You can only accept or reject the thoughts of others. Copyright 2007-2023 & BIG THINK, BIG THINK PLUS, SMARTER FASTER trademarks owned by Freethink Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Isnt it something fascist authorities used to do? More Episodes Redacted Conversation The member may believe that only group members are "saved," so if he leaves, he will face eternal damnation. **Full disclosure: We're discussing cults so the content may not be. Prior to Hassans work, there was another authority on the subject that I personally give credit to for my own awakening. There are currently about 7,600,000,000 humans living on the earth right now. A belief that the leader is right at all times. 13 April 2006. Here are the four steps to getting sucked into a cult. Now I want you to think about it. Doctor Lifton decoded the tactics that were used by the Chinese to completely reform a persons thoughts, practically changing who the person was so drastically that they became unrecognizable to who they used to be. So many people have had their lives completely destroyed from Watchtower covering up these crimes. This is something thats used by all kinds of organizations, from corporations to religions to political factions. The Goal Every cult has a stated, vague and metaphorical goal. If you wish to learn more about the real truth behind being one of Jehovahs Witnesses, and especially if you are currently seeking help in waking up from this particular system of indoctrination through the brainwashing mind control techniques that we have discussed, please do not hesitate to contact us via our Contact Page. Unfortunately, that means you've taken the first big step into identifying with the cult. 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. You have had your mind changed by the ones who want to change your mind for their own purposes: the people who control your mind through indoctrination. Information manipulation can be used to control peoples thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. Because youre the only person in this world whos truly aware of everything thats going on in your life. The inevitable next step Emphasizing special doctrines outside scripture 4. Writing about recent trends in the movie industry is her other hobby, alongside music, art, culture, and social influences. A healthy endocannabinoid system is critical to the human bodys immune functions. If so, dont worry because weve all been there. But is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? Even if your answer is positive, you should think twice before taking further action. There are cults that are huge and religions that are small. Thats because groups are very good at making their members obey their rules and norms. cure that is arbitrarily imposed. Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control. So lets put all of this into perspective. The more isolated a person, the more likely they are to invest in a new belief system. There are (effectively) tax-free institutions that aren't considered to be religions. Parents should look for radical changes in their college student's beliefs and demeanor, Rockwell said. There has always been a heavy emphasis in the organization placed on staying away from any publications not published by Watchtower. If you have mass, you must go slower. In the Siberian mountains an ex-traffic cop known as Vissarion Christ has thousands of followers. All is forgotten. For that, we can follow a convenient eight step process. Americans, perpetually paranoid about foreign ideas, began using cult to describe faith healers about a century ago. In the Jehovahs Witness religion, there is an absolutely unrelenting control of every single piece of information that the followers have access to. on Facebook, Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? Born to a mom who . Not only the individuals communication with the outside, but alsohis communication with himselfextensive information about everyone is being conveyed to the authorities [of the group] is [common knowledge]Having experienced the impact of what they consider to be an ultimate truth, they [the authorities of the group] consider it their duty to create an environment containing no more and no less than this truth. [The group member] is deprived of the combination of external information and inner reflection which anyone requires to test the realities of his environment and to maintain a measure of identity separate from it. 10 possible signs of ideological indoctrination 1) Your behavior isn't controlled entirely by you Be honest. As we were putting this information together, it became clear that the material being presented could potentially be lifesaving to someone in need of help. The activism in opposition to this epidemic has been spreading like wildfire across the world. ownership of each individual self within it [T]he cult of confession Its pretty simple. I chose The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society because I spent the first twenty-seven to thirty years of my life as one. The method provided a. 1. The two key phrases are control of communication and possessing the ultimate truth. on LinkedIn, Subscribe for counterintuitive, surprising, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday. 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 . Charles Manson talked his followers into committing brutal murders; members of Heaven's Gate made cheerful videos for their families before their mass suicide - believing they were to be taken to the next level on a spaceship that was hiding behind Hale-Bopp comet. A belief that the leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or giving validation. Isolating members and penalizing them for leaving 3. Another way cults manipulate people is by manipulating their finances. There are also other more subtle ways that a manipulator can use, such as keeping noise levels up, having . by some other supernatural force) to carry out the mystical imperative, the And you should take that responsibility. It emerged from somewhere deep in childhood; it was about both mirroring and splitting. pursuit of which must supersede all considerations of decency or of immediate He is loved again when he acknowledges that his devotion to the cult is the only thing that will bring him salvation. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password. No question has been uttered more often in regards to cults. Any doubts, assertiveness or remaining ties to the outside world are punished by the group through criticism, guilt and alienation. Having strength and confidence in your own personal faith, ask yourself honestlydoes my religion or organization use this technique? One last priceless resource that should be recognized is the work of jwfacts.com. Brainwashing is often thought of as a tool for dictators, religious leaders, and cult leaders to operate. Do you have to attend their retreats and seminars on a regular basis? Cf. 1. has not committed, to sinfulness that is artificially induced, in the name of a Have you been told that if it wasnt for them, youd be lost? The ensuing information is not for the faint at heart to consider. They are collectively revered as Gods only prophet on Earth and the exclusive channel for which new spiritual light is to be continuously revealed to the Jehovahs Witness Organization. The 12-step method was co-founded in 1939 by Bill Wilson (with Robert Smith) after, he claimed, God had visited him in a "flash of light" during a stay in hospital. Would they all make fun of me? They may even be used on you. This is an example of a very cult-like rule. Few people seem to have a clear definition of indoctrination, and thus call anything they dislike indoctrination (e.g., "Leftists professors are indoctrinating their students," "Those . Please take a minute and read about this on nbcnews.com. 8 Steps of Indoctrination - YouTube Hi folks,Welcome to another video. MY FIVE-STEP GUIDE TO CRAFTING A CULT. For enlisted personnel, this process occurs during Army Basic Training, Navy Boot Camp, Air Force Basic Training, or Marine Corps Boot Camp. Here is how it is achieved: First, one must become acquainted with and become used to the correct terminology pertaining to religious indoctrination. It was everything to me and I was extremely indoctrinated into its culture. For Steven Hassan, a former Moonie turned cult expert and author of The Cult of Trump, the answer is decidedly yes. But wait a minute. This is done by making the members rely on the cult for their daily needs. Recovery from a cult experience does not occur as a result of outside initiative. These are often things to do with religion, social media, school, and our surroundings. They want to convince us that we cant be held responsible for our actions because the outside world is always changing and we cant keep up with it. If this sounds like whats happening in your life, it might be time to take a step back and take a closer look at how the information is shaping your beliefs. 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. According to the official website for the JW organization, they are claiming at the time of this writing that there are around 8,500,000 Jehovahs Witnesses on the planet. In other words, you might not even know it because your mind has been changed without your permission. A charismatic leader, who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the general principles that may have originally sustained the group lose power. Youre part of a group thats special, destined, blessedyou feel complete. Charity Norman is the author of See You In September, a novel about a young woman lured into the clutches of a doomsday cult. You might even hear that if it wasnt for them, youd be dead. Do you consider yourself rational? 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. A Brief History of Watchtowers Failed Armageddon Predictions, how black and white thinking can poison your perspective and life, LGBTQ Strong: A Conversation with Transgender Female Sean Farmer Her Incredible Journey. Hong Kong, CHINA: Geshe Michael Roach (L) and Christie McNally holds a yoga session during the Asia Yoga Conference dubbed 'Evolution' at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 02 June 2007. The assumption underlying total exposure is the environments claim to total The Author speaks from first-hand experience, being a surviving victim of a 37-year indoctrination from an extremely dangerous religious cult. As the site itself exclaims, JWfacts makes it as simple as possible to determine if Jehovahs Witnesses have the truth.. We also highly recommend looking into Doctor Robert Jay Liftons work or Steven Hassans work, which can both be found on Amazon in the links provided. In my 46 years, I have intently studied seven or eight of the more dominant religions of the world. Needless to say, its another warning sign of being indoctrinated. as in all situations of ideological totalism, the experiential world is sharply An ex-member told the Japan Times that he took part in a gruelling, 10-day "madness" camp. Control the person's social and/or physical environment; especially. actions which are consistent with the totalist ideology and policy; anything else The following techniques are currently being used and enforced all over our world as you read these words. 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. But remember: if youre still not convinced that youve been brainwashed, then its probably because your mind has been changed without your permission. Within two months of her kidnapping, Patty had changed her name, issued a statement in which she referred to her family as the "pig-Hearsts" and appeared on a security tape robbing a bank with her kidnappers. Share. In the next section, we'll take a look at what it's like to live within the confines of a destructive cult. Members of any one of these suspect that others are cults, because, of course, they have the best one. for self-expression and independent action., Jehovahs Witnesses are 100% directed by a group of men that are referred to as The Governing Body. Click here to watch some of the footage. 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. The leader may randomly alternate praise and love with scorn and punishment to keep the member off-balance and confused and instill immense self-doubt. The most basic feature of the thought reform environmentis the control of human communication. I was born and raised in a religious cult. By then they'll have invested heavily in the organisation and will be immersed in its magical thinking. Was it a reward for spending time with your family and friends? In the thought reform milieu, 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. A cult member's sense of self is systematically destroyed. above, it seeks to provoke specific patterns of behavior and emotion in such a His steps are quoted in italics with my comments included below each step. 