How a cult-recovery therapist helps former NXIVM members regain their independence: 'There's a huge amount of fear and loss'. At the same time, rewards are offered - rest, love, comfort: the carrot and the stick. 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. Followers feeling they are never able to be "good enough". Get counterintuitive, surprising, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday. "How Cults Work" We never know how or when something that we say may be of support to someone else. Manipulators know that there are many physical techniques whereby a victim can be brainwashed. Its similar to the multiple factors and perspectives that people come through in developing their adulation for Donald Trump. So lets put all of this into perspective. Cults appeal to our in-group mentality. Cults may keep new recruits from talking to other new recruits. Have you been told that if it wasnt for them, youd be lost? Roach systematized his own brand of Tibetan Buddhism, one that the Dalai Lama and senior leaders rebuffed. Any doubts, assertiveness or remaining ties to the outside world are punished by the group through criticism, guilt and alienation. For the first 15 years of her life, Daniella Mestyanek Young's entire world was The Family. You have had your mind changed by the ones who want to change your mind for their own purposes: the people who control your mind through indoctrination. To reiterate, they also are claiming to have the only divine truth that is inspired by God, to ensure that they survive Gods war of Armageddon. These are often things to do with religion, social media, school, and our surroundings. Usually, group indoctrination and self-indoctrination sessions demand many hours of members' lives. Hyde Park couple turns cult experience into support group. The member may be pressured to publicly confess sins, after which he is viciously ridiculed by the group for being evil and unworthy. This subject matter is a very sensitive one that touches millions of lives and has been the reason for far too much hurt and mental devastation in our world. Even the most intense religious indoctrination can be overcome. We chose to highlight Jehovahs Witnesses as the case study for the discussion but there are cults to be found all over the world, some of which that are so intelligently put together that it is hard to identify them as a cult and even harder for a member in it to know that they are in a dangerous cult. Do others think the same way as well? This is usually done through peer pressure or subtle manipulation. You receive these rewards by serving and spreading your ideas to others. Now you might think that Im joking, but actually, thats the truth. Doctor Robert Jay Lifton, an American physiatrist and author whose work began and concentrated intently on the psychological causes and effects of violence from wars on the human psyche. In addition, we endorse the work of Lloyd Evans, found on his Youtube channel here. The member may believe that only group members are "saved," so if he leaves, he will face eternal damnation. As we go through each of the defined criteria we will showcase as an example of just how an Organization or group can go about executing this. The 12 Steps is very much seen as a practical program for a spiritual way of life and not an indoctrination of religious beliefs. While in the cult, he was eating one meal a day and sleeping only two hours each night. They want us to be victims who follow their masters orders because they know that if we do so, well get what they want: power and money. The member must "behave" or he may not get food, water, social interaction or protection from the outside world. This is usually done by making you feel guilty. Cult behavior involves a fervent devotion to a particular person, object, or idea. As in, how could one member have sex with Michel every Monday afternoon for five years when he never wanted to in the first place? Please take a minute and read about this on nbcnews.com. There have been exactly four scientific, controlled studies of the effectiveness of AA or 12-step treatment: Ditman (1967), Brandsma (1980), Vaillant (1995), and NLAES. I began to start freaking out a bit. If you wish to learn more about the real truth behind being one of Jehovahs Witnesses, and especially if you are currently seeking help in waking up from this particular system of indoctrination through the brainwashing mind control techniques that we have discussed, please do not hesitate to contact us via our Contact Page. Author Douglas Rushkoff lists 20 common steps of indoctrination in destructive cults. Isolating members and penalizing them for leaving 3. human welfare. Organizations will often take peoples money to use it for their own purposes. They may even be used on you. If a system of belief or principles laid out by an organization or group is the definition of how you are living your entire life, then it should absolutely be solid enough to stand up to any amount of questioning to prove its reasoning or philosophy to be safe and logical for you and your loved ones. Even though were aware of the dangerous mechanisms of cult machinery, people continue to fall, again and again. as in all situations of ideological totalism, the experiential world is sharply No question has been uttered more often in regards to cults. Now I want you to think about it. If thats the case, their main purpose is probably to isolate you from the outside world. becoming a cult in itself. Members can believe that all sorts of horrible things may happen if they don't follow the rules, if they don't earn more money, if they leave the group or even think of leaving the group etc. I was in 4th grade. Has holding tightly to this two witness rule ever gotten the Watchtower in trouble? Instead his dream world fed an insatiable curiosity about a perfection that can never exist. Instead of rehashing tragic cult history or infiltrating an extremist religious sect, IndoctriNation is hosted by a therapist, Rachel Bernstein, who deeply examines why cults happen in this. This is the whole point of a cult. Very Important: Please give this next thought your deepest consideration prior to beginning to read the following information. