A cult (also referred to as a high control or high demand group) is any organization whose leadership uses mind control on its followers. This applies regardless of the organization's size, beliefs, practices, tax-exempt status, or where its members live and work. Cults can be religious or secular. Cult leadership can consist of one person, two people, or multiple people.
I was raised in a cult. Mind control and brainwashing are the exact same thing: The crippling of independent and critical thinking skills through indoctrination.
The more you learn about cults, the less likely you are to be victimized by one. Please Google the BITE Model for a better understanding of how mind control works. There is a lot to learn about this subject, and the BITE Model is a great starting point. Educate yourself and fight against psychological manipulation.
The more you learn about cults, the less likely you are to be victimized by one. Please Google the BITE Model for a better understanding of how mind control works. There is a lot to learn about this subject, and the BITE Model is a great starting point. Educate yourself and fight against psychological manipulation.
by Nekaterasemandoogehtlla September 3, 2021
by BiGpAuLy May 19, 2021
A religious/non religious group that follows a series of strict beliefs, may include worshiping a specific God/Deity or multiple Gods/Deities, or following strict specific ideals. May involve some form of brainwashing that their knowledge is correct and that everyone else is wrong, WILL have a hierarchy, and may be lead by one of a small group of Charismatic leaders, and typically will shun those who are ex-members.
It's the One True Religion! (I hear this from the Big Three Religions)
If you don't believe in God you are going to hell!
I've just been initiated into this super secret Order/Coven.
Yeah we are a cult, but we believe in peace and love, not fear and hate.
Not all of the above will apply to a cult, but at least one of the descriptions will. A Cult isn't necessarily Good or Evil, it depends on how the cult leaders use the power they have.
If you don't believe in God you are going to hell!
I've just been initiated into this super secret Order/Coven.
Yeah we are a cult, but we believe in peace and love, not fear and hate.
Not all of the above will apply to a cult, but at least one of the descriptions will. A Cult isn't necessarily Good or Evil, it depends on how the cult leaders use the power they have.
by SparkofClearity March 3, 2014
A group, often times though not always religious or spiritual in nature, that is led by a single or small group of leader(s).
Members are often recruited or by some means persuaded to join, rarely if ever knowing how destructive and harmful a cult can be -- rarely knowing that it IS a cult. Though they usual come off as being generous, caring and in the best interests of their members, cults are inherently based on furthering the desires of cult leaders.
Cult leaders commonly use thought reform or "brainwashing", in conjunction with other methods, to slowly and deliberately reel in more control of said members. In many cases, members may eventually forsake their friends and family (non-members are viewed as "wrong" or "bad") and give up their careers, homes and/or money to the leader.
Members are often recruited or by some means persuaded to join, rarely if ever knowing how destructive and harmful a cult can be -- rarely knowing that it IS a cult. Though they usual come off as being generous, caring and in the best interests of their members, cults are inherently based on furthering the desires of cult leaders.
Cult leaders commonly use thought reform or "brainwashing", in conjunction with other methods, to slowly and deliberately reel in more control of said members. In many cases, members may eventually forsake their friends and family (non-members are viewed as "wrong" or "bad") and give up their careers, homes and/or money to the leader.
Jonestown is an infamous example of a cult. Many people were recruited to what was portrayed to be a friendly, all-inclusive and loving community church. Through years of exponential thought reform, however, members would eventually devote their lives to Jim Jones and, in effect, die for him.
Note: Not all cults are harmful in nature. Many are benign, i.e. trekkies.
See www.rickross.com for more extensive definitions.
Note: Not all cults are harmful in nature. Many are benign, i.e. trekkies.
See www.rickross.com for more extensive definitions.
by Camryn March 25, 2005
A cult is an organisation that has a set of beliefs in which the cult is viewed as being the one true organization, everyone else is wrong.
Usually they promote some kind of religious belief - usually made up by themself - but not always, some cults can be athiest, such as Amway.
Usually members have black-and-white thinking, and see their organization as being infaliable.
Members of a cult can be known as followers.
Followers will obay the cult leaders instructions and believe the propaganda without needing to verify it with much proof.
They are usually superstitious.
Cult members can be of average intelligence.
When people wonder about how a cult works, they usually focus on what the leader is doing. Usually the leader is just a charasmatic con-artist.
The real mechanics of how a cult works can be understood by focusing on the psychology of the follower.
Usually they promote some kind of religious belief - usually made up by themself - but not always, some cults can be athiest, such as Amway.
Usually members have black-and-white thinking, and see their organization as being infaliable.
Members of a cult can be known as followers.
Followers will obay the cult leaders instructions and believe the propaganda without needing to verify it with much proof.
They are usually superstitious.
Cult members can be of average intelligence.
When people wonder about how a cult works, they usually focus on what the leader is doing. Usually the leader is just a charasmatic con-artist.
The real mechanics of how a cult works can be understood by focusing on the psychology of the follower.
The cult had over 1,000,000 members, each of whom, believed that the leader knew the secret of power, and by following him, and by buying all of his products, they too, would understand the secret.
Cult B had 1,000 members, and members believed they were with the right way because so many around them were following the crazy ideas, and the leader seemed so powerful.
Cult B had 1,000 members, and members believed they were with the right way because so many around them were following the crazy ideas, and the leader seemed so powerful.
by I am your leader!!!!1 January 15, 2010
by MagicDonJuan November 24, 2003
An organization that disguises itself as a religion. Usually requiring members to offer large amounts of money and time to participate. They have strange rituals, and practice brainwashing.
"Hey man I just paid 300$ to get myself audited for Scientology"
"Wow man you just joined a cult, dumb shit."
"Wow man you just joined a cult, dumb shit."
by Bob Lee Swagger April 10, 2008