Introduction
The spiritual path involves many “tests” (more formally known as “initiations”) that will have to be successfully passed before reaching the final goal of reunion with God. Some of these initiations include: learning to master one’s sexual energy, truly understanding one’s self-worth, and learning unconditional love. Among these many tests is the test of discernment: being able to distinguish for oneself what is truth. Often, this initiation will be a struggle between what you have been taught to believe and what you internally know to be right.
The test of discernment will come in many different ways (i.e., it will not be the same scenario for all people). The test might involve realizing that the religion you were raised in is abusive, and then leaving it. Or it may involve getting pulled into a cult-like organization after leaving your religion. Regardless of the circumstances, it is helpful to know the patterns of abusive behavior in order to recognize it. In this article, I will explain what to look for in able to identify cult behavior.
What is a cult?
While there are multiple definitions of the word cult, the general definition is that it is any thing or person that has a following. But for this article, we are discussing the negative connation of the word. In other words, it is a following that has been artificially created via abusive behavior. In simple terms, such a cult could be defined as:
- An organization in which the leadership uses manipulative techniques to control and enforce desired behavior of its members AND
- The purpose of the organization is based on religious, spiritual, or idealistic beliefs and goals
In contrast, a religious or spiritual organization that is not a cult is one that has been established for the purpose of genuinely supporting its members in the ultimate spiritual goal (as established by that organization). This could mean getting to heaven, being saved, achieving enlightenment/nirvana, ascension, etc.
The Level Of Cult Behavior
Most people who are familiar with Scientology would not disagree that it is a cult. In this case, it doesn’t seem to be a matter of just a “few bad apples”. Instead, Scientology appears to be structured on principles consistent with a cult, with its manipulative practices an essential part of the organization.
But in many other cases, labelling an organization as a cult seems to be a matter of opinion. For example, is the Mormon Church a cult? Many might say it is, while many others claim it isn’t. And that’s likely because in some cases, it depends on individual experiences.
In other words, it’s not a question of either “yes, it’s a cult” or “no, it’s not a cult”. There are a lot of grey areas as well. And although it might be tempting to condemn a certain organization over cult-like behavior, it is unwise to make general judgements. After all, who is to say whether or not some people have “found God” through Mormonism? (Or at the very least, have had an experience that was a necessary part of their path.)
So the question should not be: is this a cult? Instead, the better question to ask would be:
To what extent is this organization acting like a cult?
Identifying Cult Behavior
In determining the level that an organization is acting like a cult, these are the main areas to focus on (which are discussed in more detail below):
- Level of control over its members
- Rules for leaders vs. rules for members
- The organization’s supposed monopoly on truth
Enforced Rules vs. Practices
In a non-cult, the focus is on achieving the ultimate goal (heaven, ascension). As such, the practices of non-cult organizations are geared toward helping a person achieve that goal. Generally speaking, non cults should also be able to explain how its practices help a person reach that goal. In contrast, cult-like organizations use manipulation in order to enforce moral codes.
For example, here are some reasons why a person should not engage in casual sex:
Most manipulative: Because this is against the rules, and you will become an outcast if you do. OR: Because God forbids it, so you are a bad person if you do this.
Somewhat manipulative: Because God wants you to be clean for the person you marry, which symbolizes your purity when you are to be married to God. (This reason might have symbolic meaning, but it in no way explains how this is helpful in reaching the ultimate goal.)
Not manipulative: Sex balances the feminine-masculine energies, but only if the heart chakra is open in both partners (i.e. the partners truly love each other). If the heart chakras are not opened, there is only a release of energy, which lowers a person’s vibration. This in turn makes it harder to reach unity consciousness, the ultimate goal.
Note: from this example, it is hard to miss the fact that most religions do have elements of manipulative (i.e. cult-like) behavior. But while this is true to an extent (i.e. the use of manipulative behavior), not all religions do this to the same degree. The more that a religion uses shame, the more it is acting like a cult.
Types of control
The following types of restrictions are typical of cult-like behavior:
- Dress codes, hair styles, etc.
- Restrictions on communication with family non-members and excommunicated members
- Control over where a person lives, works, and studies, and who they can marry
Additionally, some of the rules may be completely arbitrary (such as demanding people wake up at 5AM each day to pray for an hour). Others may be based on ways of ways of influencing proper behavior (such as modest clothing to prevent impure thoughts). In all cases, the best indicator of cult behavior is if these rules are enforced (as opposed to being recommended practices). In other words, how much is the organization trying to force behavior vs. teaching knowledge of “best practices”. So while it may actually be extremely important to wake up and 5AM to pray, that doesn’t give any organization the right to demand such behavior from their members.
Psychological Manipulation
Cults are often cited as having “charismatic leaders”. Indeed it is true that some people have personalities that seem to draw other people to them. And although this isn’t a problem in itself, it becomes a type of manipulation when leaders use their personal charms for selfish reasons, such as to control other people’s behavior. Note that a similar form of manipulation is used in advertising (when famous people are sponsored to advertise products).