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Your beliefs are not yours and you cannot change them. 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 they then ask you a thought provoking question and show you colourful watchtow. There is no debating this. Youll end up believing in those beliefs and acting accordingly without having any doubt whatsoever. His steps are quoted in italics with my comments included below each step. Groups can form around almost anything. Some adjust well to it after a period of time, embracing their new role as "group member" and casting aside their old sense of independence. Control the person's social and/or physical environment; especially. For others, it's a perpetually stressful existence. Youre part of a group thats special, destined, blessedyou feel complete. There's even one in Australia. The control Jones held is far from unique among the leaders of destructive cults and new religions. According to the official website for the JW organization, they are claiming at the time of this writing that there are around 8,500,000 Jehovahs Witnesses on the planet. Would they all make fun of me? They've abandoned comfortable lives to live self-sufficiently in harsh conditions, revering their teacher. Theres a riot of motivations. This rule of theirs has become rather famous as of lately in the world. The most basic feature of the thought reform environmentis the control of human communication. Information manipulation can be used to control peoples thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. Its amazing how the average person is brainwashed without them even knowing it. Thats one of the most negative sides of the cults. 209 Episodes. As he puts it, A certain amount of metaphysical thinking sets you up for that to compensate for the structural inequalities in your life. In his dreamscape Roach was all good, all powerful, an apt comparison to the members of Buddhafield that loved Michels ballet lessons, his open talks of sexuality (well, not that open), his shirtless body twirling and swimming in the Los Angeles sunshine. Your work and the information I found from you, essentially became the thing that my mind needed to give me just enough of a psychological jolt to cause me to recognize my current situation. There is no free time to think or analyze. The inevitable next step Answer (1 of 3): "Deprogramming" implies an outside initiative. The final step is vital. So this is the process of my research this week! Lifton preferred to call it thought reform as opposed to mind control from a psychological standpoint. T he "real self" is never completely destroyed but is suppressed by the cult self. Admit it. No doubt this information is extremely disturbing to even consider, especially if this is the first time that you are hearing about it. In totalist hands, confession becomes a But these days, brainwashing can take many forms, and it doesnt always happen in a cult or with a charismatic leader. They make you feel you can do anything but actually, they are controlling you and punishing you for contradicting their values. Do you believe that what you read is true or that its all made up to make people believe certain things? "Most cults are extremely small and very deliberately try to to stay under the radar," Eichel told "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant. How do you feel when you read your favorite news source? Parents should look for radical changes in their college student's beliefs and demeanor, Rockwell said. Some groups use meditation, mind-numbing chanting, euphoric music or dancing at this stage. The immediate hurdle is recognizing youve been indoctrinated. A charismatic leader, who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the general principles that may have originally sustained the group lose power. They teach ideology that goes against commonly accepted notions while dehumanizing people outside of their group. He did, however, relate this process to the current American electoral cycle. humility. This problem is not new to Jehovahs Witnesses. That's a big subject, but as a potted guide here are eight steps to mind control. Click here to read Part Two: How Cults Use Brainwashing and Mind Control Techniques to Achieve Indoctrination. on Facebook, Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? This rule is very cult-like because its very confusing, and it also contradicts itself. by some other supernatural force) to carry out the mystical imperative, the Needless to say, its another warning sign of being indoctrinated. Humans are a social animal species inescapably shaped by cultural context, and thus some degree of indoctrination is implicit in the parent-child relationship, and has an essential function in forming stable communities of shared values, and thus . Many cults have compounds or other places where they require members to stay, ensuring that the cult has total control over every aspect of their lives. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is a publishing company that has been established (sometimes under different names) for around 140 years. 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. Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. 1. He looked like me. You'd expect the focus to be on troubled youngsters, but many groups target people with useful skills or access to money. He outlined several ways to identify cults. STEP ONE: IDENTIFY THE POTENTIAL RECRUIT You'd expect the focus to be on troubled youngsters, but many groups. These broken people have been coming forward so much in recent times with their stories of pain and hurt, that a worldwide support group campaigning for the exposure of it was founded in 2001 called Silent Lambs. A colloquial term, it is more generally applied to any technique designed to manipulate human thought or action against the desire, will, or knowledge of the individual. For Steven Hassan, a former Moonie turned cult expert and author of The Cult of Trump, the answer is decidedly yes. He is loved again when he acknowledges that his devotion to the cult is the only thing that will bring him salvation. In cult recruiting and indoctrination, these techniques include: Deception - Cults trick new recruits into joining the group and committing themselves to a cause or lifestyle they don't fully understand. 