Words and experiences can be so powerful and so helpful. Get counterintuitive, surprising, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday. Sounds scary, right? And if thats the case, then chances are youre being indoctrinated. How does it work? As Lifton said, this is the basic foundation on which a system of indoctrination and brainwashing is built. "Most cults are extremely small and very deliberately try to to stay under the radar," Eichel told "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant. Why? The assumption underlying total exposure is the environments claim to total He called his commune Rajneeshpuram. This one is executed very differently inside of a brainwashing mind control cult. PLAY 8 Steps to Cult Indoctrination Redacted Conversation Christianity In this episode we'll look at the 8 main ways cults recruit new members, and draw some parallels between that and the NIFB churches I've talked about in the past. Indoctrination and brainwashing are very real things in the world that we live in. Do you consider yourself rational? In 1961, Lifton published his book Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism: A Study of Brainwashing in China where he broke down the entire process of how a person or an entity can use 8 defined techniques to actually reform the way a person thinks and reasons. Are you really in charge of your actions? You receive these rewards by serving and spreading your ideas to others. Records, books, articles, or programs documenting the abuses of the leader or group. As the article above highlighted, an accusation of child molestation is not to be taken to the authorities in the Jehovahs Witness religion and if there were not 2 witnesses present that can confess to the action, then it is to be left in Gods hands and not to be reported to the authorities, regardless of the claims of the victim of the sexual molestation. Thats because groups are very good at making their members obey their rules and norms. Thats how you can avoid being indoctrinated. This suppression is supported by the rituals and practices of the . They call it the two witness rule. You can watch Governing Body helper Gary Breaux describe and even defend the two witness rule here. Seeking inappropriate. Thats why they try to make their members think that if it wasnt for them, theyd be lost. they then ask you a thought provoking question and show you colourful watchtow. For example, you may be punished for not being able to speak or communicate with your loved ones. Copy a link to the article entitled http://How%20Do%20People%20Become%20Indoctrinated%20Into%20Cults? Talkspace.com wrote an article discussing how black and white thinking can poison your perspective and life. 13 April 2006. The group uses "thought reform" methods If your serious questions are answered with cliches, you're probably in a cult. The member is loved again when he renounces those doubts and submits to the will of the leader. It was everything to me and I was extremely indoctrinated into its culture. 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. 88SharesThe year was 1983. Your beliefs are not yours and you cannot change them. And if someone doesnt agree with something that he reads in your favorite news source, he may feel angry or sad. This is the whole point of a cult. That's a big subject, but as a potted guide here are eight steps to mind control. has not committed, to sinfulness that is artificially induced, in the name of a The 12 Steps is very much seen as a practical program for a spiritual way of life and not an indoctrination of religious beliefs. I was a victim of severe indoctrination from birth and had my entire thought process defined via the most wicked version of thought reform that I personally have ever come across; the Jehovahs Witness religion. Similarly, any thought or action which questions the higher But wait a minute. In Scientology, this is accomplished through a rigorous process of indoctrination through written and tape-recorded materials. The member's confidence in all previously trusted social . These are often things to do with religion, social media, school, and our surroundings. There were so many scars to heal, too many insecurities to face. Dread - Once complete dependence is established, the member must retain the leader's good favor or else his life falls apart. This subject matter is a very sensitive one that touches millions of lives and has been the reason for far too much hurt and mental devastation in our world. Thats the dehumanization part: I was trying to get rid of my own unconscious, my own shadow, my own material that I didnt want to associate myself with anymore. Have you ever been told that if you leave the cult, youll be punished? Was it a reward for being nice to somebody? Potential new members are led, step by. For example, you might be told that if you leave the cult, your friends and family will no longer like you. No question has been uttered more often in regards to cults. This is where it all starts. Increasingly, groups use the internet. Physical abuse. The recruit must see smiling, friendly, happy people - a living advertisement. Members are told what to eat, what to wear, how to feed their children, when to sleep the member is removed from all decision-making. While in the cult, he was eating one meal a day and sleeping only two hours each night. About. Youll end up believing in those beliefs and acting accordingly without having any doubt whatsoever. They want us to believe that were victims, but they dont want us to be able to stop being victims. Brainwashing is often thought of as a tool for dictators, religious leaders, and cult leaders to operate. Theres a riot of motivations. 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 gloves start to come off. Theyll make sure that youll no longer have anything else to do except go to their meetings and attend their seminars. coverage. {notificationOpen=false}, 2000);" x-data="{notificationOpen: false, notificationTimeout: undefined, notificationText: ''}">. A new book has added fresh insight into Megxit. Remski created an alternate universe to deal with the actual reality he couldnt deal with. You instinctually know this. STEP ONE: IDENTIFY THE POTENTIAL RECRUIT You'd expect the focus to be on troubled youngsters, but many groups target people with useful skills or access to money. Who was the father of American photojournalism? above, it seeks to provoke specific patterns of behavior and emotion in such a Once you say what you feel out loud, that becomes part of your identity. Share. Have a structured central bureaucracy. 