The etymological root of the word ‘cult’ comes from the Latin ‘cultus,’ which comes from the word ‘color,’ meaning to till or cultivate. Thus, the simplest definition of a cult is simply a system of religious belief or ritual. However, in today’s society, the word usually has a heavy negative connotation. Many dictionaries define a cult as a religion or sect considered false, unorthodox, or extremist, with its followers often living unconventionally under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. This is still a bit too general, and it should be noted that a definition involving a judgment of the validity of a religion is relatively useless in the scientific study of religion. A common mistake made by many is thinking of a cult as being a religious group with a single charismatic leader in complete control of it. In many cases, the line between ‘cult’ and ‘denomination’ is a matter of the size of the religious group. While there are certainly some easily identifiable cults, such as the People’s Temple led by Jim Jones or Heaven’s Gate led by Marshall Applewhite, the term is more relative than absolute; cultism is a matter of degree. Primarily, what is implied by the term ‘cult’ is a harmful degree of authoritarianism and exploitation of its members. For this reason, a good definition might be that a cult is a group that deviates doctrinally from a parent religion (if it has one) to be considered a separate religion and which exhibits excessive zeal in this deviation according to the parent religion’s standards while having enforced and manipulative systems of coordination and control over the conduct and cognition of its members, whether or not this is explicitly stated. This definition is still a bit broad, but it should become more apparent as we examine the characteristics of cults listed below.
Definition of Cults
A dissenting opinion has appeared for everything. Such difference frequently triggers increased emotion and added instances of coercion to ‘prove’ the rightness of at least one side. Perhaps that is why cults seem to spring up whenever the world’s social structure is in a state of upheaval. Before discussing the specific hazards of destructive cults, it is vital to consider what a cult is. Unfortunately, attempts to create solid definitions of the word ‘cult’ have failed.
Definition of Cults
There are many different conceptualizations about what makes a group a cult. Webster’s New World Dictionary defines a cult as “a quasi-religious organization using devious psychological techniques to gain and control adherents.” This generally captures what people seeing cults tend to think of them as. Psychologists tend to look at cults based on their structure. Those of the sociological view tend to regard cults as a religious group that operates outside of societal norms. Others view cults from a persuasion and influence view, emphasizing leaders’ control over members. While other definitions are more specific, this definition is quite adequate and encompasses many different cult types.
The definitional chapter is an integral part of the training. This information is essential to develop a firm understanding of what cults are and their impact. Individuals need to know at least some of this information before participating in an “intervention.” Understanding what defines a cult will prepare an individual for dealing with cult members in Level Two Training. With a clear understanding of cults, we can distinguish anti-cultism from practice that persecutes new or minority religions. Remember that an open discussion with colleagues of differing opinions is beneficial to reviewing this information.
Characteristics of Cults
Lifestyle changes made people become more like colonists in the cult.
Separation from the wider community can be physical and/or psychological. The Moonies encourage students to drop out of university as an example.
Unquestioning obedience.
Emotional and psychological exploitation. There can be the seeking out and creation of personal or emotional weakness and then powerful influence through things such as guilt induction. This is subtle and insidious.
Duplicity. There can be lying and withholding of crucial information by the leadership.
There is no criticism of the leadership. This is a big warning signal. It creates an elite, with the leader at the top as a very powerful first among equals.
Persuasive communication: Gordin (1993) talks about how this is generally deceptive and can be controlled. It is not a free discussion where information is possible, but the leadership manages it. Importantly, it is high in expressiveness and very low in confirmation. For example, the recruitment message of a destructive cult is likely to be very positive with minimal consideration of the negative side, if at all.
The following list assumes a hierarchical and more rule-bound type of cult. There are more variations in the kinds of cults. These are only warning signals and might vary in intensity.
Cult Recruitment Tactics
Cult recruitment tactics can be broken down into four types: force, fraud, psychological coercion, and others. Cultic groups do not merely rely on one method; often, an intricate weaving of tactics draws the recruit slowly into an ever-increasing depth of involvement with the group. This is usually quite subtle and may be difficult for the individual recruit to discern when they became involved in a harmful group. A person can become involved with a cult simply through social contacts with members and may not consider themselves a cult member until further down the track.
Cults are defined as “a group or movement exhibiting a great or excessive devotion or dedication to some person, idea, or thing, and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control (e.g. isolation from former friends and family, debilitation, use of special methods to heighten suggestibility or trance induction, powerful group pressures, information management, suspension of individuality or critical judgment, promotion of total dependency on the group and fear of leaving it, etc.) designed to advance the goals of the group’s leaders, to the actual or possible detriment of members, their families, or society.”