Another type of psychological manipulation concerns targeting vulnerable groups. For instance, some people feel (rightly or wrongly) that they have been marginalized by society. It is possible to take advantage of such people by forming an organization based upon the understanding that the cult will “right the wrongs” of the current society.
Leaders Following the Rules
It goes without saying that if leaders don’t follow the same rules as the members, it is a huge red flag. For example, if members are forced to live in poverty while the leader enjoys a wealthy lifestyle, then there is a problem. The more the wealth inequality favors the leader, the more that organization is acting like a cult.
Additionally, if an organization has a moral code (or spiritual practices), then the leaders should tentatively be following a more restricted set of rules based on their higher level of “attainment” towards a specific goal. However, these restrictions should be voluntary, and not required. So at the most cult-like end of the spectrum, the members will be forced to obey more rules than the leaders, and at the non-cult end, the leaders will be practicing more self-imposed restrictions (and/or be spending more time engaged in sincere spiritual practices).
A Monopoly on Truth
Any organization that claims to be the only way to reach the ultimate goal is exhibiting clear cult-like behavior. This is yet another big, red flag. No organization can ever claim a monopoly on truth.
Here is the spectrum:
- Non cult-like: all paths can potentially lead to the ultimate goal; it depends on the sincerity and efforts of the individual
- In the middle: only this religion is right and can lead to the ultimate goal. All others are wrong.
- Cult-like: Only this organization can lead you to the ultimate goal. If you don’t behave yourself and follow all the rules, we will kick you out and you will lose your only chance of reaching the ultimate goal.
Secret Practices vs. Mystery Schools
Sometimes an organization engages in secret practices and ceremonies. As a result, a person won’t always realize they are in a cult until they join it. However, it must be noted that secret practices alone are not an indication of a cult: mystery schools also have their own secrets, but for a good reason.
Mystery schools have been around for thousands of years. Their main purpose is to allow people to speed up the time it takes to complete all the initiations that are needed in order to return back to Source/God.
However, the secrets that are taught within can be misused, and with disastrous consequences. In fact, the sinking of the continent of Atlantis was in part due to misuse of the secrets from the mystery schools. Therefore, the secrets of the mystery school are guarded so that they are not used inappropriately.
In contrast, the secret practices of cults are for the purpose of control. For example, an organization may only give the secret “codes to heaven” to those members that it deems worthy. Additionally, the organization may hold secret ceremonies for the pretense of establishing itself as “special”. Secret ceremonies might be held for the purpose of later blackmailing members. (For example, demanding a list of embarrassing “sins” from its members in order to threaten public exposure of the list at a later date.)
Changes in the Level of Cult Behavior
It’s possible for an organization to slide back and forth along the cult vs. non-cult spectrum. The abuse of indulgences by the Catholic Church during the medieval ages is a good example. At one point in time, sins could be forgiven via paying a fee or even joining the Crusades. The more abusive this practice became, the more cult-like the Catholic Church became.
The Dangers of Cults
At the extreme end of the spectrum, cults can be deadly. Anyone old enough to remember Jonestown understands this too well. For those that don’t, Jonestown was a cult that ended with the deaths of over 900 people in 1978. At the time, the deaths were considered a “mass suicide”, although many of those people (which included over 300 children) were likely unaware that the beverage they were ordered to drink had been poisoned.
Much more prevalent is the psychological trauma that incurs from the years of abuse that are experienced while inside such an organization. In order to keep members in a cult-like organization, there is a tendency to strip members of all outside support structures and make them completely dependent on the organization itself. This causes a lot of pain on its own, but also makes it an extremely traumatic experience to leave such an organization. Luckily, the Internet makes it easy for ex-members to form support groups among those who have left.
Conclusion
As we continue into the New Age, we will likely see an increase in new spiritual teachers, paths, and organizations. At the same time, this opens the door to new cult-like leaders and organizations.
Additionally, please note that everyone is human, and many spiritual teachers are being tested as well. At any time, it’s possible for a respected teacher to take a wrong step, and subsequently lead many followers down the wrong path as well. Therefore, regardless of who your teachers are, keep in mind that you are always responsible for your actions. If something doesn’t feel right, assess the situation, and take a step back if – and when – needed.
Summary of Cult Behavior
The following is a quick list to check for cult vs. non-cult behavior:
- Moral codes to control behavior vs. Spiritual practices that help one reach the ultimate goal.
- Members are coerced or manipulated into obeying rules vs. Members do not feel any pressure to change their behaviors.
- Members are forced to follow a more restrictive set of rules than the leadership vs. Leaders willingly follow more stringent religious practices.
- Respect for leadership is coerced vs. Leaders are respected for their attainments and wisdom.
- Members are shamed and/or punished for breaking the rules vs. Members are supported in their efforts to change behaviors.
- Member’s individual freedoms are more restricted compared to society in general vs. Members’ individual freedoms are not restricted.
- The organization claims a monopoly on truth vs. There is no “right path” lead to the ultimate goal.
- Members are stripped of outside psychological support structures (such as family and friends) vs. Healthy external support structures are encouraged.
- The organization (and its goals) are more important than the members vs. Individual attainment of the ultimate goal is more important than the organization itself.