how cults operate
Deception
Cults rarely ever admit to the manipulation that is put on their members. They way they present themselves to the public and potential members is very different. When recruiting new members, cults do not reveal what they are and how they operate. Some may hand out leaflets or talk to people who pass by, offering friendship, love, or relief from stress. When openly speaking about their organization, spiritual and religious cults will talk about their belief systems; political cults will talk about their ideologies, therapeutic will talk about their therapies and so on. They will try to place their actions solely on belief, rather than the practices they do that may cause harm. They hope to distract attention from themselves.
Isolation
Most cults will try in some way to isolate their members from others. This prevents the members from having a balanced world view. This practice usually begins from the start, when a recuit is taken and brought to an enclosed environment. It is there when they are persuaded and pushed into joining, rather than making their own decision.
Control
Cults will demand their member to fit the cult's certain requirements. Anything not fitting these requirements will be seen as wrong, and a failure to be shunned or shamed. In severe cases, the one who did not fit the requirements may be seen as an "enemy" to be excluded or hounded.
Separation
Cults will often encourage the member to be separated from loved one within their family, their friends, or business association, especially if it leads to unwelcome or unwanted attention.
Cults rarely ever admit to the manipulation that is put on their members. They way they present themselves to the public and potential members is very different. When recruiting new members, cults do not reveal what they are and how they operate. Some may hand out leaflets or talk to people who pass by, offering friendship, love, or relief from stress. When openly speaking about their organization, spiritual and religious cults will talk about their belief systems; political cults will talk about their ideologies, therapeutic will talk about their therapies and so on. They will try to place their actions solely on belief, rather than the practices they do that may cause harm. They hope to distract attention from themselves.
Isolation
Most cults will try in some way to isolate their members from others. This prevents the members from having a balanced world view. This practice usually begins from the start, when a recuit is taken and brought to an enclosed environment. It is there when they are persuaded and pushed into joining, rather than making their own decision.
Control
Cults will demand their member to fit the cult's certain requirements. Anything not fitting these requirements will be seen as wrong, and a failure to be shunned or shamed. In severe cases, the one who did not fit the requirements may be seen as an "enemy" to be excluded or hounded.
Separation
Cults will often encourage the member to be separated from loved one within their family, their friends, or business association, especially if it leads to unwelcome or unwanted attention.