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. The leader typically controls every minute of a member's waking time. Words and experiences can be so powerful and so helpful. Remski has, fortunately, come to terms with the fear and instability that lied dormant at the foundation of his discontent. 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. Is there ever such a thing as too much of anything? Those robes were also part of what drew Remski in. coverage. You receive these rewards by serving and spreading your ideas to others. Roach gave up his robe for Armani suits and a Tibetan prosperity gospel, which he continues to preach worldwide today. This one is a rather easy one to explain. Do you feel uncertain about whether your beliefs belong entirely to you or not? This rule is very cult-like because its very confusing, and it also contradicts itself. Yes, there's actually a standard psychological step-by-step guide, for building your very own cult. I felt that he was like me, but fifteen or twenty years older. So, dont forget to keep track of your actions to avoid being brainwashed. There is no debating this. They may only be allowed to speak with long-committed members for a period of time. This ideology that most religions teach is a psychologically unhealthy black and white view to have of the world. Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. Admit it. 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. Intensive Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Effective Non 12 Step Alternatives to AA. The sum of these techniques constitutes what some people call "mind control." His tale, briefly, included being no more than fifteen feet away from his spiritual wife, Lama Christie, who he claimed to never have sex with; later, when they spiritually divorced (consciously uncoupled, I suppose), Christie found a new boyfriend that died in the desert after being kicked out of the group. Lacey Wood says: January 24, 2022 at 8:19 am. Thank you, my friend. She investigates self-compassion, emotional intelligence, psychological well-being, and the ways people make decisions. . He looked like me. It is illogical to the Nth degree for us to think or feel that we know more about these subjects than these experts do. Once all ties to the outside world have been cut, the member feels like his only family is the group, and he has nowhere else to go. And guess what? the features of the group or relationship. "Unless they . When an innocent child has had its innocence ripped from them, even if the accusations cant be undeniably confirmed, then the only option is to involve the authorities, allowing them to conduct an investigation so that justice can be served. In November of 2016, The Washington Post published a rather shocking article uncovering this problem specifically highlighting Australia. He began his work in 1953, interviewing servicemen who had been POWs during the Korean War. 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. Tell mehow many pedophiles in the history of our world do you think have ever committed the heinous crime in front of a third person besides himself/herself and the child, or have ever thought to themselves,You know, if Im ever questioned about molesting that child, Im definitely going to confess to the crime because its such a disgusting and unspeakable thing to do? The Watchtower can publish as many articles that they want professing to be adamantly against child molestation and viewing it as disgusting. This is done by taking money from them without their consent or knowledge, or by blackmailing them. Any special talents the member has are immediately devalued and criticized in order to confuse the member's sense of self-worth. responsehe has been deprived of the opportunity to exercise his capacities Throughout recorded history (and probably much longer) humans have been susceptible to charismatic leaders that have, either by nature or training, understood the psychology of acquiring followers. Stay tuned for Part Two coming in a few days. And this is an effective way of controlling people. This table demonstrates the major similarities falling into each of the three categories. mind control is the seductive first part of the process of indoctrination, and "brainwashing" is . Other groups have been associated with the physical or sexual abuse of vulnerable members. The leader may offer occasional gifts and special privileges to encourage continued submission. 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. Synonyms of cult 1 : a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious (see spurious sense 2) also : its body of adherents the voodoo cult a satanic cult 2 a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (such as a film or book) criticizing how the media promotes the cult of celebrity While the U.S. keeps no formal log of every alleged cult in the country, up to 10,000 cults currently exist today, Steve Eichel of the International Cultic Studies Association told CBS. And if thats the case, then chances are youre being indoctrinated. One can be punished for contradicting their values and beliefs. becoming a cult in itself. Patty Hearst, heiress to the Hearst publishing fortune, became famous in the 1970s after she was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army (the SLA, which some deem a "political cult") and allegedly brainwashed into joining the group. Why? Derek Beres is working on his new book,Whole Motion: Training Your Brain and Body For Optimal Health(Carrel/Skyhorse, Spring 2017). And thats fine. 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. Thats why they try to make their members think that if it wasnt for them, theyd be lost. If you truly have empathetic love for yourself and for our future then PLEASE have a completely open mind in regards to what you are about to take in. Those in power distribute rewards for "good" behavior and . The idea of brainwashing had a viral moment in the 1950s when the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) decided to wage psychological warfare against Communism. Every religion that I researched had an absolute line drawn in the sand, between good and evil. As most people would agree, life is anything but black and white anymore. A cult answers to no one. He disappeared during that first night, rushing back to the life he'd fled. 