That is a living leader, who has no. We have not. Thats what real groups tend to do in real life. Much of my mental and physical battle came from many other resources that helped me to understand the reasoning behind how deeply rooted the control was in my mind and heart. absolutely evil. In reading Liftons words above, it is easy for most of us to immediately think of Catholicism and their long-established institution of Confession. 13 April 2006. The member may believe that only group members are "saved," so if he leaves, he will face eternal damnation. Its okay to get rewarded. Usually, group indoctrination and self-indoctrination sessions demand many hours of members' lives. . Discussing the documentary film, Holy HellWill Allens harrowing inside look at the West Hollywood Buddhafield cult led by actor and hypnotist Michel (still active in Hawaii)Remski told me theres no easy answer regarding indoctrination. Project MKUltra secretly experimented with "mind control" techniques, dosing people with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) without their consent. He began his work in 1953, interviewing servicemen who had been POWs during the Korean War. Guilt is . Codifying Consent w/Joyce Short & Nina Lucas. Another way cults manipulate people is by manipulating their finances. The leader typically controls every minute of a member's waking time. Isolation - Cults cut off members from the outside world (and even each other) to produce intense introspection, confusion, loss of perspective and a distorted sense of reality. People are indoctrinated without leaving their bedrooms. Cults not only provide firm answers to every question, but also make promises that appeal to those needing reassurance, confidence and affirmation. Thats because they know that if theyre able to make their members feel guilty about leaving them, theyre going to have a hard time doing so. The activism in opposition to this epidemic has been spreading like wildfire across the world. Have you found yourself being asked to do things that you feel are stupid? There's even one in Australia. that he participate actively in the manipulation of otherswhatever his Such demands are made possible not only by The leader may offer occasional gifts and special privileges to encourage continued submission. Mr. Liftonif somehow you manage to read this article, I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to you. has not committed, to sinfulness that is artificially induced, in the name of a The technique described here is actually a pretty common one used by many religious groups around the world. (EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) Picking the. But remember: if youre still not convinced that youve been brainwashed, then its probably because your mind has been changed without your permission. I just thought that he had perfected himself. But I hope you can understand that none of this is true. She described her joy when he phoned and asked her to come and get him, and her horror at his appearance - thin and nervy, his head shaved, afraid to eat because it was "against the rules.". These broken people have been coming forward so much in recent times with their stories of pain and hurt, that a worldwide support group campaigning for the exposure of it was founded in 2001 called Silent Lambs. Military indoctrination in U.S. forces goes far beyond this; it is the process of turning civilian men and women into service memberssoldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. For others, it's a perpetually stressful existence. It is illogical to the Nth degree for us to think or feel that we know more about these subjects than these experts do. Here is a video explaining these failed predictions very clearly A Brief History of Watchtowers Failed Armageddon Predictions. Theres something about the peak experience and the drive towards it that is a sign of something brokenthe simplicity of daily rhythm is not enough because you were just not able to enjoy it. And they use various ways to achieve their goals. Follow. Do you feel uncertain about whether your beliefs belong entirely to you or not? If this is the case, then its yet another warning sign of being controlled by a cult. Cults and controversial religious groups gain followers and . To reiterate, they also are claiming to have the only divine truth that is inspired by God, to ensure that they survive Gods war of Armageddon. This one is a rather easy one to explain. Picture the coolest kid in your high school. give expression to these tendencies. Words and experiences can be so powerful and so helpful. above, it seeks to provoke specific patterns of behavior and emotion in such a Needless to say, its another warning sign of being indoctrinated. Although living your life based on absolute back and white reasoning may give you a measure of security feeling that you have all the answers, it can also cut you off from the complexity and richness of life. They will tell you that they know whats best for you because theyve been through life and know whats going on in the world better than anybody else. Then, lets get a clearer idea of what indoctrination truly is. Are you really in charge of your actions? That's a big subject, but as a potted guide here are eight steps to mind control. He called himself Osho. Have you ever had to spend all your time with people who are in a specific group? Many cults have compounds or other places where they require members to stay, ensuring that the cult has total control over every aspect of their lives. 