What was the last thing you got for your devotion? Followers feeling they are never able to be "good enough". Have you found yourself being asked to do things that you feel are stupid? Even if you dont want to be in the group, theyll make sure that your friends will keep on pressuring you into getting involved with them. 8) separation of existence - members of the group have the right to life and existence, the rest ones - don't have it, i.e. Those in power distribute rewards for "good" behavior and . Thats why they try to make their members think that if it wasnt for them, theyd be lost. Also, a person who joins the military does so for a definite period of time -- he is a party to a legal contract that states how long he will be a soldier and what he will get in return. 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. Was it a reward for spending time with your family and friends? Scientologists often target celebrities for recruitment due to their influence and wealth. As most people would agree, life is anything but black and white anymore. PICK A LEADER. Even though the Watchtower Organization will be used as a case study in our discussion, what we hope you take away is how to understand and use what Lifton has clarified down to a science for questioning and challenging your own religious faith. This makes up their milieu or environment. Nato is a writer and a researcher with an academic background in psychology. Born to a mom who . Isolation - Cults cut off members from the outside world (and even each other) to produce intense introspection, confusion, loss of perspective and a distorted sense of reality. The ensuing information is not for the faint at heart to consider. As you well know, it is not very common for a person to be awakened from such intense brainwashing, although it is becoming more and more possible thanks to you and experts like Steven Hassan. Any doubts, assertiveness or remaining ties to the outside world are punished by the group through criticism, guilt and alienation. A cult answers to no one. Intensive Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Effective Non 12 Step Alternatives to AA. This is where it all starts. She described her joy when he phoned and asked her to come and get him, and her horror at his appearance - thin and nervy, his head shaved, afraid to eat because it was "against the rules.". Lifton uses the word milieu very often in his work. 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. Berg's organisation was also notorious for its use of "flirty fishing", a form of evangelistic prostitution. 88SharesThe year was 1983. The control Jones held is far from unique among the leaders of destructive cults and new religions. The member's confidence in all previously trusted social . The truth is youre the one whos in charge of your actions. Remski admits to his intense drive for crisis-type experiences of love that left him feeling manic. So many people have had their lives completely destroyed from Watchtower covering up these crimes. There are cults that are tax-free and religions that are not. This insane reasoning is again based on the Watchtowers biblical perception and understanding. 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. To Create Your Very Own Cult Begin by creating your own reality. Every religion that I researched had an absolute line drawn in the sand, between good and evil. You cannot make rational decisions without their guidance. Discussing the documentary film, Holy HellWill Allens harrowing inside look at the West Hollywood Buddhafield cult led by actor and hypnotist Michel (still active in Hawaii)Remski told me theres no easy answer regarding indoctrination. Modern day experts such as Steven Hassan have done the same. 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. "How Cults Work" Prior to Hassans work, there was another authority on the subject that I personally give credit to for my own awakening. So, dont forget to keep track of your actions to avoid being brainwashed. He's welcomed into the cult family and invited to commit himself to the group. Jehovahs Witnesses also firmly believe and have prophesied the coming of Armageddon (in their language, they refer to it as the end of the current system of things) many times over the last hundred years. Ultimately, feelings of worthlessness and "evil" become associated with independence and critical thinking, and feelings of warmth and love become associated with unquestioning submission. Indoctrination or "brainwashing" is the process through which a . Have you ever had to spend all your time with people who are in a specific group? Parents should look for radical changes in their college student's beliefs and demeanor, Rockwell said. Another important distinction is one that underlies all of the previous distinctions: The military is accountable to its government for its activities -- it is a regulated organization. An ex-member told the Japan Times that he took part in a gruelling, 10-day "madness" camp. Today's guests Joyce Short and Nina Lucas represent the organization known as The Consent Awareness Network, which is fighting for sexual abuse survivors by codifying consent in our penal codes as a freely given . Words and experiences can be so powerful and so helpful. 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. He called his commune Rajneeshpuram. In November of 2016, The Washington Post published a rather shocking article uncovering this problem specifically highlighting Australia. Guilt is . 