Webster’s
definition of ‘Cult’
1.
Religious practice
2. A
usually small or narrow circle of persons united by devotion or
allegiance to some artistic or intellectual program, tendency, or
figure (as one of limited popular appeal)”.
By
this definition, most groups can be regarded as a cult. Also, cults
can be benign and even positive in nature.
“A
“Destructive” Cult
Any
authoritarian pyramid-shaped organization (religious, political,
psychotherapy/educational or commercial) which practices
1.
deceptive recruitment
2.
employs mind control to keep its followers dependent and
obedient to the leader and the doctrine. A distinct continuum from
benign to abusive and violent.”
(Bullet
points from Releasing the Bonds video 5)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO1L-GYDZqo
Mind
Control Vs Brainwashing.
Brainwashing
is coercive
.
Physical imprisonment
.
Use of torture, overt coercion
.
At the beginning, brainwashers are viewed as the enemy
.
Produces compliant behavior/false confessions
“Mind
Control
.
Subtle and sophisticated
.
Voluntary participation and cooperation
.
At the beginning mind controllers are viewed as friends/benign
.
Produces new identity/internalization of new beliefs”
(Bullet
points from Releasing the Bonds video 5)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO1L-GYDZqo
Comment: Look for the similarities!
Cheers
The
Fellas (Friends
of Alcoholics Anonymous)
PS
Our thanks to this contributor
