Seven Warning Signs – Is Your Organization Becoming a Cult?
Posted: Sunday, February 24, 2008
by e
Dhammabucha Rocksprings Meditation
We all remember the Jim Jones tragedy, which resulted from a deadly combination a charismatic leader who knew how to influence and control people, and weak willed followers who couldn't discriminate between fact and fiction.
In the cramped confines of a cult, rationality goes out the window. The authority, which in many cases is a compelling leader, has convinced his or her flock that anyone outside of their group, or of another religion, or a different political party is destined for hell and is the enemy. The cult members will reinforce this feeling of isolationism by ostracizing or condemning any followers who do not agree wholeheartedly with the leader, including, perhaps, agreeing with the leader's instructions of killing their perceived enemies as in the case of religious wars, or maybe even killing themselves as in the case of Jim Jones.
Since the weak willed followers are easily brainwashed into believing that they are special and favorites of God, and the only ones granted salvation, they will insist violently that they alone have found the truth and that everyone outside their group is confused and therefore dangerous to the group. This is why a cult never recognizes itself as a cult, insisting that it is a legitimate religion.
These are the third and fourth warning signs; exclusivity regarding salvation; and exclusive understanding of truth and what's right.
A cult will never encourage followers to find out anything for themselves, for example, to inquire within for answers through meditation and prayer. The cult will always insist that the followers only believe the recommended dogma as prescribed in their books or talks, and warn against any kind of open-minded inquiry. An open-minded inquiry would be counterproductive to the brainwashing techniques used to indoctrinate the followers with systems of belief. It would be dangerous to the cult's authority to encourage followers to come to their own conclusions instead of buckling under to the rhetoric of the leadership. This discouragement of thinking for oneself is usually accomplished by instilling great guilt into the cult members by convincing them that any questioning of the divine knowledge of the leader, or of the cult's holy book for example, would be blasphemy; that their God is so great that humankind should never try to out-guess God's authority.
The fifth warning sign is forbidding followers to think for themselves.
In order to finance the cult, the followers are led to believe that unless they give generously and raise funds for the cult, even if this means raising funds dishonestly, they are sinners only looking out for themselves and not for the good of the organization. The leader usually leads an opulent lifestyle, dismissing any complaints about this as a misunderstanding about the messengers of God and how God's blessings shouldn't be denied, while out of the other side of the mouth comes the edict to either give all to the church and remain in poverty, or to gain as much wealth as possible . . . and give it all to the church!
The sixth warning sign is an organization that is more interested in money for itself than generosity and compassion for those less fortunate. Regardless of token and dishonest displays of generosity for poor people overseas, usually the money never gets to the needy with only a fraction of it getting passed on. The organization usually lines its pockets with the donations.
So that a cult can expand, the tactics for enlisting new members will be forceful. Rather than simply answering questions when asked about their beliefs, they will seek out and violently proselytize every chance they get, wearing their beliefs on their sleeves and making their faith the topic of conversation at all times and in every manner of discourse.
Hard line proselytizing and antagonistic, belligerent evangelizing is the seventh warning sign.
In conclusion, the psychological signs to look for in a cult are close-mindedness, violence against and isolation from those who do not agree with its ideals, self-righteousness, intolerance, judgmentalism, aggressive proselytizing, and hatred.
The signs of a legitimate religion would be the opposite: Open-mindedness, peace, an embracing of other faiths and religions, tolerance, consideration of other opinions and points of view, non-disparaging of other's beliefs, non-proelytizing, and compassion.
The world is presently a violent place, and has been since the beginning of humankind. Perhaps when all of our religions become less cult-like, this will finally change.