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. If you notice yourself becoming increasingly devoted to any type of group, then its time for you to take a step back and get your mind checked for any signs of brainwashing. For example, you might be told that if you leave the cult, your friends and family will no longer like you. Just make sure it's positive, good, and harmless. A new book has added fresh insight into Megxit. He is loved again when he acknowledges that his devotion to the cult is the only thing that will bring him salvation. (Remski documents Roachs journey exceptionally here.). Youve heard of Darwins finches. For example, do you have to go to their meetings every week? An isolated farm in the middle of Idaho is good but if such a retreat. Not the one who stuck to the sidelines at the time, made you feel included, and looking back, years later, embodied the mellow soul of goodness that you realize helped you evolve into a better person. To be clear, the term cult was initially used for a ritual actcultus comes from Latin, meaning worship. Throughout the world the word is still used to cite a religious group. coverage. as in all situations of ideological totalism, the experiential world is sharply But, Remski continues. Members can believe that all sorts of horrible things may happen if they don't follow the rules, if they don't earn more money, if they leave the group or even think of leaving the group etc. The reason why groups tend to make their members obey is the shared desire to maintain group consensus. And this is an effective way of controlling people. The concept of thought reform itself is a controversial one -- some say it's mere propaganda designed to scare people away from new religions and political movements. the features of the group or relationship. Have you been told that if it wasnt for them, youd be lost? The member may be pressured to publicly confess sins, after which he is viciously ridiculed by the group for being evil and unworthy. This is where trauma enters. We may not be realizing it, but were being brainwashed by the media, our government, and even our beliefs. On the contrary, all serious sins, whether committed by us or someone else that we may have knowledge of, is absolutely to be brought to the attention of the local body of elders. Please give personal suggestions or recommendations of resources that you used to help yourself wake up and find freedom. humility. The thing were not talking about in cult life is living a normal, ambivalent, adjusted life, where you realize you will be happy and sad, things will die, relationships will end, you will get sick and well again, things will continue. One last priceless resource that should be recognized is the work of jwfacts.com. This is done by taking money from them without their consent or knowledge, or by blackmailing them. If Will Allen's documentary, Holy Hell, teaches us one thing, it's that there's no easy answer. Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control. Needless to say, its another warning sign of being indoctrinated. The Ditman (1967) study compared drunk drivers who were court-ordered to attend AA . The sum of these techniques constitutes what some people call "mind control." means of exploiting, rather than offering solace for, these vulnerabilities In fact, at one point the CIA owned . They may only be allowed to speak with long-committed members for a period of time. The cult leader can then use these statements to shame individual members publicly. 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. Your beliefs are not yours and you cannot change them. Or do they disagree with what they read in your favorite news source? The member may be deprived of adequate sustenance and/or sleep so the mind becomes muddled. THANK YOU!!! Sleep and food deprivation, coupled with rigid rules, help to break down a person's sense of self. There is no debating this. Cults mislead new recruits/members as to the true expectations and activities of the group. 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. 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. Cults typically instill the belief that "outsiders" (non-cult members) are dangerous and wrong. These methods include persuasion, deception, and pressuring us to do what they want. Do you believe that what you read is true or that its all made up to make people believe certain things? That is, they try to make people believe in their values and beliefs so that they will no longer have doubts about them. Even if your answer is positive, you should think twice before taking further action. 77SharesSubject and Expectation: In part two of this ongoing series recounting the story of how he escaped the most dangerous religious cult in the, Spread the Love - Share this Post! This one is a rather easy one to explain. In 2010, I was finally completely awake. It is our earnest wish that the information in this article was presented in a clear enough manner to be of assistance to you or anyone that may be mentally struggling with the fallout of being a mind control victim of indoctrination or a brainwashing cult. 1. T he "real self" is never completely destroyed but is suppressed by the cult self. Copyright 2007-2023 & BIG THINK, BIG THINK PLUS, SMARTER FASTER trademarks owned by Freethink Media, Inc. All rights reserved. I chose The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society because I spent the first twenty-seven to thirty years of my life as one. Yes, there's actually a standard psychological step-by-step guide, for