Post by lildee on Jan 10, 2005 8:49:36 GMT -5
''Nobody sets out to join a cult. No one knowingly wants to give up their life, their needs, their goals. ''They come to believe they're improving themselves and improving the world and it is then they are led into a psychological trap. It could happen to anybody.”
Steve Hassan – Leading American Exit-Counselor
Steve Hassan – Leading American Exit-Counselor
Does your group say it is the only true spiritual
or secular path to recovery?
Do you spend many nights at meetings
or endless hours in on-line Internet meetings?
Do you fear being rebuked, shunned or ignored
for expressing a different opinion?
You could be in cult, not a real self-help group.
Cult Watch
10 Points to look out for in your group members
1. Obsession about group or the leader putting it above most other considerations.
2.Member’s individual identity becomes increasingly fused with the group, the leader and/or God followed by the group.Cloning of the group members or leader’s personal behaviors.
3.Emotional overreaction when the group or leader is criticized. Seen as evil persecution.
4.Belief that the group is "THE WAY" and they have a mission
5.Increasing dependency upon the group or leader for problem solving, explanations, definitions and analysis, and corresponding decline in real, independent thought.
6.Excessive hyperactivity and work for the group or leader, at the expense of private or family interests. Drifting away from family and old friends
7.Preparedness to blindly follow the group or leader and defend actions or statements without seeking independent verification.
8.Demonization of former members or members of alternative groups.
9.Desire to be praised for doing the right thing and fear of public rebuke
10.Unhealthy wish to be seen with or aligned publicly with the leader(s) of the group
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Cult Leaders
5 Points to look out for in your group leader
Authoritarian approach and intolerance of questioning or criticism. Lies about and insults opponents.
Leader shows anxiety about the world, speaking of threats or conspiracies against the group.
Leader regularly accuses dissatisfied members who leave of having something wrong with them, having personality disorders or being transgressor and deserters.
Ex-members have similar stories of abuse and ill-treatment by the leader(s).
The group/leader is always right and followers never feel they can be "good enough".
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Cult Questionnaire
1) Does your group claim to be the
only "Way"?
YES NO
2) Are you told there is no alternative?
YES NO
3) Are you told leaving means certain degeneration, death or relapse?
YES NO
4) Do members see themselves as different from society, "special", "chosen" "pioneers" or on a "mission"?
YES NO
5) Do you feel strong pressure to conform?
YES NO
6) Do dissenters face rebuke or isolation?
YES NO
7) Are there answers, clichés, quotes & slogans for everything?
YES NO
8) Do you have a social life outside the group?
YES NO
9) Do you spend huge amounts of time in group activities ?
YES NO
10) Are you expected to make regular confessions of private issues?
YES NO
11) Do you ask the group for advice on life decisions before acting?
YES NO
12) Are there many "clones" in the group?
YES NO
13) Do you have a personal mentor, sponsor or inspector?
YES NO
14) Does the group claim to be ultra democratic?
YES NO
15) Are there favorites, cliques and secret circles, hidden hierarchies?
YES NO
16) Are there rituals, initiations, proclamations, charters, ceremonies?
YES NO
17) Does the group offer certainty over uncertainty; absolute truths, black and white answers in the name of religion or science?
YES NO
18) Is a living or dead leader venerated?
YES NO
19) Do leaders flatter, cajole and rebuke to manipulate members for control, power, money and/or sex?
YES NO
20) Has the leader ever been the member of another political, social or religious sect?
YES NO
21) Are other groups ridiculed
or lied about?
YES NO
TOTAL
YES______ NO______
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NOTE ON QUESTIONNAIRE
A cult does not have to have all of the characteristics in the table or in the description alongside. However, if you have answered Yes to more than 30% of these questions, there is a very good chance that you are in a cult which can seriously damage your life and health.
(30% = roughly 6 - 7 questions)
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This issue of cultism has been around for years. The best ESH I can offer is that if you are uncomfortable in your group in any way, shape, or form seek out another group. By trying another group you can witness the differences within each group. There are tons of different meetings out there, you don't have to stay stuck in just one. Be adventerous. Change can keep your recovery alive and vital.
When I began my trip on the road to recovery I did what most of us do, went to the nearest meeting for convenience. Even in my insanity I knew something wasn't kosher about this meeting. The group was comprised of a bunch of elderly women who sat and complained about this that and the next thing. You weren't allowed to question anything these "old timers" said or did. I had to question what was going on? Was this going to be the help and support that I needed? For a while I stopped going to this group. And I saw no change in my recovery better or worse. I was not getting what I so desperately needed. Time to take action. I saught out another group. Sure further away from home, more traveling involved but a world of difference. The group was just that a group. A collection of very different people all facing the same problems. All with their own views and theories and opinions. A place where nothing is iron clad or written in stone. A place where I could grow and voice my own feelings without fear of reprisal of anyone. Change is good. For me Change = recovery.
love & God Bless
Arlene
. I will be back looking for Lin and others.