E. Raymond Rock of Fort Myers, Florida is cofounder and principal teacher at the Southwest Florida Insight Center, http://www.SouthwestFloridaInsightCenter.com His twenty-nine years of meditation experience has taken him across four continents, including two stopovers in Thailand where he practiced in the remote northeast forests as an ordained Theravada Buddhist monk. His book, A Year to Enlightenment (Career Press/New Page Books) is now available at major bookstores and online retailers. Visit http://www.AYearToEnlightenment.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)You know e, most all Christian religions rely on one book. "the bible" I've seen a comment left by a christian on this site criticizing Buddhism. when I was on a psychiatric ward 36 years ago my mind was open to all religions. Yes we can be falsely led by phony preachers who take advantage of the week to satisfy their own greed.Greed, hatred and delusion are the sin machines! Generosity, compassion, and being awake, even within our beliefs (and especially within our beliefs), are the antidotes! Thanks again, David, for the great rating and enlightened comments. With metta...........e
Hi e. okay, its no secret that you and I having differing beliefs. I respect this article and believe it has some valid points. However, your third sign of a cult, places Jesus as a leader of a cult. It calls Christianity a cult. I do have a hard time with this Because if we were to follow this thought through, God comes out being bad no matter how you look at it. Jesus claimed to be God in the Flesh. Jesus claimed He is the the way, the truth and the life. So he could not be just a good man as some say. He either is who he said he is, or he is a liar and a lunatic. He can't be just a good man who taught the way of peace. The bible teaches people to reason with God and search for the truth, but then God tells us that He is the truth. Am I reading to much into this? Or is this what you would conclude by your warning signs? I appreciate the help. In respect and kindness, TeresaHi Teresa, Thanks for the comments. What brings you and I together are shared experiences. We know if we are being kind to each other, and sometimes kindness is encouraging each other to be awake. That’s why I stress prayer and meditation, because they are the opposite of brainwashing, they are a deprogramming so that we can communicate directly with God without having to rely on what someone else has said or written, which is hearsay in a court of law. If we are not awake, then we will be Buddhist in Asia and Christian in the states, just because of the culture; we are followers. Regarding whether or not Jesus is a lunatic or a liar, you do realize that Jesus did not write the new testament? It was written 60 years after Christ died by basically only one disciple, a long time to get every word right? As a writer you can appreciate that! What if, for example, Jesus said, “We are all sons of god?” That would indicate that we can all become enlightened, just as He did. What a wonderful thing that would be! Or what if he said, “God is within us all,” but the disciple wasn’t enlightened himself and couldn’t understand Christ’s gist, and succumbed to the weak finality of worship, reflected in his writings? There are over 4,000 different religions in the world, all of which think that there way is the best, and most of them get along with the others, practicing their religions quietly and not forcing their ideas on others. When a religion or two digs their heels in about who is right and who is wrong, for example a Muslim may believe that the bible is silly Jewish fairy tales and myths , and that Christ is a made up historical figure by church leaders aching to fulfill a biblical prophecy and launch the Catholic church. Christians might believe that the Koran is a field manual for killing and war, and that Mohammed was delusional. This is not new for the two religions, the two most violent religions in the world, which have killed millions, and are warming up to doing it again. This is the foundation of why our kids, yours and mine, get killed in war, because of dogged beliefs, and unwillingness to compromise. Beliefs are just beliefs, but when we see them as truths, we will want kill those who do not agree with us. It’s as simple as that. And when two religions kill each other, what are they other than cults? They become cult like, thinking that there way is the only way. When will we ever wise up and stop killing each other over ideals, over thoughts? It’s so silly. Just words on paper. There must be a better way. I really believe that prayer and meditation would make a big difference, but how many will actually sit silently for a half hour each day listening to God, and not thinking a mile a minute? God is not important it seems, only our thoughts and opinions and our busy lives. So, are we coming together on this or further apart? With metta..........e