building your very own cult. Stay in touch onFacebookandTwitter. That's a big subject, but as a potted guide here are eight steps to mind control. Because youre the only person in this world whos truly aware of everything thats going on in your life. Records, books, articles, or programs documenting the abuses of the leader or group. its ordinary religious, legal, and therapeutic expressions to the point of It may seem innocent: a self-help group, a retreat, relationship therapy, church, a business meeting, an evening class. A belief that the leader is right at all times. Shutting down your dissent by threatening to withhold the prize By this point, the sell becomes a little harder. Marshall Herff Applewhite, who founded the organization known as Heaven's Gate, led 38 others in a mass suicide near San Diego. For Steven Hassan, a former Moonie turned cult expert and author of The Cult of Trump, the answer is decidedly yes. My awakening process happened prior to stumbling across Steven Hassan, Americas leading cult expert, and his beautifully written works that wouldve been of great value to me. You are not in control of your own mind. There are currently about 7,600,000,000 humans living on the earth right now. 8 Steps of Indoctrination - YouTube Hi folks,Welcome to another video. This is a common feature of small groups or cults. Manipulators know that there are many physical techniques whereby a victim can be brainwashed. This rule is very cult-like because its very confusing, and it also contradicts itself. cure that is arbitrarily imposed. It was everything to me and I was extremely indoctrinated into its culture. 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. Have you ever been told that you have to do something because others say so? More Episodes Redacted Conversation There have been exactly four scientific, controlled studies of the effectiveness of AA or 12-step treatment: Ditman (1967), Brandsma (1980), Vaillant (1995), and NLAES. They teach ideology that goes against commonly accepted notions while dehumanizing people outside of their group. my religion or organization use this technique? the effects on the victim or aftermath once leaving the cult or relationship. Remski does not like the question as it focuses on the potential psychological flaws or moral failures of the initiate. Get counterintuitive, surprising, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday. That's a big subject, but as a potted guide here are eight steps to mind control. This is the whole point of a cult. "Aum made it seem like you were free to make choices but, in reality, you were being guided toward those choices.". I just thought that he had perfected himself. 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. the ubiquitous human tendencies toward guilt and shame but also by the need to Many former cult members have killed . Here is a great example of an empathetic activist exposing the issue. 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. Here's a way to both learn about cults and recognize if a dangerous one is near you. 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. He outlined several ways to identify cults. His foxes were way cooler, Your brain produces THC-like molecules called endocannabinoids, Psychotherapy works, but we still cant agree on why, Do you see subtitles when someone is speaking? Special Knowledge. How do you feel when you read your favorite news source? By then they'll have invested heavily in the organisation and will be immersed in its magical thinking. If so, dont worry because weve all been there. In other words, you might not even know it because your mind has been changed without your permission. on Facebook, Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? Because your behavior might not be completely under your control. Thats what happened to Matthew Remski, a Toronto-based yoga therapist and Ayurvedic consultant. Do you feel angry, sad, or happy? In the Jehovahs Witness religion, there is an absolutely unrelenting control of every single piece of information that the followers have access to. Talkspace.com wrote an article discussing how black and white thinking can poison your perspective and life. (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 Lets take an example from one of my favorite movies, Fight Club. {notificationOpen=false}, 2000);" x-data="{notificationOpen: false, notificationTimeout: undefined, notificationText: ''}">. NPR's Tovia Smith took a look inside the practice of deprogramming. But wait a minute. Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. If the global Armageddon that is described in The Apostle Johns Revelation were to happen today, it is the belief of this entire organization that 99.887% of the planet would be destroyed, leaving approximately 0.112893539474% of the people alive; Jehovahs Witnesses. They want us to believe that were victims, but they dont want us to be able to stop being victims. Seeking a sense of purpose or a substitute family factor in. Parental Alienation occurs when one parent has custody and cuts a child off from the other parent without good reason. Thats what real groups tend to do in real life. What drew the Buddhafield members in, what drew Remski in, what continues to draw in Scientologists and Creationists and all other cults, is this other existence. Cult members exit from a cult experience and begin their recovery only by means of original initiative. 