Cult Persuasion brainwashing mind control cult conversion and

Cult Persuasion “brainwashing, ” mind control, cult conversion, and deprogramming

What is a “cult? ” Difficulty of defining cults precisely: One person’s cult is another person’s religion “cult” is a pejorative term, usually used by one group to brand another. Singer & Lalich (1995): “a cultic relationship is one in which a person intentionally induces others to become totally or nearly totally dependent on him or her for almost all major life decisions, and inculcates in these followers a belief that he or she has some special talent, gift, or knowledge. ”

“Brainwashing, ” a People can’t be “brainwashed. ” Misnomer A cult convert has to be a willing participant in his/her conversion. He or she may not be aware of a persuasive effort, but he or she has to go along with the process. Cults use the same basic techniques of persuasion as other persuaders, but in addition, they rely on many unethical strategies Cults employ many strategies at once; physical isolation, ego-reinforcement, sleep deprivation, deception, etc. Cults control the physical environment of members as well (that is why cults often live away from the rest of society in a compound, commune, etc.

Robert Lifton’s (1987) 8 marks of mind control milieu control: control of the environment, communication, access to information Mystical manipulation: the leader gets to reinterpret events and history as she/he sees fit. demand for purity: society is corrupt, members must be purified. The desire to become mentally and physically pure makes members susceptible to guilt, fear, and other moral appeals used by the leader. cult of confession: control of shame and guilt; members must confess any wrongdoing to the leader, including mental infractions

8 marks of mind control sacred science: reliance on dogmatic principles; the leader has all the answers. Only the leader is privileged to know the absolute truth. loading the language: reliance on thought-restraining phrases and language; serves to isolate members from the outside world and constrict members’ thinking doctrine over person: the cause’s doctrine takes precedence over the individual. Members’ character and identity have to be reshaped. dispensing of existence: Outsiders are unworthy unless they join the group. Members fear being expelled from the group.

Recruitment techniques: the cult conversion process How it starts: Windows of vulnerability: targets are most susceptible during an emotional crisis (divorce, death of loved one, serious illness, etc. ) target’s judgment may be confused, impaired target is looking for an answer to life’s problems Befriending the target Ingratiation strategies (compliments, flattery, especially about sources of insecurity) Lure of forming a serious or close relationship Invitation to attend a meeting or retreat isolation from friends, family control over environment Difficult to leave

Recruitment techniques: the cult conversion process Invitation to attend a meeting or retreat isolation from friends, family control over environment Difficult to leave Deception: withholding the true identify of the group, withholding the purpose of befriending another, etc.

Psychological techniques of persuasion Unconditional positive regard “love bombing, ”group hugs Meditation, chanting, and other mind-numbing techniques Peer group pressure Pressure to conform, be part of the group Verbal abuse Confession

Physical techniques of persuasion Physical isolation Sleep deprivation Fasting Control of the person’s time (rigorous schedule, no free time) Loss of privacy Constant praying or witnessing of beliefs to the group Repetitive motion (chanting, dancing) Hallucinations (via hyperventilation, hallucinogens,

Warning Signs: Checklist of cult characteristics The group is focused on a living leader to whom members seem to display zealous, unquestioning loyalty The group is preoccupied with bringing in new members The group is preoccupied with bringing in money Mind-numbing techniques like chanting, speaking in tongues The leadership dictates in great detail how members should think, feel, act. (permission to come and go, where to live, how to discipline children, etc. The group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status. The leader is considered the Messiah Extra-biblical revelation: God communicates directly to the group’s leader.