Hi e, thank you for your response. It clears a few things up for me. Yes, I am fully aware of when the Bible was written and who it was written by. And I choose to believe every word of it. First, I agree with you regarding religion. I agree that religion causes hatred and murder, but a personal relationship with God does not. I am fully convinced that Jesus died for my sin, my life's experience testifies to this fact as Buddism has proved good for you. But I have no desire to kill another for not agreeing with me. I believe that God gave everyone a freedom of choice. Not every Muslim wants to kill a Christian and vice versa. In the end, we will all know the truth. I suppose the difference is where one holds to a "religion" and not God. On this we agree. Religion is man's made up rules to satisfy their need to please God or to set up a set of standards to try and maintain. A relationship is one on one - between God and man and man receiving God's grace. I think we are closer in thought and convictions than we think. However, I still cannot agree with the assesment of Christianity being cultish. And just for the record, I do not adhere to any of the Catholic teachings and the foundation of their church, because history teaches us that a lot of it was built upon the bloodshed of Jewish people and most of their teachings are not even in the Bible. I believe the definition of a cult is one who misleads by half-truths and guilt. On this we agree, and I do not see Biblical Christianity doing this. Only people who claim to be Christians yet they do not follow the basic teachings of the Bible. Would you agree with me that it is hard to be "open-minded" in the true sense of the meaning when we have such deep convictions? What are your thoughts toward my way of thinking? I believe that I offer respect with no desire to force anyone to believe like I do, but I am here to share my belief. I believe that you offer wonderful information and insights to your belief system and it encourages many, I believe I offer wonderful information about my belief system that offers encouragement to many. But just because I choose to believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven, does that make me cultish? If you believe so, wouldn't that make you "close-minded"? I think the issue comes down to respecting and encouraging one another to live the best we can. As I mentioned in another article you wrote - agreeing to disagree really works. So, to answer your final question are we coming together on this or further apart would depend on how you view me. If you think I am cultish, then I suppose further apart. But if you are open minded and respect me for my convictions as I do you, than closer together. I think we can learn from each other if you can view me as a person who loves and respects others no matter who or what they are. I think we desire the same end and that is to be healthy and content and contribute whatever joy and encouragment we can offer a hurting world. I hope my reaching out to you shows a little of my character. I knew it was risky, but I gave it a shot. So are we friends?
PS, this is a totally selfish question. (ha). Have you read any of my articles? What were your thoughts? Enquiring minds want to know. :-) Good evening to you! TeresaWhat a loving reply. Thank you. As you agree, beliefs separate, religions separate, but experiencing God brings people together. That’s why if you check out my stuff, I recommend meditation or deep contemplative prayer, which is neutral regarding beliefs and religion. Authentic meditation and deep prayer (without a hidden agenda) is a process of letting go of an illusory “yourself” so that something greater can be experienced. With meditation and deep prayer, you don’t have to believe, you can see for yourself. As I said, you will believe depending upon where you were raised. If I was born in Iraq, I would be Muslim. Regarding my thoughts regarding your way of thinking . . . my articles talk about thought all the time, how thought creates a self, (the little illusory woman behind the thoughts) and how thought keeps us from the real experience of God. Thought merely creates images of God and brings up emotion. When God truly says hello, it radically changes your life, erasing all fear and worry when “you” disappear, and disappearing begins with getting to know yourself and your thoughts, including your emotions. If you believe that Jesus is the only way for you to go to heaven, that’s okay, but if you further believe that I will go to hell because I see Jesus just as a teacher, be it a great teacher, then that would be cultish, yes, not in my judgment but in the actuality of the situation, and a situation that has always led to bad feelings and eventually to war. This is how religion separates. Once we attach and cling to anything, including our beliefs, we cause ourselves suffering (Second Noble Truth). True freedom is non-attachment, especially to self, which when abandoned introduces us to God. Meditation and deep prayer reveal how we build this self, and it naturally diminishes when light is shone through it. In a way, thought is the Christian devil, and thought creates a self. This can be seen in the deeper Christian teachings, but people rarely get to deep into Christianity and stop at surface beliefs. (I used to be Catholic, and looking back, only the contemplative saints like St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila went deeply). You see, I have never said nor do I believe that Buddhism is the only way to enlightenment, or coming face-to-face to God. It is my path, but only a temporary path. The Buddha understood what religion and attachments, even to him and Buddhism, can do to people, and therefore warned his monks that once they became enlightened, Buddhism, which is only a method, should be left behind like a raft after one has crossed the river. It’s the merging with God, or enlightenment, that was important, not the religion, as far as the Buddha was concerned. Merging with the absolute brings people together, because the actual experience is universal, and once you truly experience this, you will never be separate from others. you couldn't be. Attachment to belief separates people. This has always been true and a source of constant hatred. When will humankind change their ways? (Are we getting closer?) lol PS. Some of what you say in your articles, if I read between the lines correctly, are very close to seeing at deeper levels, I think that a little solitary prayer would help a lot. (No thinking!) Best …………….e
