Cult Stories

Next, we’ll observe Dr. Alexandra Stein’s list of warning signs a cult will display which was adapted from the godfather of cult experts, Robert J Lifton. These signs are critical if you want to understand the methods commonly shared by cults that allow us to define them. Even more important is that if you can retain these ideas, you’ll be far less likely to find yourself in a coercive group yourself.

1. The group/person has the Total and Only answer. Only they have the right line, will make the revolution, solve your problems, empower you, make you loved, rich, effective, holy, etc.

2. Attempts to isolate you from existing close relationships (friends/family) and the outside world.

3. Extreme, immediate and/or inappropriate friendliness or attention.

4. Promises of perfection if only you adhere to their program

5. Your “gut-feeling” tells you something is wrong. Trust this and try to analyze it.

6. The group creates conditions of extreme stress, threat or fear (emotional and/or physical.)

7. Not answering questions or turning them back on the questioner.

8. Inappropriate personal boundaries

9. Loaded language: strange language or jargon you initially can’t understand. Canned, repetitive phrases.

10. A hard sell for further commitment, programs or contact. If you resist, you’re selfish, ungodly, “bourgeois”, don’t believe in yourself, etc.

11. Encouragement to cut ties with family or friends, unless you can recruit them.

12. Secrecy, inappropriate “confidentiality”.

13. Lack of privacy – constantly with group members, constantly busy with group activities.

14. Ends justifies the means. It’s OK to lie to others in the name of the Cause, God, for success, etc.

15. Challenging your fundamental identity:  Your strengths are criticized as your weaknesses.

16. Once you’re in, heavy pressure to stay in.

17. Those who do leave are shunned. They become the enemy, or objects of pity.

18. No criticism allowed of the group or leader. The group/leader is always right.

19. Deception: what you thought you’d get on joining or attending an activity turns out to be something else.

Many of these tactics are designed to pull members further into the group while pushing them away from their former selves and their loved ones. This kind of isolation is one of the hallmarks all cults share. Once this has been accomplished it becomes harder for the member to leave a bad situation which benefits the leader and the group as a whole.