Q&A for How to Recognise a Cult

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  • Question
    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.
    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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    What is cult slang?
    Community Answer
    Certain terms that a cult uses that are usually incomprehensible to outsiders.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • 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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • 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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