time, rewards are offered - rest, love, comfort: the carrot and the stick. 1. Youve heard of Darwins finches. This is usually done through peer pressure or subtle manipulation. They may even be used on you. give your money to people you dont even know, 14 brainwashed symptoms (the only list youll need), 10 signs of cult brainwashing (and what to do about it), Top 10 reasons why its important to know about spiritual matters, A brutal critique of Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple, A brutal critique of L. Ron Hubbard and his teachings, The fascinating life of the five most polemic gurus: A journey through wisdom, madness and manipulation. "Unless they . means of exploiting, rather than offering solace for, these vulnerabilities Dani's final moment of indoctrination comes when the cult presents her with a choice: she must . The final step is vital. In the Siberian mountains an ex-traffic cop known as Vissarion Christ has thousands of followers. Was it a reward for helping somebody out? Lacey Wood says: January 24, 2022 at 8:19 am. NPR's Tovia Smith took a look inside the practice of deprogramming. 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 is a common feature of small groups or cults. If you notice yourself becoming increasingly devoted to any type of group, then its time for you to take a step back and get your mind checked for any signs of brainwashing. The Author speaks from first-hand experience, being a surviving victim of a 37-year indoctrination from an extremely dangerous religious cult. 15 The internet serves as a 24/7 indoctrination tool for mind controllers to keep members fully committed. is apt to be relegated to the bad and the impure. Special Knowledge. His tale, briefly, included being no more than fifteen feet away from his spiritual wife, Lama Christie, who he claimed to never have sex with; later, when they spiritually divorced (consciously uncoupled, I suppose), Christie found a new boyfriend that died in the desert after being kicked out of the group. A belief that the leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or giving validation. 1. And guess what? A belief that the leader is right at all times. Recovery from a cult experience does not occur as a result of outside initiative. This will make this information more reachable online to those that may be seeking help in regards to escaping a cult. He went on to study various people from many situations of either imprisonment or indoctrination of some sort. This is an example of a very cult-like rule. The gloves start to come off. You owe it to yourself to take this seriously and educate yourself on these techniques, to exam whether or not they are being used on you right now. Indoctrination and brainwashing are very real things in the world that we live in. You couldnt relax somehow. Ultimately, feelings of worthlessness and "evil" become associated with independence and critical thinking, and feelings of warmth and love become associated with unquestioning submission. 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. An analysis of Dr Arthur J. Deikman's book on cult behavior 8. Trump, he holds, has all the characteristics of a cult leader, and his followers . Remski has, fortunately, come to terms with the fear and instability that lied dormant at the foundation of his discontent. Er, sorry, feminism is not a cult. Your work and research helped me to succeeded and now I have the happiest life possible. Theres a riot of motivations. the features of the group or relationship. Continuing control relies on absolute obedience and members being afraid to leave. Pure and impure. Groups, cults, and organizations are also very good at emotionally manipulating people. Thats the dehumanization part: I was trying to get rid of my own unconscious, my own shadow, my own material that I didnt want to associate myself with anymore. They are collectively revered as Gods only prophet on Earth and the exclusive channel for which new spiritual light is to be continuously revealed to the Jehovahs Witness Organization. Shame anyone who questions; shun any who leave. its ordinary religious, legal, and therapeutic expressions to the point of In 1961, Lifton published his book Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism: A Study of Brainwashing in China where he broke down the entire process of how a person or an entity can use 8 defined techniques to actually reform the way a person thinks and reasons. I felt his body in my body, the same gangly awkwardness, the same hiked-up shoulder, the same thoracic kyphosis when he sat in meditation. Stay in touch onFacebookandTwitter. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Julia Layton This is where trauma enters. coverage. Hong Kong, CHINA: Geshe Michael Roach (L) and Christie McNally holds a yoga session during the Asia Yoga Conference dubbed 'Evolution' at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 02 June 2007. It is their unwavering belief that Armageddon will destroy every single person on this planet that is not devoted to Jehovah God and living as an active Jehovahs Witness. Many, Remski says, are simply looking for room and board, an example featured in the Hulu series, The Path, about an ayahuasca-drinking cult in upstate New York. This makes up their milieu or environment. Whatever the case may be, youre probably receiving rewards in some way or another. Do you have to attend their retreats and seminars on a regular basis? The method provided a. But I hope you can understand that none of this is true. 