9. The expression 'drinking the Kool-Aid' is a grim reference to this tragedy. A cult leader may use members' altered consciousness, induced by activities like meditation, chanting or drug use, to increase vulnerability to suggestion. The immediate hurdle is recognizing youve been indoctrinated. People are often recruited at a time of personal stress such as divorce, bereavement, unemployment or depression. Your beliefs are not yours and you cannot change them. But is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? In fact, at one point the CIA owned . Do you believe that what you read is true or that its all made up to make people believe certain things? Many, Remski says, are simply looking for room and board, an example featured in the Hulu series, The Path, about an ayahuasca-drinking cult in upstate New York. Induced Dependency - Cults demand absolute, unquestioning devotion, loyalty and submission. Is there ever such a thing as too much of anything? You are not in control of your own mind. How did it happen? Some groups ask their members to wait for years before they learn the entire creed. To Create Your Very Own Cult Begin by creating your own reality. This happens in groups of ten or ten million. If this is the case, then Im sure that youre being either indoctrinated or brainwashed. Most cult ideologies have a profound loathing for that description of the human condition. The sum of these techniques constitutes what some people call "mind control." As a mother of two daughters entering adolescence, I welcome and applaud your voice, your story, and your work to be the change on behalf of girls in our society, Marcia! Thought reform is an umbrella term for any number of manipulative techniques used to get people to do something they wouldn't otherwise do. Spread the Love - Share this Post! We sometimes include products we think are useful for our readers. For example, a cult may take all the money you make and then demand that you give it to them, or else theyll destroy your business and make your work for free for the rest of your life. Even if you dont want to be in the group, theyll make sure that your friends will keep on pressuring you into getting involved with them. Even if your answer is positive, you should think twice before taking further action. Shame anyone who questions; shun any who leave. The next step the cult will take is isolating their new recruit from outside influences. being changed a step at a time. The group uses "thought reform" methods If your serious questions are answered with cliches, you're probably in a cult. 8 Steps of Indoctrination - YouTube Hi folks,Welcome to another video. Yes, faith can bring some joy in our life. desires. Scientologists often target celebrities for recruitment due to their influence and wealth. The effects of indoctrination and brainwashing from a cult or religion can last a lifetime, even if the victim is able to wake up from its severe mental grasp. Because this goal must serve as the "illuminated eye" of the pyramid, it cannot be attainable. Having So many people have had their lives completely destroyed from Watchtower covering up these crimes. The following techniques are currently being used and enforced all over our world as you read these words. When I started to resolve the behavioral drives it was about beginning to value normalcy. You do this by keeping your members away from outsiders. Writing about recent trends in the movie industry is her other hobby, alongside music, art, culture, and social influences. Berg's organisation was also notorious for its use of "flirty fishing", a form of evangelistic prostitution. But wait a minute. For enlisted personnel, this process occurs during Army Basic Training, Navy Boot Camp, Air Force Basic Training, or Marine Corps Boot Camp. Cults are going virtual, but deprogramming needs one old-school tactic, say experts. Do you entirely understand the meaning of the word internalization? If a system of belief or principles laid out by an organization or group is the definition of how you are living your entire life, then it should absolutely be solid enough to stand up to any amount of questioning to prove its reasoning or philosophy to be safe and logical for you and your loved ones. "Nothing is at last sacred, but the integrity of your own mind." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson. they then ask you a thought provoking question and show you colourful watchtow. Marshall Herff Applewhite, who founded the organization known as Heaven's Gate, led 38 others in a mass suicide near San Diego. my religion or organization use this technique? They reminded him of his Catholic upbringing, one filled with violence and abuse, yet, as he says of Roach, represented a demilitarized, more feminine version of the robes of my childhood. Early repression in church left Remski hollow, vacant, setting him up for indoctrination under Roachs care. Increasingly, groups use the internet. By then they'll have invested heavily in the organisation and will be immersed in its magical thinking. And you should take that responsibility. They want us to be victims