Q&A for How to Recognise a Cult

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How do cults get followers?

Natalie Feinblatt, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Natalie Feinblatt is a Clinical Psychologist with a private practice based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Feinblatt specializes in helping people with addiction, trauma, and other mental health struggles. She holds a BA in Psychology from The University of California, San Diego, and a Master’s degree and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from Pepperdine University. Dr. Feinblatt is licensed in the state of California.

Natalie Feinblatt, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

Expert Answer

Cults tend to be most successful recruiting people who are in stages/phases of transition in their life, like people who have lost a job or gotten a divorce. They also use more deceptive means to recruit members, like inviting you to take a free test or watch a free movie.

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Question

How can I identify a cult member?

Community Answer

You often can't, but sometimes they will wear something to represent the cult, such as a ring, pendant, or necklace. They might also try to convert you to the cult.

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Question

What can I do about a dangerous cult?

Community Answer

If you believe the people involved are potentially committing crimes, notify law enforcement. Otherwise, just stay away and encourage others to do likewise.

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How can I detect a criminal cult?

Community Answer

Observe the people you suspect to be in a criminal cult, but be careful not to provoke them. If it is a criminal cult, members may show signs of abuse, such as odd scars and scratches in concentrated places, evidence of possible blood sacrifices or abuse to the members. If you suspect something like this is going on, it's best to contact the police.

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What is cult slang?

Community Answer

Certain terms that a cult uses that are usually incomprehensible to outsiders.

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If a religion feels like a cult, does that mean it is one?

Community Answer

If it feels controlling, quite simply, yes. Cults are about control. They want to make your decisions for you about your money, and what you do with your time. Look up the BITE model, it explains how cults try to control people en masse with lies and conditioning.

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If a religion makes it seem like I'm supposed to have a special mission in life, could that be a sign of a cult?

Galasy4969

Top Answerer

A vague life mission is a common theme in religion. If the mission involves violence, common immorality, belittlement of non-believers, separation from society, unwilling marriage, or self-harm or suicide, it's likely a cult.

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Question

What do I do to stop being a member of a cult?

Community Answer

Research forms of hypnosis and mind control. Read what has been written by ex-members and other researchers. Cults use fear to keep the members from leaving and convince them of something terrible that will happen if they leave. Undo the "curse" first and then proceed with what- ever method will work to undo the particulars of the cult you have been involved with.

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If a religion claims to know everything, is this a sign that it is a cult?

Community Answer

No, this is not enough to determine a cult. Religions that claim this include the Islam, Buddhism and many more. You will need additional signs.

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Would anti-vaxx count as a cult?

Community Answer

Though they are wrong in trying to convince people that their (possibly deadly) beliefs are right, they are not a cult. An anti-vaxxer can believe in vaccines anytime he/she wants to, and lots of anti-vaxxers don't know who other anti-vaxxers are.

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Is it likely a cult will turn dangerous?

Anna Dayton

Community Answer

All cults are dangerous. Dangerous does not mean it has to end in violence against outsiders, but harm is done to the psyches of people within so they do not feel they can be responsible for their own lives and choices.

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Question

Is a cult if the pastor claims to have no sins and makes threats such as burning down skyscrapers and persuades us to swear at other churches and gives hate speeches about other races and religions?

Anna Dayton

Community Answer

A charismatic leader who claims he is perfect, reinforcement of hatred for the outside world, and threatening members into submission are all traits of a cult.

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