The topic I chose today is a somewhat controversial and sensitive subject. A lot of people in this world are very religious and believe strongly that is necessary to be part of a recognized church to be able to worship God. Although there is some truth to that, we must pay attention that by trying to fulfill our spiritual needs we don’t become prey to sects or cults that all they want is another member to control or manipulate.
Unfortunately, I speak of experience since I was born and raised inside a cult. Of course, for privacy reasons, I will not share yet which cult was it, but let me just give you a little insight into what being a member of a cult means.
What is a Cult ?
First, in order to understand if we are in a Cult or Sect, we need to know what a cult.
The Dictionary says, “A sect that is considered generally extremist or false, with its followers usually living an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian leader.”
very true by the way…
Breaking it down, in a way that regular individuals can understand it, I gathered a few Key Points that will help you descern if you may be a member of a Cult.
So lets proceed with the facts:
No freedom of Speech
When you are in a cult, you are not allowed to have your own opinions and thoughts or voice. You are brainwashed from the very beginning; it is a MUST to follow the teachings of the superiors without questioning anything…
why? Basically because you are and will always be wrong.
It is even more dangerous when you share your own opinions with others. You will be disrupting the peace among the sect, so you may put yourself in great trouble. Sounds stupid and childish, doesn’t it? I know… yet when you are inside the cult and that is all you know, you don’t use your mind… you are not used to it… so you accept and follow.
Rules
The rules are imposed by someone else or by a set of people that tell you how you should lead your life. The main key to look out for, is whether the rules are based on bible teachings have scripture base, or is it a made up law by the sect? Some examples of this are…
who you can or can’t marry, what you should do in life… they push you to pursue “spiritual goals” rather than career goals.
Basically, you are never the most important person in your life, the sect is.
Public Information Rescrictment
The specific relevant content for this request, if necessary, delimited with characters: You are not allowed to review or research the cult outside the cult’s information. They provide the literature you are to read and nothing more than that. You can not do your own research or investigation of the church. This could have very negative consequences if you go that route.
It’s crucial to underline the restrictions imposed by the cult, which limit the ability to independently verify or explore information beyond what is provided by the organization. This kind of control over information and research can have far-reaching consequences, potentially isolating individuals and impacting their ability to form well-rounded perspectives. The inherent risk in such a situation is the lack of exposure to diverse viewpoints and the potential for manipulation. It underscores the significance of critical thinking and the freedom to access information from various sources in order to form balanced and informed opinions.
Emotional Control
Another mayor red flad of a Cult, is the emotional control it has over it’s believers. You are to be submissive to their teaching and lifestyle.
This can even include the way you feel.
If in the event that you feel otherwise they can punish you severely by shunning you. If you are born in this sects, this lifestyle is all you know and been shunned from your own friends and family is the biggest emotional blackmailing they can do. This is one of their drastic measures to keep their members inside in fear. It is a rather radical punishment yet very effective.
So this are some of the “symptoms” if you wanna call it that… that a sect brings upon you.
Make sure that no matter what, you stay way from the sects, you deserve a free happy life.
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