How to watch out for cults that may try to convert you

Are you or someone you know and love easily influenced? Maybe you are worried that someone you know has joined a cult. Although you might feel that perhaps you are overreacting to a group, you should still be on the safe side. Take careful notice of what’s going on and follow these steps to avoid getting yourself or someone you care about caught up in a cult.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Know what makes a cult a cult. If you know what characteristics make up a cult, you will likely see it coming. Watch out for groups that distort religious scriptures and allow only for their leader's interpretation, has little concern for individual thought or learning, causes one to leave or neglect old family for a new one, requires a large amount of time to be devoted to the organization while other basic needs such as work or food are neglected and has an “us” vs. “them” mentality.
2. Read up on several cults to learn what they look like. Become familiar with their dress, certain phrases, books and publications and their names. Knowing this stuff may seem obvious but not every cult has a uniform that is easily recognizable.
3. Understand their strategy. Watch out for people with easy answers, especially when you are stressed out. Also be aware of people who are excessively or inappropriately friendly, people who are very persistent in trying to get you to join and won’t take no for answer, people with invitations to free meals, lectures, and workshops, people who demand secrecy from you and people who confidently promise that they can help you solve your problems especially when they know little about you. Exercise caution with people who make grand claims about how their group can save mankind, help you achieve enlightenment or show you the road to happiness, people who tell you not to ask questions but open your mind, people who make you feel like there’s something wrong with you if you’re not interested in joining and people who are vague or evasive (it’s usually because they are hiding something).
4. Know what you believe and don’t believe and know why. Winning an argument with a cult member isn’t the answer and is often difficult because they have prepared answers for most questions; however if you know what you believe and why, you can easily and confidently walk away.
5. Research any new group you are considering joining. Before you get involved in anything, take some time to think about it and research it. If something doesn’t look right, there’s a good chance it’s not. People can be very convincing so don’t be fooled by what people say. See if the facts back them up and talk to people who disagree with the group. If the group doesn’t want you talking to their critics, be worried.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to ask questions.
• Know when you're in over your head and ask for help.