FAQ: Cults - Characteristics

"What is a Cult?"
Alan Gomes writes: "A cult of Christianity is a group of people, which claiming to be Christian, embraces a particular doctrine system taught by an individual leader, group of leaders, or organization, which (system) denies (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian Faith as taught in the sixty-six books of the Bible."
Alan Gomes, Unmasking The Cults (Zondervan, 1995)

"A cult is a group or movement exhibiting a great or excessive devotion or dedication to some person, idea, or thing and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control (e.g., isolation from former friends and family, debilitation, use of special methods to heighten suggestibility and subservience, powerful group pressures, information management, suspension of individuality or critical judgment, promotion of total dependency on the group and fear of leaving it, etc.) designed to advance the goals of the group’s leaders to the actual or possible detriment of members, their families, or the community." (West & Langone, 1986)

" Characteristics of a Cult"

Popular
Manipulative
Controlling and authoritative: This message is from God; I am a prophet... You must follow these rules...
Fear-inducing
Legalistic
Condemning
Conformity
Exclusivity
Financial involvement
Isolation from outside.
Lack of privacy
Love-bombing
Critical thinking discouraged; can't question.
Indoctrination
Corporate identification with goals of group
Demands Total Committment and unquestioning submission
Value rejection: encouraged to denounce values and beliefs of former life.
Deviates from orthodox teachings of historic Christian faith
Denies and distorts fundamental orthodox Christian doctrines, ie., Trinity, deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith alone.
Threats about leaving and consequences

"Symptoms of cult followers"

Fear
Loyalty
Brain-washing
Emotional vulnerability
Neurosis
Guilt
Identity confusion
Paranoia
Loss of free will
Intellectual sterility
Diminished capacity of judgment
Psychosis
Suicidal tendencies

Resources: Christian Research Institute and Larson's New book of Cults by Bob Larson
See: Spiritual Abuse Profile at Watchman Fellowship

Read about the Weigh Down Workshop Controversy, and When a Leader Disappoints You.
See the Christian Research Institute and Midwest Christian Outreach for more information on cults.

*If you feel that you have been in a cult or organization which has used some of the characteristics above and that you are experiencing some of the symptoms above, please get some help. You can contact AACC for a referral to a mental health professional.

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Notice: This column is not intended to take the place of direct professional mental health services but rather to provide insight into various problem situations and possible helpful resources and interventions. Please contact AACC for a referral to a mental health professional.