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Cults are commonly defined as a group or organization (sometimes religious) that has independent beliefs and is usually isolated from the normal society. In some ways, cults tend to form their own structured society with a messianic leader guiding the group. The strategy in which cults entice and control their members is one of the most fascinating things about cults. Cults have significant social effects on American society. To some, these effects are positive, but to others, they are devastating. Cults are groups that possess many characteristics.
They use psychological persuasions to recruit, brainwash, and hold on to their members. Some form an egotist totalitarian society, which is founded by a self-appointed leader. This authoritarian leader is not liable and is believed, by members, to be messianic. The social structures of cults are organized like a pyramid, with the leader at the top. The group is usually isolated from the rest of society, which is believed to be negative. They tend to create their own world and limit outside influences.
These are the four basic behaviors that are exhibited by cults. Dr. Arthur J. Diekman, author of The Wrong Way Home, refers to cult behaviors as the dependency dream. There is a regressive wish for security that uses the family as a model, creating an authoritarian leadership structure (the parent) and a close-knit, exclusive group (the children) (Diekman 48). The group is vulnerable because the leader makes reality distorted.
This allows the leader to offer protection like a parent offers a child protection. If opinions are voiced among the group and they disagree with the leader, it is viewed as disloyal and lacking in commitment. Among the group, there is a fear of disappointing the leader, which usually results in punishment. Rewards and punishments are intensified in cults. There tends to be three different models of cult formation, which are the psychopathology model, the entrepreneur model, and the subculture-evolution model (Stark 171). The psychopathology model of a cult is created by individuals who suffer from mental illness.
Through hallucinations, new beliefs are created which appear to be truthful, spiritually and religiously. These religious cults attract the most people who convert, usually because these people tend to suffer from a societal crisis and want a spiritual cure (Stark 175). The entrepreneur model is similar to a business. They provide products, which are bought by consumers. Some products that are sold are psychic powers, religious beliefs, etc. This business appears to be profitable and even fascinates its consumers.
Finally, the subculture-evolution model is described as a cult with group interaction instead of an authoritarian leader. They work together as a social group, providing each other with therapy. As bonds strengthen, the social network becomes more thoroughly interconnected as previous distant persons are brought together (Stark 186). All three of these models are connected and some cults are found to exhibit a combination of the three.
There are many different types of known cults. One type that makes up the largest number of cults is the theosophical and spiritualist group. This group holds a strong belief of having a direct contact with the spiritual world. The next group is the psychic group that holds a belief in psychic powers in which its members can receive through proper training. Scientology is a cult that falls into this category. Psychedelic groups were popular groups in the 1960 s that used hallucinative drugs in order to stimulate religious visions.
Groups that believe in spiritual contact with outer space, such as Heavens Gate, make up the group known as Flying Saucers. Ancient Tradition groups are those who perform rituals attempting to rekindle Pre-Christian ceremonies and faith, also known as witchcraft or magic. Finally, Jesus People, other wise known as Jesus Freaks, make up the last type of cult. This group was very popular in the late 1960 s and early 1970 s (Stark 197 - 199). The area where cults are located is very important. Population differences play an important role in where cults flourish (Stark 191).
In America, California has the highest number of cults and New York has the second highest (Stark 192). Cults tend to reside in areas were there isnt any hostility or opposition toward religious groups. The location in which most cults originated from is most likely the area where the national headquarters can be found. Scientology is a very large cult that has many groups located in different areas from coast to coast. This cult even has a ship in which Scientology members can be found. Cults are known to use mind control techniques that range from peer pressure and hypnosis to sleep deprivation and verbal abuse.
In order to persuade people to join, they create a warm loving atmosphere where the cause of the group is positive. In theory, people that have potential for recruitment are those who believe in supernatural or religious beliefs and are not a part of another religious organization. Researcher and sociologist Rodney Stark states that people for who life is going well continue to do as they have done and are unlikely to join (Stark 311). He set up an experiment in which his colleagues and he observed a certain amount of people who were exposed to the Movies, also known as the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity. As a result he found that people do not the cult unless something is bothering them (Stark 311). Once a member, rights and choices are taken away.
Some members are found to be malnourished and their bodies are physically deteriorating due to mind control techniques. Couples are forced to form relationships with others, not only each other. Intelligence deteriorates as well, leading to poor judgement and loss of sense of humor. Children who are brought up in cults tend to be dismal and uneducated compared to children who are a part of society. The outcomes of cults on its members and on society are significant.
On the macro level, cults or groups with authoritarian leaders can have significant effects on society. For example, one well known cult known as the Branch of Davidians, led by David Korea, had a momentous effected on the American nation. The cult lived in a complex in Waco, Texas where the resulting standoff turned into a fifty-one day siege that ended on April 19, 1993, when federal agents launched a new attack on the Davidians complex. A fire was somehow ignited, and over eighty Branch Davidians perished (Miller 157). Another authoritarian leader who effected the world was Adolph Hitler.
He was a radical figurehead who gained power through influencing people and thus, exhibited cult behavior. His ideas effected the world and led to World War II. Families are effected in ways that are devastating and usually permanent. Many families outside of the group rarely see their relatives who are members of cults. Cults demand members to devote large amounts of time, money, and energy to the groups activities (Diekman 5).
Relationships outside of the group are difficult to maintain and contact with outsiders are discouraged. Outsiders are believed to be evil and threatening because they do not share the cults beliefs. Communication with families outside of cults are supervised: phone calls are tapped, letters censored, and visits are eliminated or chaperoned (Appel 106). Because maintaining relationships with families are criticized, members encourage the dismissal of families. It shows loyalty and commitment towards the rest of the group. Some cults justify hating parents by distorted reference to the Bible- the only true father is the Holy Father, and the only real parents are spiritual parents (Appel 106).
If some members are having problems with family members outside the group, the cult resembles a structured family, where everyone appears...
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