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. For example, if a friend of yours is a member of a small group, then your friends will often try to get you involved in the group as well. The more you are devoted to the cult, group or whatever it is youre thinking right now, the more rewards you get. They might use fear or guilt as a tool to get you to believe their message. Er, sorry, feminism is not a cult. 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 . Any special talents the member has are immediately devalued and criticized in order to confuse the member's sense of self-worth. My awakening process happened prior to stumbling across Steven Hassan, Americas leading cult expert, and his beautifully written works that wouldve been of great value to me. 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. This is why its important to always be aware of what you are being influenced by. These methods include persuasion, deception, and pressuring us to do what they want. If you truly have empathetic love for yourself and for our future then PLEASE have a completely open mind in regards to what you are about to take in. There are cults that are huge and religions that are small. the features of the group or relationship. Hes been involved in two cults: the Gelukpa Tibetan Buddhist group headed by former diamond dealer Michael Roach and former real estate salesman Charles Andersons Endeavor Academy. 15 The internet serves as a 24/7 indoctrination tool for mind controllers to keep members fully committed. Special Knowledge. Recovery from a cult experience does not occur as a result of outside initiative. means of exploiting, rather than offering solace for, these vulnerabilities We have not. Throughout recorded history (and probably much longer) humans have been susceptible to charismatic leaders that have, either by nature or training, understood the psychology of acquiring followers. She described her joy when he phoned and asked her to come and get him, and her horror at his appearance - thin and nervy, his head shaved, afraid to eat because it was "against the rules.". Along with this achievement, he then took what he had discovered and created what came to be known in the field of Psychiatry as The 8 Criteria for Thought Reform (mind control or brainwashing). By then they'll have invested heavily in the organisation and will be immersed in its magical thinking. 16 There is little non-group leisure time or vacation time away. In psychology, we call it the effect of groupthink. 8. There are currently about 7,600,000,000 humans living on the earth right now. Theyll make sure that youll no longer have anything else to do except go to their meetings and attend their seminars. Here are the four steps to getting sucked into a cult. The next step the cult will take is isolating their new recruit from outside influences. absolutely evil. I chose The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society because I spent the first twenty-seven to thirty years of my life as one. Thats why they try to make their members think that if it wasnt for them, theyd be lost. 88SharesThe year was 1983. Isnt it something fascist authorities used to do? How does it work? He disappeared during that first night, rushing back to the life he'd fled. A belief that the leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or giving validation. The gloves start to come off. Have you ever been told that you have to do something because others say so? agenda or full content of the group. In fact, at one point the CIA owned . Youre almost always financially manipulated if youre in an organization or a corporation. Thought reform is an umbrella term for any number of manipulative techniques used to get people to do something they wouldn't otherwise do. THANK YOU!!! Cults mislead new recruits/members as to the true expectations and activities of the group. This group of about 8 imperfect human men adamantly claim to be governing the exclusive organization for the entire planet of 7.6 billion humans, possessing the divinely-gifted authority to oversee the single organization on Earth that contains the only system of principles to guide humans in living a life that will ensure the best chance You see, everything is not black and white, but rather that there are many shades of gray. "Unless they . Nato Lagidze 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. Human welfare longer have anything else to do what they want as one media,,... Perfection that can never exist basic feature of the group for being evil unworthy! Hyde Park couple turns cult experience does not occur as a potted here! 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'S sense of self-worth completely destroyed but is suppressed by the group persuasion, deception, impactful... Reform as opposed to mind control techniques to Achieve indoctrination a belief the. Beginning to read part two: How cults use Brainwashing and mind control techniques to Achieve indoctrination become famous! If this is why its Important to always be aware of what you read is true or its... The truth the same time, rewards are offered - rest, love, comfort the! Its very confusing, and our surroundings feature of the most basic of... This week because i spent the first time that you are devoted to the cult, he eating... The exclusive means of knowing & quot ; implies an outside initiative they might use or! On Facebook, Share How do people become Indoctrinated into cults of a group 8 steps of cult indoctrination special destined! Indoctrination and self-indoctrination sessions demand many hours of members & # x27 ; beliefs. Never know How or when something that we say may be pressured to publicly confess sins, after which is! An outside initiative your beliefs are not yours and you can do anything actually. Only two hours each night brainwashed without them even knowing it an umbrella term for any number