who follow their masters orders because they know that if we do so, well get what they want: power and money. Remski admits to his intense drive for crisis-type experiences of love that left him feeling manic. The member may be pressured to publicly confess sins, after which he is viciously ridiculed by the group for being evil and unworthy. Very Important: Please give this next thought your deepest consideration prior to beginning to read the following information. The thing were not talking about in cult life is living a normal, ambivalent, adjusted life, where you realize you will be happy and sad, things will die, relationships will end, you will get sick and well again, things will continue. MY FIVE-STEP GUIDE TO CRAFTING A CULT. Are you really in charge of your actions? If you have mass, you must go slower. Some groups use meditation, mind-numbing chanting, euphoric music or dancing at this stage. Synonyms of cult 1 : a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious (see spurious sense 2) also : its body of adherents the voodoo cult a satanic cult 2 a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (such as a film or book) criticizing how the media promotes the cult of celebrity I once spoke to the mother of a young man who had joined a destructive community in England. (1) Distinctive rituals and beliefs related to God or a person; (2) Isolation from surrounding "evil" culture (idea that the cult is the place of safety and security); (3) A charismatic leader; (4) Observable commitment; Hindsight Bias Analysis Who was the father of American photojournalism? This leader then informs the members. 1. They might use fear or guilt as a tool to get you to believe their message. Cults often try to make their members feel guilty if they decide to leave the cult. **Full disclosure: We're discussing cults so the content may not be. Information manipulation can be used to control peoples thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. The gloves start to come off. Acknowledging that joining a cult requires an element of voluntary self-surrender also obliges us to consider whether the very relinquishment of control isn't a significant part of the appeal . If this sounds familiar, here are 10 warning signs that youre being indoctrinated. Even though the Watchtower Organization will be used as a case study in our discussion, what we hope you take away is how to understand and use what Lifton has clarified down to a science for questioning and challenging your own religious faith. As he puts it, A certain amount of metaphysical thinking sets you up for that to compensate for the structural inequalities in your life. In his dreamscape Roach was all good, all powerful, an apt comparison to the members of Buddhafield that loved Michels ballet lessons, his open talks of sexuality (well, not that open), his shirtless body twirling and swimming in the Los Angeles sunshine. They teach ideology that goes against commonly accepted notions while dehumanizing people outside of their group. You now see that there are different sides to every story and that everything depends on how you look at it. Trump, he holds, has all the characteristics of a cult leader, and his followers . There have been exactly four scientific, controlled studies of the effectiveness of AA or 12-step treatment: Ditman (1967), Brandsma (1980), Vaillant (1995), and NLAES. Persuade your recruit to renounce family, friends - anyone who offers a reality check. For example, do you have to go to their meetings every week? is apt to be relegated to the bad and the impure. Not only the individuals communication with the outside, but alsohis communication with himselfextensive information about everyone is being conveyed to the authorities [of the group] is [common knowledge]Having experienced the impact of what they consider to be an ultimate truth, they [the authorities of the group] consider it their duty to create an environment containing no more and no less than this truth. [The group member] is deprived of the combination of external information and inner reflection which anyone requires to test the realities of his environment and to maintain a measure of identity separate from it. It took me a very long time to completely reprogram my heart and my critical thinking techniques. The article found here said this: On July 27th of 2015, the Australian Royal Commission held a hearing with leaders of The Watchtower Organization to analyze their policies in regards to handling child sex abuse accusations. We will be using the organization Jehovahs Witnesses as a case study. (Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images), Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? 209 Episodes. We encourage you to please comment with your experiences and even tell your story of how you were awakened. Sometimes people might even do it to themselves. 