How to Identify a Religious Cult

Wondering if your loved one has fallen prey to a religious cult is a terrifying situation. Though cults rarely use extreme methods that put members in real physical danger, the emotional and psychological dangers posed by manipulation are just as strong. Before talking to your loved one about their involvement, conduct a little research. It will either put your mind at ease or replace your fear with facts that you can act on.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Determine the structure of the group. A cult generally has a pyramid structure, with all teaching coming from the one at the top. It is presented as the only way to reach a religious goal and as the only true understanding of religion.
2. Recognize that a cult is often personality-driven. Those at top are charismatic and may be thought to be God-like or in direct communication with God. Generally, the leaders are not to be doubted.
3. Examine the group's use of manipulation or mind control. A cult will use manipulation to keep members loyal. They may threaten members physically or spiritually. They may also tell members that they will be shunned by their family if they reveal cult secrets or if they leave. Cults may actively abuse members emotionally and physically as well, or subject them to sleep or food deprivation during "retreats."
4. Find out financial expectations. A cult makes financial demands upon its members. The demands may be tithing a high amount to the organization, selling something for the organization or attending mandatory high-priced workshops or retreats.
   
5. Look at time commitments. A cult will take up much of a member's free time with activities that may be focused on recruiting others or activities that are kept secret from friends and families.
6. Watch for changes in the group's members. A positive religion will lead to positive changes in its members—new confidence, increased happiness, the ability to get along better with friends and families. A religious cult may initially show positive changes but will eventually lead to a distance from those not in the group, obsessive behavior about the group and extreme loyalty to the group.
7. Determine whether dissent is allowed. In a cult, disagreement is heresy and may be punished or derided. In a healthy religious group, dissent allows for a greater understanding.
8. Understand the members' attitudes towards people who aren't in the group. If the general consensus of members is that those outside the religion are "unenlightened," it may be a cult. Cults encourage an "us vs. them" mentality, and the group's way is the only way to the goal.

Tips & Warnings

• If the group your loved one has joined meets the characteristics of a religious cult, seek out support groups online where you can share your ideas and fears with others in the same situation.
• Talk to a social worker or psychologist if you fear for your loved one's emotional or psychological safety.
• If your loved one changes during her association with the cult, remember that her actions have been influenced by mind control and manipulation. This may not be the "real" person acting.
• Never use the word "cult" when talking about the group with someone who has joined it. This will only make them defensive, and they will not be able to hear what you are saying.
• Don't argue with your loved one about the cult. Because cults foster an "us vs. them" mentality, you will just be seen as one of "them"—and the cult has likely already provided a script that their members can use against disbelievers.