How to Spot a Religious Cult

Religious cults are expert at appearing as a legitimate supportive group of people with your spiritual best interests at heart. It is easy for anyone to get caught up in a cult without even realizing it. But there are telltale signs that can prevent cult membership.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. A religious cult typically has someone at the helm. This person might be charming and charismatic. He may know the Bible inside and out and may seem to have knowledge that can truly transform your life. He inspires trust in people and makes it nearly impossible to stand up to him.

2. The leader and members of the cult may reject those who are not believers in their cause, and this could include family and friends of those in the cult. They may be encouraged to spend time only within the group and to keep “outsiders” at bay.

3. The cult leader may convince members to donate inordinate amounts of time, energy and money to further his cause. He will convince members that it is in their best interest.

4. Religious cult leaders will hold long meetings (sometimes hours at a time) where he or she will deeply ingrain the concepts of the Bible into the followers. This is to equip the members to know scripture so well that they will be able to resist any other points of view. It will empower then to believe they have the one and only answer.

5. Although this is hard to recognize at first, at some point the cult followers will lose their ability to think for themselves. They will be so brainwashed that they put full faith in only their leader and its members, and nothing else.

6. If a member begins to shun parts of his life that were once important in favor of this group, such as sports, movies and friends--this could be a sign that they are caught in a cult.

7. If members begin to lose control of simple things such as choosing what they eat, how they dress or how much they sleep get, a religious cult leader may be the cause.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect that someone you care about is in a religious cult, be careful in your approach. Being forceful can push her in the opposite direction. It is best to consult a professional.

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on 5/7/2008 I use to have a terrible addiction to meth. I went to Teen Challenge for help and I have been clean for almost five years. Currently I am in ministry and just like Teen Challenge we learn the Word of God!! We have to cut ties with bad company are we will right back in the same old mess. I stopped listening to secular music because it reminded me of my drug addiction and the way I use to live. I now listen to Christian music. And yes, we Christians read the whole Bible and all of it is inspired by God. I praise God that I can put my trust in Him and my Pastor. And we Christians fellowship with each other and some times are families who aren't Christians think that it is odd that we don't drink or go out and party like they do. Oh well. I love Jesus now and yes I worship Him. Like his disciples I would die for Him. All that I have isn't mine. He gave me life and I owe Him mine. Bible study