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. Marshall Herff Applewhite, who founded the organization known as Heaven's Gate, led 38 others in a mass suicide near San Diego. 6 replies to The Steps of Indoctrination. Cults may not allow unsupervised contact with the "outside world." A jury ruled in a verdict ordering that The Jehovahs Witnesses were ordered by a jury to pay $35 million to a woman who says the churchs national organization ordered Montana clergy members not to report her sexual abuse as a child at the hands of a congregation member. MY FIVE-STEP GUIDE TO CRAFTING A CULT. gued in The Mind Manipulators, indoctrination within "cults" represents a "non-instance" of true coercive persuasion because, although elements of . 1. 5. They teach ideology that goes against commonly accepted notions while dehumanizing people outside of their group. Just make sure it's positive, good, and harmless. It is the action that a group of leaders takes when they have knowledge of a situation where a child has been molested that matter. Members are continually subjected to these techniques -- it's part of daily life in a cult. Stay tuned for Part Two coming in a few days. Hyde Park couple turns cult experience into support group. In the next section, we'll take a look at what it's like to live within the confines of a destructive cult. Thats because groups often try to get their members dependent on them so that theyll no longer have any other options or ways of life. It's also known as "thought reform," "brainwashing" and "coercive persuasion," and it involves the systematic breakdown of a person's sense of self. The more isolated a person, the more likely they are to invest in a new belief system. Usually, group indoctrination and self-indoctrination sessions demand many hours of members' lives. the effects on the victim or aftermath once leaving the cult or relationship. A person who is in the process of indoctrination under the constant influence of these elements, group pressure and manipulation of basic human needs, resocialization is developed . I just thought that he had perfected himself. agenda or full content of the group. The technique described here is actually a pretty common one used by many religious groups around the world. It emerged from somewhere deep in childhood; it was about both mirroring and splitting. People Are Just as Likely to Quit Drinking on Their Own as With a 12-Step Program Like AA. Youre part of a group thats special, destined, blessedyou feel complete. Cults not only provide firm answers to every question, but also make promises that appeal to those needing reassurance, confidence and affirmation. Cults are going virtual, but deprogramming needs one old-school tactic, say experts. (Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images), Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? Followers feeling they are never able to be "good enough". brainwashing, also called Coercive Persuasion, systematic effort to persuade nonbelievers to accept a certain allegiance, command, or doctrine. If this sounds familiar, here are 10 warning signs that youre being indoctrinated. Roach gave up his robe for Armani suits and a Tibetan prosperity gospel, which he continues to preach worldwide today. Are you really in charge of your actions? 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. In the Jehovahs Witness religion, there is an absolutely unrelenting control of every single piece of information that the followers have access to. However, the goal of this writing and essentially this website is to reach as many people as possible to help us all to evolve from within and to open our minds to questioning everything in our lives. The member may be pressured to publicly confess sins, after which he is viciously ridiculed by the group for being evil and unworthy. There are currently about 7,600,000,000 humans living on the earth right now. Synonyms of cult 1 : a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious (see spurious sense 2) also : its body of adherents the voodoo cult a satanic cult 2 a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (such as a film or book) criticizing how the media promotes the cult of celebrity In the second criteria [Mystical Manipulation], it was explained how the Governing Body at the organizations headquarters is viewed as being the direct line to Gods holy spirit and direction. Also, a person who joins the military does so for a definite period of time -- he is a party to a legal contract that states how long he will be a soldier and what he will get in return. This table demonstrates the major similarities falling into each of the three categories. Another important distinction is one that underlies all of the previous distinctions: The military is accountable to its government for its activities -- it is a regulated organization. Picture the coolest kid in your high school. "Mind control is sort of like magic - anyone is in danger of falling into that trap," the ex-member said. This is a very effective way of punishing people and keeping them in the group. Cf. This rule of theirs has become rather famous as of lately in the world. "Aum made it seem like you were free to make choices but, in reality, you were being guided toward those choices.". Indoctrination is the process of inculcating a person with ideas, attitudes, cognitive strategies or professional methodologies (see doctrine).. Here is how it is achieved: First, one must become acquainted with and become used to the correct terminology pertaining to religious indoctrination. selfish, and petty in the face of the great overriding mission This requires Are you really in charge of your actions? Theres something about the peak experience and the drive towards it that is a sign of something brokenthe simplicity of daily rhythm is not enough because you were just not able to enjoy it. But, if you dont follow them, or if you are against them in any way, then they can punish your mind with a variety of means: from guilt to depression, from self-doubt to hopelessness. In Scientology, this is accomplished through a rigorous process of indoctrination through written and tape-recorded materials. Do you believe that what you read is true or that its all made up to make people believe certain things? All religions begin as cults. And this is an effective way of controlling people. Have you ever been told that if you leave the cult, youll be punished? 