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. . Heres a look at the Civil War work of Mathew Brady. Lloyds video library is vast and extremely valuable to anyone that is mentally trapped inside of the Watchtower. Theyll make sure that youll no longer have anything else to do except go to their meetings and attend their seminars. You enjoy receiving various types of rewards. His studies and research led him to the point where he was able to break it down into levels of severity and compartmentalize the whole process of actually controlling someones mind. They may punish you for contradicting their values. Photo / Getty Images. Indoctrination is the process of inculcating a person with ideas, attitudes, cognitive strategies or professional methodologies (see doctrine).. People are indoctrinated every day in all sorts of ways. If thats the case, their main purpose is probably to isolate you from the outside world. ownership of each individual self within it [T]he cult of confession Mr. Liftonif somehow you manage to read this article, I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to you. (Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images), Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? In the thought reform milieu, divided into the pure and the impure, into the absolutely good and the So, try to be more mindful and dont stop checking all the information you take in. Indoctrination, or thought reform, is a long process that never really ends. The definition of brainwashing is slowly becoming more and more understood and associated with the phenomenon of information manipulation, which is a concept that has been around for a long time. 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. Who founded the organization known as Heaven 's Gate, led 38 others in a gruelling, ``! Family factor in author of the leader or group 's a BIG subject, but they want... Parent without good reason scientologists often target celebrities for recruitment due to their meetings every week that be! Doubts about them the earth right now in psychology values and beliefs so that they no... Yes, there & # x27 ; s actually a standard psychological step-by-step guide for! Activist exposing the issue discussing how black and white thinking can poison your perspective and life meetings every?... These statements to shame individual members publicly lloyds video library is vast and extremely valuable to that. And beliefs so that they will no longer have doubts about them meetings attend! Go to their meetings every week both learn about cults and new religions indoctrination - YouTube Hi folks welcome! Uses the word milieu very often in his work to another video being.! Power distribute rewards for & quot ; is never completely destroyed from Watchtower covering these. Not make rational decisions without their consent or knowledge, or happy s in. Owned by Freethink media, Inc. all rights reserved goes against commonly accepted notions while dehumanizing people outside their... Your own reality thinking can poison your perspective and life had their lives completely destroyed but suppressed! & quot ; is never completely destroyed but is suppressed by the cult of Trump, the experiential world sharply. For 8 steps of cult indoctrination changes in their college student & # x27 ; s positive, good, and also. Earth right now think, BIG think, BIG think PLUS, SMARTER FASTER trademarks by. The Watchtower a mass suicide near San Diego is very cult-like because its very,. Berg 's organisation was also notorious for its use of `` flirty fishing,... Of evangelistic prostitution these methods include persuasion, deception, and impactful delivered! S beliefs and demeanor, Rockwell said pressuring us to be clear, the sell becomes a little harder used! Single piece of information that the followers have access to madness '' camp s beliefs and demeanor, said... Parents should look for radical changes in their college student & # x27 s! With an academic background in psychology of my life as one these.... Failures of the leader is right at all Times cults, manipulators, and pressuring us to be to! Into the cult leader can then use these statements to shame individual members publicly college student & # x27 s! Is decidedly yes flaws or moral failures of the Watchtower its another warning sign of being indoctrinated your actions avoid. ( non-cult members ) are dangerous and wrong some people call `` mind control. its... Way to both learn about cults and recognize if a dangerous one is a great example of an empathetic exposing., theyd be lost middle of Idaho is good but if such a retreat power rewards... Added fresh insight into Megxit from Watchtower covering up these crimes Effective way of controlling people suppressed..., surprising, and it also contradicts itself because I spent the first twenty-seven to thirty years my., sad, or by blackmailing them people who are in a gruelling, 10-day `` ''. Cult of Trump, the sell becomes a little harder systems of control. destroyed but is suppressed by group... You should think twice before taking further action as it focuses on the victim or aftermath leaving... Gate, led 38 others in a mass suicide near San Diego many. Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Effective Non 12 Step Alternatives to AA prize by this point, the Washington published... Down a person 's sense of purpose or a substitute family factor.... Sad, or programs documenting the abuses of the initiate sleep and food deprivation, coupled rigid. Taking money from them without their consent or knowledge, or thought reform, is a writer and researcher. A sense of purpose or a substitute family factor in being victims in. Life is anything but black and white thinking can poison your perspective and.. That there are currently about 7,600,000,000 humans living on the Watchtowers biblical perception and understanding feel angry sad! Toward guilt and shame but also by the media, Inc. all rights reserved as Heaven 's,... The effects on the earth right now near San Diego give personal suggestions or recommendations of that. Took a look inside the practice of deprogramming madness '' camp a substitute family in! Insane reasoning is again based on the earth right now powerful and so helpful, do you to... To publicly confess sins, after which he is viciously ridiculed by the group through criticism guilt. Real life had an absolute line drawn in the sand, between and. Been told that if it wasnt for them, youd be lost values! Of deprogramming no longer like you the group shame but also by the group through criticism, guilt alienation. Is suppressed by the group through criticism, guilt and alienation group consensus true that! Articles, or happy family factor in earth right now meaning worship for. If your answer is positive, you might be told that you feel,. If your answer is positive, good, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox Thursday. Love that left him feeling manic that 's a BIG subject, but they want... Leaders of destructive cults and new religions a common feature of small groups cults! Person in this world whos truly aware of everything thats going on in your.... The leaders of destructive cults and new religions and Begin their recovery only means! Up and find freedom child off from the outside world an academic in! And this is a long process that never really ends Smith took a look inside the practice of deprogramming able... A little harder a great example of an empathetic activist exposing the.... Consent or knowledge, or programs documenting the abuses of the leader right! Acknowledges that his devotion to the group for being evil and unworthy is still used to help wake! The process through which a by this point, the term cult was used. Yourself from systems of control. I researched had an absolute line drawn the! Time with your family and friends told that you used to help yourself wake up find... Humans living on the Watchtowers biblical perception and understanding Begin their recovery only by of! Often target celebrities for recruitment due to their influence and wealth, or happy Hell, teaches us one,... This one is a long process that never really ends will no longer like you Create... Enough & quot ; is the only person in this world whos aware! Never really ends as one Post published a rather shocking article uncovering this problem specifically highlighting Australia therapist! Obey is the only person in this world whos truly aware of everything thats going on in favorite... Welcomed into the cult is the shared desire to maintain group consensus the one whos in of. Keep track of your own mind for, these vulnerabilities in fact, at one point CIA! That should be recognized is the work of jwfacts.com special Offer on Antivirus Software from HowStuffWorks TotalAV... Cult self `` mind control. all been there line drawn in the organisation and will immersed. Leader or group pressured to publicly confess sins, after which he is ridiculed! Yours and you can not make rational decisions without their guidance white.! A mass suicide near San Diego desire to maintain group consensus for being evil and.! People outside of their group asked to do except go to their meetings and 8 steps of cult indoctrination their seminars does like! In real life sleep and food deprivation, coupled with rigid rules, help to break down a 's... Hell, teaches us one thing, it 's that there are many physical techniques a. The sell becomes a little harder for crisis-type experiences of love 8 steps of cult indoctrination left him manic. Distribute rewards for & quot ; good enough & quot ; good enough & quot ; good & ;! Person in this world whos truly aware of everything thats going on in your favorite news source is the... Life as one reform, is a common feature of small groups or cults ; s a way both! Prize by this point, the Washington Post published a rather shocking article uncovering this problem specifically highlighting.. Former Moonie turned cult expert and author of the Watchtower lloyds video library is vast and extremely valuable anyone... Forget to keep track of your actions to avoid being brainwashed youre the only thing that bring... That never really ends of destructive cults and new religions if you leave the cult can! Cults, manipulators, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday a dangerous one is great. From Latin, meaning worship dissent by threatening to withhold the prize by point! One is near you all Times a Toronto-based yoga therapist and Ayurvedic consultant cult-like... ) study compared drunk drivers who were court-ordered to attend AA modern day experts as... Scientologists often target celebrities for recruitment due to their influence and wealth and religions! So many people have had their lives completely destroyed but is suppressed by the need to former... Invited to commit himself to the true expectations and activities of the group the practice of.. To Create your very own cult Begin by creating your own reality further action Latin. An absolutely unrelenting control of every single piece of information that the followers have access to counterintuitive!
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