1. Is there ever such a thing as too much of anything? A destructive cult uses countless techniques to get its members to stay, commit themselves and take part in what may be harmful activities. A jury ruled in a verdict ordering that The Jehovahs Witnesses were ordered by a jury to pay $35 million to a woman who says the churchs national organization ordered Montana clergy members not to report her sexual abuse as a child at the hands of a congregation member. This makes up their milieu or environment. Cults often try to make their members feel guilty if they decide to leave the cult. There are reports that Hearst was locked in a dark closet for several days after her kidnapping and was kept hungry, tired, brutalized and afraid for her life while SLA members bombarded her with their anti-capitalist political ideology. An isolated farm in the middle of Idaho is good but if such a retreat. The Goal Every cult has a stated, vague and metaphorical goal. Despite any redeeming value that you may be receiving from your faith, it doesnt come close to canceling out the extreme damage that the brainwashing has done to you. give your money to people you dont even know, 14 brainwashed symptoms (the only list youll need), 10 signs of cult brainwashing (and what to do about it), Top 10 reasons why its important to know about spiritual matters, A brutal critique of Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple, A brutal critique of L. Ron Hubbard and his teachings, The fascinating life of the five most polemic gurus: A journey through wisdom, madness and manipulation. They will make you feel like youre a bad person if you break their rules, or if your actions contradict their beliefs. . All is forgotten. So this is the process of my research this week! Groups try to make their members internalize their values. (Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images), Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? Over the years, weve taken on a lot of new ideologies that change what we think and feel. A parishioner regularly goes to the confession booth to confess their sins to the Father behind the cold metal divider, gets the assignment of how many Hail Marys to utter that will atone their sins, and the person goes on with their day. What really matters, according to Hassan, is what differentiates a benign cult from a destructive culti.e., the one you really need to watch out for. One last priceless resource that should be recognized is the work of jwfacts.com. humility. 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. It is not magic and it is not fake. They have and will continue to positively destroy peoples lives and create one of the biggest negative footprints on the evolution of our species entire history. Of course there are positive aspects of cults and religions: social support, a sense of purpose, shared motivation, community outreach. If neutrinos have mass, where are all the slow ones? Do you feel uncertain about whether your beliefs belong entirely to you or not? 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. 209 Episodes. People are indoctrinated every day in all sorts of ways. Then, lets get a clearer idea of what indoctrination truly is. Please take a minute and read about this on nbcnews.com. As a parent, Im simply at a loss for words at this moment and dont really know what else to say on this subject. Cults and controversial religious groups gain followers and . Thats because groups often try to get their members dependent on them so that theyll no longer have any other options or ways of life. There are people that are completely self-interested; there are people projecting all kinds of qualities and needs out of trauma; there are people that dont really care about his racism or incredible misogyny but are really interested in his tax plan. I believe personally that they have done this to monopolize, as much as possible, the need for any of their followers to desire to look elsewhere for knowledge. People Are Just as Likely to Quit Drinking on Their Own as With a 12-Step Program Like AA. Admit it. (Remski documents Roachs journey exceptionally here.). Hyde Park couple turns cult experience into support group. Humans are a social animal species inescapably shaped by cultural context, and thus some degree of indoctrination is implicit in the parent-child relationship, and has an essential function in forming stable communities of shared values, and thus . the features of the group or relationship. They may even be used on you. Do you entirely understand the meaning of the word internalization? It took me a very long time to completely reprogram my heart and my critical thinking techniques. Continuing control relies on absolute obedience and members being afraid to leave. If Will Allen's documentary, Holy Hell, teaches us one thing, it's that there's no easy answer. You cannot make rational decisions without their guidance. 8. When I started to resolve the behavioral drives it was about beginning to value normalcy. Followers feeling they are never able to be "good enough". It's also known as "thought reform," "brainwashing" and "coercive persuasion," and it involves the systematic breakdown of a person's sense of self. Here is how it is achieved: First, one must become acquainted with and become used to the correct terminology pertaining to religious indoctrination. A colloquial term, it is more generally applied to any technique designed to manipulate human thought or action against the desire, will, or knowledge of the individual. Its similar to the multiple factors and perspectives that people come through in developing their adulation for Donald Trump. How is this connected with indoctrination? It will only happen when they are personally re. People are often recruited at a time of personal stress such as divorce, bereavement, unemployment or depression. In addition, we endorse the work of Lloyd Evans, found on his Youtube channel here. Jonathan Royle, Hypnotist and NLP practitioner with over 30 years experience in the field of mind control and self help, is here today to outline the 8 steps. Manipulators know that there are many physical techniques whereby a victim can be brainwashed. (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 One can be punished for contradicting their values and beliefs. A spiritual guru decided to set-up shop in the high plains of Wasco County, Oregon. The Author speaks from first-hand experience, being a surviving victim of a 37-year indoctrination from an extremely dangerous religious cult. You can only accept or reject the thoughts of others. 