Follow BB:
Cults and Terrorism, Part 5 – Features of Destructive Cults
Continued from part four. Groups have a personality and destructive cult-like groups have certain behaviors in common. “Good” cult-like groups may or may not have the same traits. In “good” groups the traits serve to strengthen group identity and help members conform positively to the group’s ideals and mission. The acid test is in the results. There shouldn’t be any violence, to a member’s mental or physical health or to anyone outside the group.
The test is to apply Hippocrates’ admonition from 300 BCE: “Do no harm.” If there is harm, the group and its teachings are not “good.”
Signs most often cited for destructive cult-like groups are:
- Exclusivity (only we know the truth)
- Deviant beliefs (e.g., what the Book of Revelations really means)
- Charismatic leader (more selfish than selfless)
- Blind loyalty (prevents critical thinking)
- Secrets and/or rituals (reinforces separation from society)
- Social and/or family isolation (substitute group for family)
References
MacHovec, Frank. Cults and Terrorism. Publisher: Frank Machovec (lulu.com). 2010. ISBN: 978-0-557-04459-7.
Frank MacHovec, MA, PhD
Frank MacHovec, MA, PhD, is a retired clinical psychologist who worked 30 years in mental health clinics and hospitals and in private practice. In addition to BA, MA, and PhD degrees, he earned two post-PhD diplomates and was a certified forensics examiner who testified as expert witness in civil and criminal cases.2 Responses
-
[...] from part five. Leaders of destructive cult-like groups are very likely to have a very strong need for power and [...]
Leave a Reply
Popular Posts
Future Posts
- Improving Emotional Intelligence in Psychosis with Art Therapy
- Multifaceted Causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Math Anxiety – Dealing with Fear of Failure
- Boosting Cognitive Performance by… Chewing?
- Can You ‘Catch’ Depression?
Latest Posts
Comments
- relationship counselling: It is a very Nice Topic that H
- Jiheishou-no Daigakusha: @ Arabella: I never claimed th
- Jiheishou-no Daigakusha: Therefore, [glossolalia] is
- David rocks: I am a schizophrenia sufferer.
- dr. bitswana migalini: As someone who has studie lang
There is no doubt that the bride and groom on the wedding first lead. But is also very important role of the best man and maid of honor, you need to carefully plan and prepare your perfect “green” bridesmaid dress need to pay attention to what? Together with the goods Wei Weiwei bride Xiao Bian look