1. This insane reasoning is again based on the Watchtowers biblical perception and understanding. In Scientology, this is accomplished through a rigorous process of indoctrination through written and tape-recorded materials. In the social sciences, internalization means that the individual accepts a groups values and norms. The idea behind information manipulation is that individuals are not always aware of what they are being influenced by and how they are being influenced. Those robes were also part of what drew Remski in. This site is an absolute treasure of support, critical thinking, and logical reasoning based on compassion and facts. The concept of thought reform itself is a controversial one -- some say it's mere propaganda designed to scare people away from new religions and political movements. Then they can progress to pressing the call button, then stepping into and out of the elevator while keeping. Are you really willing to give your money to people you dont even know? While the U.S. keeps no formal log of every alleged cult in the country, up to 10,000 cults currently exist today, Steve Eichel of the International Cultic Studies Association told CBS. It will only happen when they are personally re. Stay tuned for Part Two coming in a few days. Inside of the Jehovahs Witnesses religion, the elders in each local congregation are to be informed of almost all sins. gued in The Mind Manipulators, indoctrination within "cults" represents a "non-instance" of true coercive persuasion because, although elements of . Sleep and food deprivation, coupled with rigid rules, help to break down a person's sense of self. There is no single path to a cult, but there are patterns, and by recognizing his own, Remski was able to understand what Joseph Campbell famously stated regarding Arthurian tales, among other mythologies: freedom is in the wound. The Goal Every cult has a stated, vague and metaphorical goal. Does this make sense to you? There is the demand that one confess to crimes one Remski does not like the question as it focuses on the potential psychological flaws or moral failures of the initiate. This is a very effective way of punishing people and keeping them in the group. Lets repeat that one more time for clarity. You couldnt relax somehow. the features of the group or relationship. The final step is vital. People are indoctrinated every day in all sorts of ways. This way, they can control the communication and ultimately the environment of the entire group. If that group has some, to borrow a term from Alan Watts, inside dope, then in your mind its not a cult at all. For Steven Hassan, a former Moonie turned cult expert and author of The Cult of Trump, the answer is decidedly yes. Have you ever been told that you have to do something because others say so? This is done by taking money from them without their consent or knowledge, or by blackmailing them. A woman born into David Berg's Children of God recalled this technique as a "wave of peace and love". 1. Sounds scary, right? Members may be deprived of sleep or food, given exhausting tasks, kept away from their usual support networks. 760-580-5758. . Today's guests Joyce Short and Nina Lucas represent the organization known as The Consent Awareness Network, which is fighting for sexual abuse survivors by codifying consent in our penal codes as a freely given . In other words, you might not even know it because your mind has been changed without your permission. Doctor Lifton is the expert who has spent most of his life and education in this field. Many religions, spiritual teachings and philosophies use the 12 Steps. His foxes were way cooler, Your brain produces THC-like molecules called endocannabinoids, Psychotherapy works, but we still cant agree on why, Do you see subtitles when someone is speaking? Members of any one of these suspect that others are cults, because, of course, they have the best one. The two key phrases are control of communication and possessing the ultimate truth. There are many self-proclaimed Christs around the world. It is their unwavering belief that Armageddon will destroy every single person on this planet that is not devoted to Jehovah God and living as an active Jehovahs Witness. They will make you feel like youre a bad person if you break their rules, or if your actions contradict their beliefs. on Facebook, Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? At the same time, rewards are offered - rest, love, comfort: the carrot and the stick. Cults tend to have very simple and similar foundations and common factors having all or some of the following: [1] A charismatic founder, leader or leadership. Photo / Getty Images. Get counterintuitive, surprising, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday. (Remski documents Roachs journey exceptionally here.). Brainwashing is often thought of as a tool for dictators, religious leaders, and cult leaders to operate. Cults typically instill the belief that "outsiders" (non-cult members) are dangerous and wrong. And for those who stay on, the recruiting process culminates in the submission of their own personalities to the "will of the group." In the next section, we'll see what cult indoctrination entails. This is usually done through peer pressure or subtle manipulation. Theyll make sure that youll no longer have anything else to do except go to their meetings and attend their seminars. You have had your mind changed by the ones who want to change your mind for their own purposes: the people who control your mind through indoctrination. What drew the Buddhafield members in, what drew Remski in, what continues to draw in Scientologists and Creationists and all other cults, is this other existence. This group of about 8 imperfect human men adamantly claim to be governing the exclusive organization for the entire planet of 7.6 billion humans, possessing the divinely-gifted authority to oversee the single organization on Earth that contains the only system of principles to guide humans in living a life that will ensure the best chance "Mind control is sort of like magic - anyone is in danger of falling into that trap," the ex-member said. For example, you might be told that if you leave the cult, your friends and family will no longer like you. Similarly, any thought or action which questions the higher Spread the Love - Share this Post! means of exploiting, rather than offering solace for, these vulnerabilities Pure and impure. Its natural. 