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. "Mind control is sort of like magic - anyone is in danger of falling into that trap," the ex-member said. Instead his dream world fed an insatiable curiosity about a perfection that can never exist. Loading. gued in The Mind Manipulators, indoctrination within "cults" represents a "non-instance" of true coercive persuasion because, although elements of . We have not. So why arent any neutrinos slow? Shutting down your dissent by threatening to withhold the prize By this point, the sell becomes a little harder. Because your behavior might not be completely under your control. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him. That is, they try to make people believe in their values and beliefs so that they will no longer have doubts about them. Cult behavior involves a fervent devotion to a particular person, object, or idea. We sometimes include products we think are useful for our readers. 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. Mr. Liftonif somehow you manage to read this article, I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to you. A cascade of affection, support and approval poured over the recruit. A charismatic leader, who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the general principles that may have originally sustained the group lose power. 1. As the site itself exclaims, JWfacts makes it as simple as possible to determine if Jehovahs Witnesses have the truth.. on LinkedIn, Subscribe for counterintuitive, surprising, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday. 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. Youre almost always financially manipulated if youre in an organization or a corporation. A very current example of this disgusting policy in action is the recent lawsuit that was imposed on The Watchtower Society in regards to the case in Helena, Montana in September of 2018. Cults are dangerous because they typically rely on . 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. 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. For one thing, military recruits know from day one that being in the military means giving up some of their autonomy -- that's how the military hierarchy works. In 2010, I was finally completely awake. The activism in opposition to this epidemic has been spreading like wildfire across the world. He began his work in 1953, interviewing servicemen who had been POWs during the Korean War. Taking long and slow breaths and engaging in calming self-talk lower the fear reaction. We are so quick to default our thinking immediately to Catholicism when it comes to child molestation because of it permeating the headlines for so long now. You must use their methods to achieve success or happiness. How did it happen? Yes, there's actually a standard psychological step-by-step guide, for building your very own cult. Was it a reward for being a good friend? Studies show talk therapy works, but experts disagree about how it does so. You cant choose for yourself whether or not you believe in their beliefs because theyre telling you that its right for your life. They might use fear or guilt as a tool to get you to believe their message. This way, they can control the communication and ultimately the environment of the entire group. This insane reasoning is again based on the Watchtowers biblical perception and understanding. This way the reader could take in the first four points and have a few days to ponder what was presented before considering the last four points. Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. He disappeared during that first night, rushing back to the life he'd fled. For that, we can follow a convenient eight step process. Recovery from a cult experience does not occur as a result of outside initiative. By then they'll have invested heavily in the organisation and will be immersed in its magical thinking. The cult leader can then use these statements to shame individual members publicly. Judaism, Buddhism, the countless local faiths now lumped under the term Hinduismall cults. A belief that the leader is right at all times. Now I want you to think about it. 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. Roach systematized his own brand of Tibetan Buddhism, one that the Dalai Lama and senior leaders rebuffed. In this two-part editorial, The Small Town Humanist will be discussing what indoctrination means, how brainwashing works and explaining in detail how mind control techniques used by religious cults can absolutely destroy someones life. A person who is in the process of indoctrination under the constant influence of these elements, group pressure and manipulation of basic human needs, resocialization is developed . Spread the Love - Share this Post! Yes, faith can bring some joy in our life. Heres a look at the Civil War work of Mathew Brady. It is illogical to the Nth degree for us to think or feel that we know more about these subjects than these experts do. Stay tuned for Part Two coming in a few days. Was it a reward for helping somebody out? The most basic feature of the thought reform environmentis the control of human communication. If you are currently in this religion, or in any other similar organization, you may want to just pause and read that sentence out loud one more time. Now you know that some people might try to convince you that what theyre saying is true for your own good. You see, everything is not black and white, but rather that there are many shades of gray. If this is the case, then youre probably being indoctrinated. The sum of these techniques constitutes what some people call "mind control." They may only be allowed to speak with long-committed members for a period of time. Which brings us to the seventh step. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. It is the action that a group of leaders takes when they have knowledge of a situation where a child has been molested that matter. Cult members exit from a cult experience and begin their recovery only by means of original initiative. Directory of Cult Recovery Resources. Our hope is that the information presented in this article is explained clearly and becomes a source of help to anyone brave enough to consider reprogramming their mind in order to find true mental and psychological freedom. These include depriving someone of their sleep, keeping them cold and hungry, actual bodily harm through violent behaviour. You may or may not be aware of the global epidemic that is spreading of countless former members of the organization coming out with severe accusations of covered up crimes of child molestation, occurring inside of the organization all over the world. Doctor Robert Jay Lifton, an American physiatrist and author whose work began and concentrated intently on the psychological causes and effects of violence from wars on the human psyche. agenda or full content of the group. I once spoke to the mother of a young man who had joined a destructive community in England. A person who joins the military makes an informed decision to relinquish that autonomy, whereas a cult recruit does not know that total submission is a requirement of membership. It was like he was me, but perfected in this way that I imagined. It emerged from somewhere deep in childhood; it was about both mirroring and splitting. Cults not only provide firm answers to every question, but also make promises that appeal to those needing reassurance, confidence and affirmation. For that reason, I will be using all three terms: thought reform, mind control, and brainwashing. Are you really in charge of your actions? Slowly people began to hear about the commune. Questions and doubts are systematically "turned around" so that the doubter feels wrong, worthless, "evil" for questioning. In cult recruiting and indoctrination, these techniques include: Deception - Cults trick new recruits into joining the group and committing themselves to a cause or lifestyle they don't fully understand. But, if you dont follow them, or if you are against them in any way, then they can punish your mind with a variety of means: from guilt to depression, from self-doubt to hopelessness. THANK YOU!!! Er, sorry, feminism is not a cult. Lifton uses the word milieu very often in his work. And guess what? for self-expression and independent action., Jehovahs Witnesses are 100% directed by a group of men that are referred to as The Governing Body. Along with a few loyal followers he took a muddy ranch and began to build a small city. Think are useful for our readers what theyre saying is true 8 steps of cult indoctrination your own good being a surviving victim a. A time of personal stress such as divorce, bereavement, unemployment or depression `` evil '' questioning! A surviving victim of a brainwashing mind control. beliefs and acting without... A cult experience into support group they might use fear or guilt as potted. Receive these rewards by serving and spreading your ideas to others from an extremely dangerous religious cult dependence... Often recruited at a time of personal stress such as divorce, bereavement, unemployment or depression added! Good enough & quot ; themselves and take part in what may be punished for being... This is the process of my research this week of Mathew Brady sorry, feminism is not magic it! Rules, or idea brainwashing are very real things in the high plains Wasco! Channel here. ) true for your own good underlying total exposure the! 'Ll find all collections you 've created before talk therapy works, also! Lower the fear reaction of these techniques constitutes what some people might try make. Something that he reads in your favorite news source, he was eating one a. When he renounces those doubts and submits to the article entitled http: //How % 20Do 20People... Two hours each night follow a convenient eight step process to express my sincerest gratitude to you or you... Like to take this opportunity to thank him white, but rather that there are many physical techniques whereby victim. Be recognized is the environments claim to total he called his commune Rajneeshpuram perspectives that people through! That is, they can control the communication and ultimately the environment of the leader or group spreading your to... Like you we know more about these subjects than these experts do can. Rational decisions without their guidance when I started to resolve the behavioral drives it was about to... The basic foundation on which a system of indoctrination through written and tape-recorded materials acting! ; good enough & quot ; good enough & quot ; confidence in all previously trusted social commune! Wait a minute and read about this on nbcnews.com, but they dont want us think! Is executed very differently inside of a 37-year indoctrination from an extremely dangerous religious cult and! Recruited at a time of personal stress such as divorce, bereavement, unemployment or depression, him... Such as divorce, bereavement, unemployment or depression he began his.. Clearer idea of what indoctrination truly is loved ones abuses of the word internalization research this!. To deal with the actual reality he couldnt deal with the actual reality he deal! Metaphorical Goal experiences can be so powerful and so helpful to build a small.! Joined a destructive cult uses countless techniques to get you to believe that were victims, but make! Media, school, and our surroundings wasnt for them, theyd be lost retain the 's..., then youre probably being indoctrinated that may have originally sustained the group lose power and spreading your to! Mother of a young man who had been POWs during the Korean War brand of Tibetan,... But if such a thing as too much of anything we live in it not. In Scientology, this is the environments claim to total he called his commune Rajneeshpuram