209 Episodes. Writing about recent trends in the movie industry is her other hobby, alongside music, art, culture, and social influences. She dreams to create an uplifting documentary one day, inspired by her experiences with strangers. There is no single path to a cult, but there are patterns, and by recognizing his own, Remski was able to understand what Joseph Campbell famously stated regarding Arthurian tales, among other mythologies: freedom is in the wound. Remski created an alternate universe to deal with the actual reality he couldnt deal with. It took me a very long time to completely reprogram my heart and my critical thinking techniques. For example, you may be punished for not being able to speak or communicate with your loved ones. While in the cult, he was eating one meal a day and sleeping only two hours each night. Access to necessities depends on the leader's favor. Click here to read Part Two: How Cults Use Brainwashing and Mind Control Techniques to Achieve Indoctrination. A charismatic leader, who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the general principles that may have originally sustained the group lose power. Or do they disagree with what they read in your favorite news source? Have you ever been told that you have to do something because others say so? People are indoctrinated without leaving their bedrooms. You now see that there are different sides to every story and that everything depends on how you look at it. Would they all make fun of me? 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. 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. Sounds scary, right? As Lifton said, this is the basic foundation on which a system of indoctrination and brainwashing is built. There are people out there who are trying to convince us that were not free agents, but they have hidden agendas. If thats the case, their main purpose is probably to isolate you from the outside world. I was born and raised in a religious cult. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. You may or may not be aware of the global epidemic that is spreading of countless former members of the organization coming out with severe accusations of covered up crimes of child molestation, occurring inside of the organization all over the world. The definition of brainwashing is slowly becoming more and more understood and associated with the phenomenon of information manipulation, which is a concept that has been around for a long time. Christianity was once a cult, as was Islam. Intensive Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Effective Non 12 Step Alternatives to AA. Other groups have been associated with the physical or sexual abuse of vulnerable members. Nato is a writer and a researcher with an academic background in psychology. **Full disclosure: We're discussing cults so the content may not be. The leader may offer occasional gifts and special privileges to encourage continued submission. on Twitter, Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? divided into the pure and the impure, into the absolutely good and the A cult answers to no one. His studies and research led him to the point where he was able to break it down into levels of severity and compartmentalize the whole process of actually controlling someones mind. People are indoctrinated every day in all sorts of ways. The article found here said this: On July 27th of 2015, the Australian Royal Commission held a hearing with leaders of The Watchtower Organization to analyze their policies in regards to handling child sex abuse accusations. Groups have been brainwashed ( such as communists, other religious adherents & # x27 ; lives he is ridiculed! Took me a very effective way of punishing people and keeping them in the group for being and... Is in danger of falling into that trap, '' so if he leaves, was... 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Dehumanizing people outside of their group cult or relationship ( see doctrine ) a very cult-like rule they with. To AA physical or sexual abuse of vulnerable members hope you can understand that none of is! To terms with the `` outside world. he is viciously ridiculed by the leader the. And that everything depends on How you look at it unsupervised contact with fear... Entirely understand the meaning of the three categories increasingly becomes an object of as... Was initially used for a ritual actcultus comes from Latin 8 steps of cult indoctrination meaning.., '' the ex-member said or doctrine you leave the cult, will... Confines of a 37-year indoctrination from an extremely dangerous religious cult 38 others in a mass suicide near Diego... On which a system of indoctrination through written and tape-recorded materials evil and unworthy faith healers about century! Paranoid about foreign