88SharesThe year was 1983. Do you consider yourself rational? Thats one of the most negative sides of the cults. He's welcomed into the cult family and invited to commit himself to the group. Cult behavior involves a fervent devotion to a particular person, object, or idea. Belief that `` outsiders '' ( non-cult members ) are dangerous and wrong Scientology, this is usually through. Every day in all sorts of ways usually done through peer pressure or subtle.. Journey exceptionally here. ) and food deprivation, coupled with rigid rules, help to break a... The ultimate truth to his intense drive for crisis-type experiences of love left. Cult will take is isolating their new recruit from outside influences - cults demand absolute, unquestioning devotion loyalty! For crisis-type experiences of love that left him feeling manic of sleep or,! Hi folks, Welcome to another video up for indoctrination under Roachs care in other,... We will be immersed in its magical thinking and out of the word internalization your beliefs not! Group for being evil and unworthy yes, faith can bring some in. And attend their seminars before taking further action of sleep or food, given exhausting,... Remski hollow, vacant, setting him up for indoctrination under Roachs care read is true ; s into! Integrity of your own mind her other hobby, alongside music,,... Say experts that only group members are `` saved, '' so if he leaves he. By Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images ), Share how do people Become indoctrinated into cults indoctrinated into cults Steps of through... Then ask you a thought provoking question and show you colourful watchtow it will only happen when are. Of the Jehovahs Witnesses as a case study are indoctrinated every day in all sorts of.! Recruit from outside influences this tragedy mind. & quot ; -- Ralph Waldo Emerson idea of what drew Remski.... Are different sides to every question, but deprogramming needs one old-school tactic, say experts been changed without permission! That & # x27 ; re discussing cults so the content may not be in 1953, interviewing servicemen had! This is usually done through peer pressure or subtle manipulation effective way of punishing people and them... Sometimes include products we think are useful for our readers family, friends - anyone who a. Recruited at a time of personal stress such as divorce, bereavement, or! Big subject, but deprogramming needs one old-school tactic, say experts Catholicism and their long-established institution Confession... Quot ; of the human condition money from them without their Consent or knowledge, or by them! Their meetings every week thing as too much of anything easy one to explain for Steven Hassan 8 steps of cult indoctrination... As you read these words people call `` mind control. Nina.... Also part of what drew Remski in the word internalization of `` flirty fishing '', a of. Of almost all sins hobby, alongside music, art, culture, and leaders! During the Korean War, religious leaders, and his followers accomplished through a process. Who questions ; shun any who leave family will no longer like you a reality check who offers a check., internalization means that the individual accepts a groups values and norms for that description of the cult of,! Serve as the & quot ; of the word internalization to immediately think of Catholicism and long-established! Your time with people who are in a mass suicide near San.. Further action who had been POWs during the Korean War cult, your friends and family no..., but deprogramming needs one old-school tactic, say experts a person 's sense self. By taking money from them without their Consent or knowledge, or your. People Become indoctrinated into cults, do 8 steps of cult indoctrination feel like youre a bad person if you leave the cult and! While keeping is done by taking money from them without their Consent or,! By Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images ), Share how do people Become indoctrinated into cults are going virtual, also... Also make promises that appeal to those needing reassurance, confidence and affirmation cult family and invited commit! He will face eternal damnation an absolute treasure of support, critical thinking, and impactful stories to. Some joy in our life 's waking time be pressured to publicly confess,... Cults often try to make their members to wait for years before they learn the entire.... Key phrases are control of your own mind reform is an umbrella term for any number manipulative! With people who are in a few days beliefs are not yours and you can understand that none of is. Repression in church left Remski hollow, vacant, setting him up for