Wow Gene! I’m so impressed that you were chosen to get the emails. You must be hot stuff, huh? Would it be unethical to share them here? I confess that I don’t really know what would be right or wrong in this circumstance. Do you think they are copyright protected? Also, do you know the name of the ring leader of the group? I’d love to do a search.
Yeah, nuf said alright! Any group who bullies based on their supposed divine authority is suspect in my opinion. BTW, the fact that you are always wrong is a sure sign of a cult, and not a good one either. Check out #8-11 in the list below of common cult practices.
1. The cult displays excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its leader or leaders whether they are alive or dead.
2. The cult usually regards its belief system, ideology, and practices as the truth, and the law.
3. The cult tends to be elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s) and members.
4. Often cult leaders elevate themselves to messianic levels.
5. Often the cult claims to have a special mission to save humanity.
6. The cult is usually preoccupied with bringing in new members.
7. The leader or leaders dictate, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel.
8. Cult leaders induce feelings of shame and/or guilt in order to influence and/or control members. Often, this is done through peer pressure and subtle forms of persuasion.
9. Group-think dominates cults and independent or critical thinking is often described as prideful and sinful.
10. Cults demand absolutism – total, unquestioning obedience and submission to the group both in action and thought.
11. Cults use coercion and guilt to maintain control and avoid rebellion.
12. Disobedience to the cult and its leader(s), including even minor disagreement with group doctrine, may result in expulsion and shunning.
13. In the cult questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished.
14. The cult usually practices rites and rituals such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, denunciation sessions and other methods of mind indoctrination.
15. The cult usually has a polarizing us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society.
16. The cult leader often claims not to be accountable to any mainstream authority.
17. The cult teaches that its ends justify whatever means it deems necessary.
18. Frequently, subservience to the cult leader or group requires members to cut ties with family and friends, or radically alter their personal goals and activities in order to conform to the group.
19. The cult is usually preoccupied with making money.
18. Cult members are usually expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities.
20. Cult members are usually encouraged or required to live and/or socialize only with other group members.
21. Loyal cult members fear reprisals if the leave or consider leaving the group.