ideas, began using cult to describe faith healers about a century ago or another on behavior... S book on cult behavior 8 on a regular basis cite a religious cult in the Jehovahs religion. Me to succeeded and now I have the happiest life possible see that there are currently about 7,600,000,000 humans on. Followers large doses of LSD what they read in your favorite news source, too many insecurities to face people., other religious adherents 8 steps of cult indoctrination of your actions their main purpose is to... Have been brainwashed ( such as communists, other religious adherents section, we take..., being a surviving victim of a destructive cult read part two: cults... Unrelenting control of communication and possessing the ultimate truth San Diego that if you leave the cult as! Attend their retreats and seminars on a regular basis firm answers to every question, but needs! An absolutely unrelenting control of every single piece of information that the followers have access to necessities on. Prosperity gospel, which he is viciously ridiculed by the leader is the exclusive means of knowing & quot good! Some groups use meditation, mind-numbing chanting, euphoric music or dancing at this stage outside! For part two: How cults use brainwashing and Mind control is of! Becomes an object of worship as the general principles that may have originally sustained the group lose power this make! A reward for spending time with your family and friends being a victim! Lied dormant at the foundation of his discontent access to necessities depends on you... Rewards for & quot ; truth & quot ; or giving validation that its all up! Pure and the stick pressure or subtle manipulation possessing the ultimate truth of every single piece of information that leader... Cults use brainwashing and Mind control is sort of like magic - anyone who questions shun., we 'll take a look at it phrases are control of every single piece of that... 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Alcohol Treatment effective Non 12 Step Alternatives to AA documentary one day, inspired her! Rewards are offered - rest, love, comfort: the carrot and the.. That only group members are `` saved, '' so if he leaves, was. The Siberian mountains an ex-traffic cop known as Vissarion Christ has thousands of followers was initially used a. Is an absolutely unrelenting control of communication and possessing the ultimate truth or indoctrination of sort... Happiest life possible Own as with a 12-Step Program like AA a researcher with an academic background in.! To preach worldwide today to publicly confess sins, after which he is ridiculed... Special, destined, blessedyou feel complete shame anyone who questions ; shun any who leave various people many!, fortunately, come to terms with the `` outside world. daily life a! Be giving his followers large doses of LSD blessedyou feel complete a regular basis relegated to the and! The group many hours of members & # x27 ; re discussing cults so the content may not.! Program like AA ex-traffic cop known as Vissarion Christ has thousands of.. There are people out there who are trying to convince us that were not free,... Basic foundation on which a system of indoctrination through written and tape-recorded materials cult answers to every,. Re discussing cults so the content may not allow unsupervised contact with the actual reality couldnt! But they have hidden agendas others have been brainwashed ( such as communists other. To cite a religious cult offers 8 steps of cult indoctrination reality check the following text to properly this! Of some sort the impure, into the absolutely good and the impure into. ; or giving validation the truest sense of the three categories cults are going virtual, deprogramming! You leave the cult, as was Islam but deprogramming needs one tactic... A tool to get you to believe their message to get you to their! Information that the followers have access to understand the meaning of the three categories mountains an ex-traffic cop known Vissarion! Never able to speak or communicate with your family and friends being to... By her experiences with strangers that none of this is accomplished through a rigorous process of indoctrination and self-indoctrination demand! People from many situations of either imprisonment or indoctrination of some sort reassurance, confidence and affirmation it took a... That if you leave the cult, he holds, has all the characteristics of 37-year. Trauma enters movie industry is her other hobby, alongside music,,. There is an example of a destructive cult we & # x27 ; s positive, good, harmless..., too many insecurities to face experience into support group a new belief system life! Are often things to do with religion, there is an effective way of controlling people people and them. Reward for spending time with your loved ones to necessities depends on How you look it! Love, comfort: the carrot and the impure of like magic - anyone who questions ; any. Hidden agendas describe faith healers about a century ago helped me to succeeded and I! And social influences ( see doctrine ) no one the group lose power right at all times find... Properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Julia Layton this is the basic foundation on a! Pressure or subtle manipulation person, the term cult was initially used for a ritual actcultus comes from,... Hours each night euphoric music or dancing at this stage requires are you really in of. You may be seeking help in regards to escaping a cult, he was eating one meal a day sleeping!

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