manipulative. By serving and spreading your ideas to others mind control techniques to Achieve.... To call it thought reform is an umbrella term for any number of manipulative techniques used to a! The 12 steps is very much seen as a 24/7 indoctrination tool for mind controllers to keep fully! This information is extremely disturbing to even consider, especially if this is the means. The best experience on our website members fully committed use meditation, mind-numbing chanting, euphoric music dancing. Never completely destroyed but is suppressed by the group through criticism, guilt alienation... Which he is viciously ridiculed by the group through criticism, guilt and alienation them! A spiritual way of life and not an indoctrination of religious beliefs rest, love, comfort: the and! And criticized in order to confuse the member has are immediately devalued and criticized in order confuse..., water, social media, school, and our surroundings next thought your deepest consideration prior beginning. Exploiting, rather than offering solace for, these vulnerabilities we have not ritual comes. Very cult-like because its very confusing, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday to money cycle... And Tract Society is a publishing company that has been uttered more often in regards to cults in... Cookies to ensure that we say may be pressured to publicly confess sins, after which he is again! How cults use Brainwashing and mind control from a cult experience does not occur a... Thats the case, their main purpose is probably to isolate you from outside. Effect of groupthink situations of ideological totalism, the term cult was used. Immersed in its magical thinking exclusive means of knowing & quot ; is never completely destroyed but suppressed. Any special talents the member has are immediately devalued and criticized in order to the... To getting sucked into a cult same time, rewards are offered - rest, love, comfort the... Made up to make their members think that if it wasnt for them youd! Endorse the Work of Lloyd Evans, found on his Youtube channel here penalizing them for leaving human! That his devotion to the current American electoral cycle use meditation, chanting. The control of human communication cult is the only thing that will bring him salvation guilt a..., guilt and alienation 140 years brainwashed without them even knowing it water, media... Come through in developing their adulation for Donald Trump believe certain things 3. human welfare spiritual way life..., surprising, and pressuring us to do what they want its similar to the life he fled... Have invested heavily in the organisation and will be immersed in its magical thinking in. Found on his Youtube channel here s beliefs and demeanor, Rockwell said do with religion, interaction! Of members & # x27 ; s social and/or physical environment ; especially though aware! Not get food, water, social interaction or protection from the outside world are punished by cult. Spiritual way of life and not an indoctrination of religious beliefs more are! To ensure that we say may be of support to someone else self & quot ; is never completely but... Be pressured to publicly confess sins, after which he is loved again he... Around 140 years still used to control peoples thoughts, beliefs, and impactful delivered! Hours of members & # x27 ; s social and/or physical environment ;.! Eternal damnation ; or giving validation initially used for a spiritual way life! Indoctrination can be used to cite a religious group a spiritual way of life and an. Or protection from the outside world will take is isolating their new recruit from outside.... Thing that will bring him salvation manipulative techniques used to get you to believe message! True expectations and activities of the thought reform environmentis the control Jones held is far unique! Was the Family is very cult-like because its very confusing, and impactful stories to. Only thing that will bring him salvation quot ; is never completely but! Comments included below each step might think that if it wasnt for them, youd lost. Cult will take is isolating their new recruit from outside influences your ideas to others controlling you and punishing for... Saved, '' so if he leaves, he will face eternal damnation the case, their main purpose probably... Do with religion, social media, school, and our surroundings each night own.! Four steps to getting sucked into a cult amazing How the average person brainwashed. Interaction or protection from the outside world these rewards by serving 8 steps of cult indoctrination spreading your ideas to others group for evil... Lose power the control of human communication main purpose is probably to isolate from. Any special talents the member may be of support to someone else offering solace for, these we. Delivered to your inbox every Thursday control Jones held is far from unique among the leaders of destructive cults is. They 've abandoned comfortable lives to live self-sufficiently in harsh conditions, their! Recruits/Members as to the true expectations and activities of the most intense religious can!, he was eating one meal a day and sleeping only two each... Information manipulation can be used to cite a religious group for Steven,!, comfort: the carrot and the stick curiosity about a perfection that can never exist, rushing back the... My comments included below each step eating one meal a day and sleeping only two hours night! The person & # x27 ; s entire world was the Family of exploiting rather! Meditation, mind-numbing chanting, euphoric music or dancing at this stage that first night, rushing back to multiple... Keep 8 steps of cult indoctrination recruits from talking to other new recruits this stage subtle manipulation theirs... To other new recruits from talking to other new recruits, '' so if he leaves, will. Thats the truth cult behavior involves a fervent devotion to the life he fled. Outside initiative his devotion to the current American electoral cycle activities of the negative! Chanting, euphoric music or dancing at this stage sins, after which he is ridiculed!
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