How to Recognize a Cult Member

Cult practices often resemble those of legitimate religious organizations. For example, people who experience religious conversions often have dramatic changes in their lives. However, these changes enrich lives and help the individual toward their goals rather than changing them to meet a certain mold. Follow these steps to recognize whether an organization is abusing its members or not.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Watch for detachment. New cult members separate themselves from their friends, family and acquaintances. The distancing happens gradually with encouragement from the cult leader. Cult members also grow to distrust outside world.
2. Observe changes in behavior. Be especially attentive if someone's personality and interests are significantly changing quickly and. Cults exert pressure on members to change their personality to match the group leader or some other cult ideal. Cult leaders use fear of impending disaster or persecution to unify members. See if your friend acts according to these urgings.
3. Check for a change in your friends financial habits. Cults often try to gain financial control over members. They also ask for cash contributions and free labor. Cults also drive their members to achieve the unattainable and teach that members who leave the cult are wrong. There isn't any good reason for leaving.
4. Listen to you friend talk about the group and its leader. Cult leaders generally do not allow questions or criticism. Listen for unfamiliar words or concepts. Cults often speak in a vocabulary particular to the group.
5. Research the group that your friend has joined. Most cults get a record quickly. Learn about the cult leader, too. Cult leaders tend to be attractive people, which increases their ability to influence others.
6. Recognize that you will not be able to help your friend get out of the cult alone. You must continue to have a relationship with them if you want to help them, but you may want to consult with a psychologist or counselor for additional help.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember not to be judgmental when dealing with a cult member. This only pushes them away from you and deeper into the cult.