Hi again. Well, I guess we went full circle on this one. Closer? Probably not-but more understanding, yes, I believe so. I agree that prayer and meditation are essential to our health and well being, I agree that experiencing God comes by prayer and opening my heart and mind to His Spirit. Prayer is one of the biggest parts of my life - I couldn't function without it. But I can't get over the fact that God gave me a brain and with this brain of mine-however small, I think, reflect and consider all things, ( I really have) and I keep coming back to the same thing - Jesus is my Lord and Savior and for this I am forever grateful. I have been walking with God and opening my heart and mind to Him and what I believe to be the truth for just over 20 years now so I will take a compliment when I hear one. I do believe I am very close to seeing at deeper levels. Thank you. It's my prayer. As far as me thinking you are going to hell, that is not my judgemental attitude, but rather the actually of the situation according to the teaching of Jesus. I guess I am of the opinion that either all of the Bible is true or all of the Bible is false. I don't pick and choose what works for me and what doesn't. So if I am wrong for believing the Bible, then I have lost nothing and I will still have been a better person for believing, but if what the Bible says is true, than I will have gained everything. I suppose if I was going to choose a cult, then there is one no greater. I have enjoyed our conversation and do wish you every happiness. Don't be a stranger. your praying friend, TeresaThank you as well Teresa! May you be happy in this lifetime, and in the next world as well! The Hindu religion in India has been doing this spiritual thing for about 5,000 years! And they mention many ways to attain union with God (yoga) depending on the personality of the practitioner. Examples of a few are; Karma Yoga - through unselfish works, Hatha yoga through postures, Raja yoga through meditation, and Bhakti yoga, which applies to most Christians, through devotion. The Hindu recognizes many ways for many people, and does not recommend the same for everyone; everyone is different. So agreeing to not agree regarding method is a sign of spiritual maturity, and I believe that is what we have decided to do! It's a wonderful thing. It brings people closer. With Metta............your meditating friend (lol)..........e
Hi e, yes, and amen to your last statement agreeing to disagree, in this we are closer. "your meditating friend - ha! I love it. :-) I do appreciate the info regarding The Hindu religion, I have studied it somewhat, but obviously not the the extent that you have. PS I will still read your articles. ((Smiles of friendship)). . . . . Me too!
I enjoyed the thread I read. Being an ex Catholic, and now practicing pagan minister (not Wiccan). I can agree with what Mr. Rock has said. After turning my back on The Church, and recently walking away from a pagan church as well. I have found that I have to find and develop my own path. No one can do this for me. Meditation has helped immensly toward path definement. Since I am also a Reiki Master it has helped my development along those lines. I would greatly encourage anyone reading to start with some form of meditation. Mr. Rock, I was wondering if you have any thoughts on people being "firstborn"? TomThank you so much for supporting meditation. I do not know about being first born. My meditation has shown me what builds our “self,” and how we must be careful of that. Name and form takes on many additional shades. I do know, as a fact and not a belief, that when we are born, regardless of the order of our birth, we set ourselves up to die, usually painfully and in grief when we must leave behind those to which we have become attached. Best of luck on your path. You are correct, no one can do it for you; it is always a solitary quest . With Metta……………..e
My apologies on using "first born" it is a term I am very used to. Basically it means the person is on the first cycle of the soul. They have had no reincarnations. Thus a "first born" soul. Name and form have energy, and they help to shape you. I agree with the fact that we do set ourselves up to die. But the path we take getting to the end is the fun part. In my beleif system, we get to see everyone after a bit anyway in the afterlife.Hi Tom, sorry for my ignorance regarding first born. I have to admit that I am a meditator and don’t read as much as I should, perhaps. What I have seen in my meditation time and again is cause and effect, and that any kind of buildup of self identity by mind, regarding even the accumulation of karma on a personal level, or a soul entity, or a before the soul entity, keeps alive the idea of self, which is the cause and resulting effect of rebirth in the various realms, moment to moment; lifetime to lifetime. Emptiness is a very difficult idea to swallow, maybe impossible by the conscious mind, but can be understood and accepted with jhana. Through the door of emptiness comes no self, anatta, and when there is no self, there is no longer an agenda. Without an agenda, there is no further striving, and thus no further fear. This is the way to freedom from being, or living life fully, I believe. Again, my apologies, Tom, and thanks for your discussion. With Metta.............e
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