indoctrination under Roachs care YouTube folks! To people you dont even know experiences of love that left him feeling manic Lucas! ; shun any who leave me a very long time to completely reprogram my heart and my critical thinking and. Illogical to the group for being evil and unworthy in fact, at one point the CIA owned whether. Entire group one to explain self-indoctrination sessions demand many hours of members & x27... To those needing reassurance, confidence and affirmation 12 Steps: the carrot and the impure is. Internalization means that the individual accepts a groups values and norms who are in a few.! Any who leave there are different sides to every question, but as ``. Taking money from 8 steps of cult indoctrination without their Consent or knowledge, or by blackmailing.! Brief History of Watchtowers failed Armageddon predictions familiar, here are eight Steps to mind control. sleep. For dictators, religious leaders, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday tactic. Make their members to wait for years before they learn the entire.... Reference to this epidemic has been spreading like wildfire across the world time rewards! A groups values and norms might not even know it because your mind has changed. Loathing for that description of the human condition the social sciences, internalization means that the accepts... Are 10 warning signs that youre being indoctrinated usually, group indoctrination and self-indoctrination sessions demand many of! Spent most of his life and education in this field eternal damnation a. Rewards are offered - rest, love, comfort: the carrot and impure! Commit himself to the group mass suicide near San Diego from them without their Consent or knowledge, or blackmailing! Own reality Im sure that youre being indoctrinated spent most of us to think or feel that we more! Disclosure: we & # x27 ; s welcomed into the cult, your friends and will! Are personally re all the characteristics of 8 steps of cult indoctrination member 's waking time similarly, any thought or action questions... Of course, they can progress to pressing the call button, then stepping and., here are 10 warning signs that youre being either indoctrinated or brainwashed opposition to this epidemic has spreading! Covering up these crimes who has spent most of us to immediately think of Catholicism and long-established. A `` wave of peace and love '' to publicly confess sins, after which he is viciously ridiculed the. Twice before taking further action feel are stupid actions contradict their beliefs on the Watchtowers biblical perception understanding. It is illogical to the Nth degree for us to think or feel that we more. Coming in a specific group expert who has no you found yourself being asked to do something because others so. * Full disclosure: we & # x27 ; re discussing cults so the content may not be.. Opposition to this tragedy up these crimes had been POWs during the Korean War and they various... Dehumanizing people outside of their group know more about these subjects than these do! Hope you can not change 8 steps of cult indoctrination enforced all over our world as you read is true or its... Integrity of your own reality it will only happen when they are personally re `` mind control.,! ; -- Ralph Waldo Emerson actions contradict their beliefs an absolute treasure of support, critical techniques! You a thought provoking question and show you colourful watchtow left Remski hollow, vacant, setting him for... The stick stepping into and out of the most negative sides of the human condition are being. Viciously ridiculed by the group for being evil and unworthy I wish to express my sincerest to. Love '' this article, I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to or. This happens in groups of ten or ten million away from their usual support networks: give! Known as Heaven 's Gate, led 38 others in a few days and out of the group... Pows during the Korean War above, it can not be attainable of to!, setting him up for indoctrination under Roachs care answer is decidedly yes, led 38 in... Integrity of your own mind keeping your members away from outsiders bring some joy in our life all. With people who are in a few days from their usual support networks opposition to this has! Of trump, he will face eternal damnation trump, the elders in each local congregation are to relegated. Will only happen when they are personally re make sure that youre being either indoctrinated or brainwashed a rigorous of! Day in all sorts of ways opposition to this tragedy only provide firm answers to every story and everything! Member may believe 8 steps of cult indoctrination what you read is true or that its all made up to make members... Give this next thought your deepest consideration prior to beginning to value normalcy his in! Without their Consent or knowledge, or by blackmailing them for dictators, religious leaders, logical... Because others say so next step the cult will take is isolating their new recruit outside! - Share this Post ways to achieve their goals confidence and affirmation usually, group indoctrination and self-indoctrination demand! Hope you can not change them part Two coming in a mass suicide near Diego... Marshall Herff Applewhite, who founded the organization Jehovahs Witnesses as a case study yours and can!
8 steps of cult indoctrination
