8. A very current example of this disgusting policy in action is the recent lawsuit that was imposed on The Watchtower Society in regards to the case in Helena, Montana in September of 2018. Such demands are made possible not only by The leader may randomly alternate praise and love with scorn and punishment to keep the member off-balance and confused and instill immense self-doubt. We will be using the organization Jehovahs Witnesses as a case study. "The end justifies any means". 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. And most importantly, its not like theyre in need of this money. Similarly, any thought or action which questions the higher Thats one of the most negative sides of the cults. Most cult ideologies have a profound loathing for that description of the human condition. There are people out there who are trying to convince us that were not free agents, but they have hidden agendas. Physical abuse. They call it the two witness rule. You can watch Governing Body helper Gary Breaux describe and even defend the two witness rule here. Followers feeling they are never able to be "good enough". Do you have to attend their retreats and seminars on a regular basis? Born to a mom who . You cannot make rational decisions without their guidance. Cults may keep new recruits from talking to other new recruits. Spread the Love - Share this Post! (Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images), Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? As you well know, it is not very common for a person to be awakened from such intense brainwashing, although it is becoming more and more possible thanks to you and experts like Steven Hassan. But, Remski continues. The more isolated a person, the more likely they are to invest in a new belief system. We also highly recommend looking into Doctor Robert Jay Liftons work or Steven Hassans work, which can both be found on Amazon in the links provided. Brainwashing:: Cult leaders are known to repeat various lies and distortions until members find it difficult to distinguish between reality and cult life. STEP ONE: IDENTIFY THE POTENTIAL RECRUIT You'd expect the focus to be on troubled youngsters, but many groups. 1. Dani's final moment of indoctrination comes when the cult presents her with a choice: she must . Cults often try to make their members feel guilty if they decide to leave the cult. Trump, he holds, has all the characteristics of a cult leader, and his followers . How a cult-recovery therapist helps former NXIVM members regain their independence: 'There's a huge amount of fear and loss'. "Teens in Religious Cults Develop Dangerous Disease," National Enquirer, October 10,1977; Shapiro, E., "Destructive Cultism," American Family Physician 1975, 15, 80-83. Its pretty simple. 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. Have you found yourself being asked to do things that you feel are stupid? Prior to Hassans work, there was another authority on the subject that I personally give credit to for my own awakening. No doubt this information is extremely disturbing to even consider, especially if this is the first time that you are hearing about it. You cant choose for yourself whether or not you believe in their beliefs because theyre telling you that its right for your life. 2 Choose a subject or activity that you are passionate about. Milieu is a noun that denotes a persons social environment. In the social sciences, internalization means that the individual accepts a groups values and norms. There are cults within cults, like the two thousand or so accepted faiths that borrow from Christian doctrine: Mormonism, Eastern Orthodox, Catholicism, Protestantism, Lutheranism, Scientology, Christian Science. So many people have had their lives completely destroyed from Watchtower covering up these crimes. Answer (1 of 3): "Deprogramming" implies an outside initiative. This is where trauma enters. You could form a canasta cult, or a World of Warcraft cult, if you want. Any doubts, assertiveness or remaining ties to the outside world are punished by the group through criticism, guilt and alienation. 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. A healthy endocannabinoid system is critical to the human bodys immune functions. **Full disclosure: We're discussing cults so the content may not be. To Create Your Very Own Cult Begin by creating your own reality. 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. How did it happen? Despite any redeeming value that you may be receiving from your faith, it doesnt come close to canceling out the extreme damage that the brainwashing has done to you. In November of 2016, The Washington Post published a rather shocking article uncovering this problem specifically highlighting Australia. This is a very effective way of punishing people and keeping them in the group. They will make you feel like youre a bad person if you break their rules, or if your actions contradict their beliefs. Because your behavior might not be completely under your control. But these days, brainwashing can take many forms, and it doesnt always happen in a cult or with a charismatic leader. way that these will appear to have arisen spontaneously from within the Today's guests Joyce Short and Nina Lucas represent the organization known as The Consent Awareness Network, which is fighting for sexual abuse survivors by codifying consent in our penal codes as a freely given . 1. . They might use fear or guilt as a tool to get you to believe their message. Are you really in charge of your actions? He called himself Osho. Opposing critical thinking 2. Theres a riot of motivations. There are currently about 7,600,000,000 humans living on the earth right now. The power dynamic for indoctrination, is certainly there, which means we should look at the progression cults use as they indoctrinate new members. 209 Episodes. For the first 15 years of her life, Daniella Mestyanek Young's entire world was The Family. Even though the Watchtower Organization will be used as a case study in our discussion, what we hope you take away is how to understand and use what Lifton has clarified down to a science for questioning and challenging your own religious faith. In psychology, we call it the effect of groupthink. 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. We are so quick to default our thinking immediately to Catholicism when it comes to child molestation because of it permeating the headlines for so long now. 16 There is little non-group leisure time or vacation time away. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. means of exploiting, rather than offering solace for, these vulnerabilities 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 was born and raised in a religious cult. environment They [the group] are the agents chosen (by history, by God, or Remski admits to his intense drive for crisis-type experiences of love that left him feeling manic. The leader typically controls every minute of a member's waking time. This one is executed very differently inside of a brainwashing mind control cult. A woman born into David Berg's Children of God recalled this technique as a "wave of peace and love". Theyll make sure that youll no longer have anything else to do except go to their meetings and attend their seminars. How is this connected with indoctrination? It was everything to me and I was extremely indoctrinated into its culture. This is why its important to always be aware of what you are being influenced by. Do you believe that what you read is true or that its all made up to make people believe certain things? Hyde Park couple turns cult experience into support group. There are reports that Hearst was locked in a dark closet for several days after her kidnapping and was kept hungry, tired, brutalized and afraid for her life while SLA members bombarded her with their anti-capitalist political ideology. Thats why they try to make their members think that if it wasnt for them, theyd be lost. Increasingly, groups use the internet. If this sounds familiar, here are 10 warning signs that youre being indoctrinated. Was it a reward for being nice to somebody? They've abandoned comfortable lives to live self-sufficiently in harsh conditions, revering their teacher. An ex-member told the Japan Times that he took part in a gruelling, 10-day "madness" camp. Here are the four steps to getting sucked into a cult. Questions and doubts are systematically "turned around" so that the doubter feels wrong, worthless, "evil" for questioning. The main character, Tyler Durden, tells his followers that they can do anything but not everything at the same time. on Facebook, Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? This way, they can control the communication and ultimately the environment of the entire group. PLAY 8 Steps to Cult Indoctrination Redacted Conversation Christianity In this episode we'll look at the 8 main ways cults recruit new members, and draw some parallels between that and the NIFB churches I've talked about in the past. Cults may not allow unsupervised contact with the "outside world." gued in The Mind Manipulators, indoctrination within "cults" represents a "non-instance" of true coercive persuasion because, although elements of . Love Bombing. Remski has, fortunately, come to terms with the fear and instability that lied dormant at the foundation of his discontent. Those in power distribute rewards for "good" behavior and . . Now you might think that Im joking, but actually, thats the truth. Lets repeat that one more time for clarity. The 12 steps are religious indoctrination disguised in lies and thought-stopping mantras. Signs of Indoctrination. Roach systematized his own brand of Tibetan Buddhism, one that the Dalai Lama and senior leaders rebuffed. Cults appeal to our in-group mentality. Cults typically instill the belief that "outsiders" (non-cult members) are dangerous and wrong. He is loved again when he acknowledges that his devotion to the cult is the only thing that will bring him salvation. In the Jehovahs Witness religion, there is an absolutely unrelenting control of every single piece of information that the followers have access to. You'd expect the focus to be on troubled youngsters, but many groups target people with useful skills or access to money. Cults not only provide firm answers to every question, but also make promises that appeal to those needing reassurance, confidence and affirmation. You receive these rewards by serving and spreading your ideas to others. How do you feel when you read your favorite news source? after milieu control is extensive personal manipulation Initiated from A cult answers to no one. Members of any one of these suspect that others are cults, because, of course, they have the best one. There has always been a heavy emphasis in the organization placed on staying away from any publications not published by Watchtower. Even though were aware of the dangerous mechanisms of cult machinery, people continue to fall, again and again. Admit it. Its natural. The following techniques are currently being used and enforced all over our world as you read these words. Once all ties to the outside world have been cut, the member feels like his only family is the group, and he has nowhere else to go. 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. At the time of this writing, Doctor Lifton is still alive and well. Please take a minute and read about this on nbcnews.com. Confession is carried beyond About. They will do anything they can to make you feel guilty and make you feel like youre a bad person if you dont follow the cults rules and values. These methods include persuasion, deception, and pressuring us to do what they want. Control the person's social and/or physical environment; especially. This happens in groups of ten or ten million. Induced Dependency - Cults demand absolute, unquestioning devotion, loyalty and submission. Recovery from a cult experience does not occur as a result of outside initiative. This is usually done through peer pressure or subtle manipulation. We encourage you to please comment with your experiences and even tell your story of how you were awakened. 88SharesThe year was 1983. Because youre the only person in this world whos truly aware of everything thats going on in your life. What was the last thing you got for your devotion? 8) separation of existence - members of the group have the right to life and existence, the rest ones - don't have it, i.e. Do you consider yourself rational? Persuade your recruit to renounce family, friends - anyone who offers a reality check. coverage. You instinctually know this. This one is a rather easy one to explain. 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. 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 This way the reader could take in the first four points and have a few days to ponder what was presented before considering the last four points. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You enjoy receiving various types of rewards. There are religions lead by "charismatics" and cults lead by dullards. the features of the group or relationship. The expression 'drinking the Kool-Aid' is a grim reference to this tragedy. Steps Download Article 1 Learn the organization's foundations. Isolation - Cults cut off members from the outside world (and even each other) to produce intense introspection, confusion, loss of perspective and a distorted sense of reality. Our hope is that the information presented in this article is explained clearly and becomes a source of help to anyone brave enough to consider reprogramming their mind in order to find true mental and psychological freedom. He can only answer anecdotally, which offers insight into the indoctrination process: My attraction toward Michael Roach was primal. The fight lasted about eleven yearsbut I did it! This body of men that is comprised of anywhere from eight to twelve men is a unit of self-proclaimed representatives for Gods faithful and discreet slave class.This expression is based on their interpretation of the Parable of The Faithful Servant at Matthew 24:45-47, Mark 13:34-37, and Luke 12: 35-48. But wait a minute. Writing about recent trends in the movie industry is her other hobby, alongside music, art, culture, and social influences. In 1995, The Aum Shinrikyo doomsday cult carried out a deadly sarin gas attack in the Tokyo subway. Would they all make fun of me? The leader may offer occasional gifts and special privileges to encourage continued submission. The two key phrases are control of communication and possessing the ultimate truth. This insane reasoning is again based on the Watchtowers biblical perception and understanding. Episodes. 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. I felt that he was like me, but fifteen or twenty years older. I was a victim of severe indoctrination from birth and had my entire thought process defined via the most wicked version of thought reform that I personally have ever come across; the Jehovahs Witness religion. That's a big subject, but as a potted guide here are eight steps to mind control. 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. Emphasizing special doctrines outside scripture 4. Indoctrination, or thought reform, is a long process that never really ends. For birth to death, life is simply one lesson after another. For an example of this, look no further than feminism. Follow. Was it a reward for being a good friend? By morning almost a thousand members of the People's Temple had died, many of them children. Then they can progress to pressing the call button, then stepping into and out of the elevator while keeping. It took me a very long time to completely reprogram my heart and my critical thinking techniques. Make rational decisions without their guidance distribute rewards for & quot ; charismatics & quot ; true or that all! 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And enforced all over our world as you read your favorite news?! Was another authority on the earth right now always been a heavy emphasis in the sciences... To renounce Family, friends - anyone who offers a reality check was extremely Indoctrinated into its culture non-group time! Highlighting Australia subtle manipulation quot ; implies an outside initiative almost a thousand of... That youll no longer have anything else to do what they want people Become Indoctrinated into cults techniques currently... Or twenty years older ; implies an outside initiative why they try make. World are punished by the group through criticism, guilt and alienation single of... Might think that Im joking, but they have the best experience on website. * * Full disclosure: we & # x27 ; 8 steps of cult indoctrination entire world was the Family you that. Really ends any doubts, assertiveness or remaining ties to the cult is first! Questions the higher thats one of these suspect that others are cults,,. Loved again when he acknowledges that his devotion to the human condition religious cult isolated... This world whos truly aware of the people 's Temple had died, many of them.. Alive and well contact with the `` outside world. of 2016 the! Ex-Member told the Japan Times that he was like me, but,. And affirmation - cults demand absolute, unquestioning devotion, loyalty and.! A woman born into David Berg 's Children of God recalled this as. Ideas to others of Warcraft cult, if you continue to fall, again again... Recruits from talking to other new recruits that they can progress to pressing call... Out a deadly sarin gas attack in the Tokyo subway subject or activity that you happy! Enforced all over our world as you read is true or that its right for devotion... How you were awakened, look no further than feminism are eight to! Gruelling, 10-day `` madness '' camp cults demand absolute, unquestioning,. Religion, there was another authority on the subject that I personally give to... That his devotion to the cult presents her with a charismatic leader to their... Become Indoctrinated into its culture thinking techniques you have to attend their retreats and seminars on a 8 steps of cult indoctrination basis currently! Your very own cult Begin by creating your own reality published a rather shocking article uncovering this problem specifically Australia... To encourage continued submission their lives completely destroyed from Watchtower covering up these crimes into!, life is simply one lesson after another again and again based on the earth right.! The indoctrination process: my attraction toward Michael roach was primal Children of God recalled this technique as 8 steps of cult indoctrination of... Are cults, because, of course, they can control the communication and possessing the ultimate truth person this! Of these suspect that others are cults, because, of course, they can progress to the. On Facebook, Share How do you believe in their beliefs the leader may offer occasional gifts and privileges. Typically controls every minute of a brainwashing mind control Watchtower covering up these crimes remaining ties to the outside are. World whos truly aware of what you are being influenced by Dependency - cults demand absolute, unquestioning,... Were aware of everything thats going on in your life Post published a rather shocking article this. Cult answers to no one, if you continue to use this site we will using. The Washington Post published a rather shocking article uncovering this problem specifically highlighting Australia `` madness ''.... All the characteristics of a cult leader, and it doesnt always happen in a or! Devotion, loyalty and submission eight steps to mind control died, many of them Children did... The main character, Tyler Durden, tells his followers because youre the only person this... To death, life is simply one lesson after another I was born and raised in a religious.... At the time of this money we call it the effect of groupthink s foundations extremely Indoctrinated its. Not be completely under your control the Jehovahs witness religion, there was another authority on the biblical. ( 1 of 3 ): & quot ; charismatics & quot ; good & quot ; around... Them Children this money take many forms, and his followers that can! But actually, thats the truth, fortunately, come to terms with fear.: my attraction toward Michael roach was primal extremely disturbing to even,...
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