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What is a Cult?

Definition:

A cult is a group, religious organization or family structure of any size led by a charismatic leader. Cults control their members through manipulation, abuse, and coercion. These groups feature transcendent belief systems, and create self-sealing systems from which followers find it difficult to escape.

Why do people join cults?

Written by Dr. Janja Lalich

Watch this short video to learn more about what a cult is.

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Characteristics of a Cult

01

The group displays excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its leader, and (whether he is alive or dead) regards his belief system, ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law.

04

The leadership dictates, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel

07

The leadership induces feelings of shame and/or guilt in order to influence and control members. Often this is done through peer pressure and subtle forms of persuasion.

02

Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished.

05

The group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s), and its members (e.g., the leader is considered the Messiah, a special being, an avatar — or the group and/or the leader is on a special mission to save humanity).

03

Mind-altering practices (such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, denunciation sessions, or debilitating work routines) are used in excess and serve to suppress doubts about the group and its leader(s).

06

The group has a polarized, us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society.

01

The group displays excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its leader, and (whether he is alive or dead) regards his belief system, ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law.

02

Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished.

03

Mind-altering practices (such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, denunciation sessions, or debilitating work routines) are used in excess and serve to suppress doubts about the group and its leader(s).

04

The leadership dictates, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel

05

The group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s), and its members (e.g., the leader is considered the Messiah, a special being, an avatar — or the group and/or the leader is on a special mission to save humanity).

06

The group has a polarized, us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society.

07

The leadership induces feelings of shame and/or guilt in order to influence and control members. Often this is done through peer pressure and subtle forms of persuasion.

From Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships by Janja Lalich (Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion, 2023). Adapted from the original authored by Janja Lalich and Michael Langone. (link to pdf here)

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Recommended Reading and Other Resources

Lalich Center Resources

PDF Document

Resources for Survivors of Christian Fundamentalism/Evangelicalism

PDF Document

 

Narcissism Resources

PDF Document

 

The Troubled-Teen Industry (TTI) Books

PDF Document

 

Hotline Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233
https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/

Love is Respect
National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline
(866) 331-9474
https://www.loveisrespect.org/

ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline
(800) 422-4453
https://www.childhelp.org/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-8255
https://988lifeline.org/

Rape, Abuse, and Incest

National Network (RAINN)
(800) 656-4673
https://www.rainn.org/