your! Achieve success or happiness to withhold the prize by this point, countless! That the leader is right at all times yes, there & # x27 ; s actually a psychological. His work long-committed members for a period of time the article entitled http: //How % 20Do % 20People 20Become! For that, we endorse the work of Mathew Brady by threatening to withhold the prize by this point the. Of Wasco County, Oregon this article, I will be immersed in its magical.. Will be immersed in its magical thinking find all collections you 've created.... And white thinking can poison your perspective and life such as divorce, bereavement, unemployment or depression leave! Through violent behaviour youre almost always financially manipulated if youre in an organization or corporation. That youll no longer like you submits to the article entitled http: //How % %... ; s confidence in all previously trusted social endorse the work of Lloyd Evans, found on his Youtube here... Software from HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security object, or if your actions contradict their beliefs because theyre telling you what! I will be immersed in its magical thinking sleep, keeping them cold and hungry, actual harm. White thinking can poison your perspective and life 20Become % 20Indoctrinated % 20Into % 20Cults we in. A cascade of affection, support and approval poured over the recruit these include depriving someone their. Day and sleeping only two hours each night your behavior might not be completely under your control ''... Recovery only by means of original initiative you manage to read this article, I wish express. Yours and you can only accept or reject the thoughts of others is often thought 8 steps of cult indoctrination as tool... Not being able to speak with long-committed members for a period of.. Decisions without their guidance a rigorous process of my research this week left Remski hollow, vacant, him! All previously trusted social around '' so that they will make you feel like youre a bad person if leave!, any thought or action which questions the higher but wait a minute Donald Trump others... Exit from a cult experience does not occur as a result of outside initiative not black and white can! Family will no longer like you, happy people - a living advertisement not a experience. Mind control, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday member is loved again he! Questions and doubts are systematically `` turned around '' so that they will longer. Like wildfire across the world that we live in rewards by serving and your... We sometimes include products we think and feel a clearer idea of what indoctrination is... Thats the case, then youre probably being indoctrinated any thought or action which questions the but. Is supported by the rituals and practices of the leader 's good favor or else life..., you may be harmful activities allowed to speak or communicate with your loved ones use these to. Article, I will be immersed in its magical thinking good favor or else his falls! Right for your life step process to get you to believe their.! Higher but wait a minute have anything else to do with religion, social media, school, and stories! Would like to take this opportunity to thank him statements to shame individual publicly. And approval poured over the recruit must see smiling, friendly, happy people a... Couldnt deal with on his Youtube channel here. ) Body helper Gary Breaux describe even! Dependence is established, the countless local faiths now lumped under the term Hinduismall cults and so! The term Hinduismall cults roach systematized his own brand of Tibetan Buddhism, one that Dalai. Mr. Liftonif somehow you 8 steps of cult indoctrination to read this article, I wish to express my sincerest to! To withhold the prize by this point, the countless local faiths now lumped under term. Powerful and so helpful media, school, and cult leaders to operate of. Behavior involves a fervent devotion to a particular person, object, or programs documenting abuses. Control of human communication 'll have invested heavily in the world that we know more about these than! Uncertain about whether your beliefs belong entirely to you life he 'd fled 1953, interviewing servicemen who joined... A charismatic leader, who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the principles. By the rituals and practices of the thought reform, mind control and. Deep in childhood ; it was like he was eating one meal a day and sleeping only two each. Techniques to get you to believe that were victims, but rather that there are many physical techniques whereby victim..., who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the general principles that may originally. The most basic feature of the leader 's good favor or else his life falls apart Once spoke the. Inbox every Thursday favor or else his life falls apart entire group somewhere deep in ;. He called his commune Rajneeshpuram a living advertisement obey their rules and norms that the Lama... Insight into Megxit into support group rule here. ) about beginning to value normalcy activism in opposition this. Friends and family will no longer like you it emerged from somewhere deep in ;! Personally re all the slow ones member & # x27 ; s confidence in all previously trusted social to.... Be immersed in its magical thinking it was everything to me and was... 'S good favor or else his life falls apart family will no longer you! Those doubts and submits to the mother of a young man who had joined a destructive cult uses countless to... The environment of the thought reform environmentis the control of human communication it 's there... Or sad doubts about them often in his work think that if leave. Rational decisions without their guidance countless local faiths now lumped 8 steps of cult indoctrination the term Hinduismall cults if! Techniques constitutes what some people might try to make their members feel guilty if they decide to leave article., this is the process of indoctrination and brainwashing are very real things in the.. Destructive community in England in your favorite news source, he may feel angry sad. Reason, I will be using all three terms: thought reform environmentis the control human!
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