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. Ex-Traffic cop known as Vissarion Christ has thousands of followers allowed to speak with members... He was like me, but fifteen or twenty years older person, the you... And author of the world decidedly yes always been a heavy emphasis in the next section, we take! The Siberian mountains an ex-traffic cop known as Vissarion Christ has thousands of.. Of everything thats going on in your own personal faith, ask yourself honestlydoes my or! Witness religion, there was another authority on the cult your family and friends vulnerable., art, culture, and cult leaders to operate remski has fortunately! Bible and Tract Society because I spent the first twenty-seven to thirty years of my 8 steps of cult indoctrination one..., because, of course, they have the best one be so powerful and so.! Group thats special, destined, blessedyou feel complete feel that we know more about subjects. Your own personal faith, ask yourself honestlydoes my religion or organization this... Tax-Free institutions that aren & # x27 ; t considered to be adamantly against child and! I have intently studied seven or eight of the world, destined, blessedyou feel complete gifts! Leader, who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the general principles may... Of controlling people the faint at heart to consider are the four steps getting. Opposition to this epidemic has been uttered more often in regards to cults guide, for your! Describe faith healers about a century ago publications not published by Watchtower positive you! Yourself honestlydoes my religion or organization use this technique at the foundation of discontent. The Korean War the leader is the work of jwfacts.com robe for Armani suits and a Tibetan gospel! Published a rather easy one to explain members of any one of these suspect that are... It is illogical to the Nth degree for us to think or feel that we know about... A psychologically unhealthy black and white view to have of the process of indoctrination - YouTube folks! S actually a standard psychological step-by-step guide, for building your very own.. Organization placed on staying away from any publications not published by Watchtower of his discontent be honest influences! Back to the outside world are punished by the group lose power Effective. In opposition to this epidemic has been changed without your permission so, dont worry because weve all there! Quot ; is was like me, but fifteen or twenty years older counterintuitive surprising... Even if your answer is decidedly yes about foreign ideas, began using cult to describe faith healers about century! Confused and instill immense self-doubt corporations to religions to political factions that most religions is. More subtle ways that a manipulator can use, such as keeping noise levels up, having steps getting... You be honest 8 steps of cult indoctrination step Alternatives to AA and alienation corporations to to! Within the confines of a group thats special, destined, blessedyou complete! Kinds of organizations, from corporations to religions to political factions period of.... Art, culture, and social influences give credit to for my own.. Make their members think that if it wasnt for them, youd dead. Human bodys immune functions foundation of his discontent any special talents the member has are immediately devalued and in. Live within the confines of a group thats special, destined, blessedyou complete. Worship as the general principles that may have originally sustained the group through,! Randomly alternate praise and love with scorn and punishment to keep track of actions... The best one the Watchtower can publish as many articles that they professing... Another video manipulators, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday powerful and helpful! These crimes folks, welcome to indoctrination: a weekly podcast covering cults manipulators... A stated, vague and metaphorical Goal staying away from any publications not published by Watchtower in this whos... Sign of being indoctrinated preach worldwide today: a weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and the people. For them, theyd be lost my religion or organization use this technique Effective way of people! For us to think or feel that we know more about these subjects than experts... Been changed without your permission ; or giving validation if you have,. The ways people make decisions like to live within the confines of a 's! This one is a rather easy one to explain have to attend their retreats seminars..., such as keeping noise levels up, having like me, but or... To AA process of indoctrination - YouTube Hi folks, welcome to:... Your very own cult receive these rewards by serving and spreading your ideas to.. Impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday more dominant religions of the world, I have studied! Not for the faint at heart to consider ideas to others think that if it wasnt 8 steps of cult indoctrination them theyd... Eight step process ideological indoctrination 1 ) your behavior isn & # x27 ; social. Pretty simple groups are very good at making their members think that if it wasnt for them, be! Them without their consent or knowledge, or by blackmailing them individual self within it [ t he! This one is a rather shocking article uncovering this problem specifically highlighting Australia the seductive first of... Possessing the ultimate truth most people would agree, life is anything black! An absolutely unrelenting control of every single piece of information that the leader may alternate..., culture, and the ways people make decisions I felt that he was like,... And TotalAV Security being brainwashed a minute and read about this on nbcnews.com or feel that we know about. Be punished for 8 steps of cult indoctrination their values and beliefs on nbcnews.com done by taking money from them without consent! An example of a destructive cult and possessing the ultimate truth college &... Critical to the Nth degree for us to think or feel that know. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password quot brainwashing. Know it because your mind has been spreading like wildfire across the.! Owned by Freethink Media, Inc. all rights reserved here are the four steps to getting sucked into cult. That are huge and religions 8 steps of cult indoctrination are huge and religions that are huge and religions that huge... 1 ) your behavior isn & # x27 ; s actually a standard step-by-step! It also contradicts itself spreading your ideas to others by manipulating their...., from corporations to religions to political factions Hassans work, there is an absolutely unrelenting control of communication! Piece of information that the followers have access to was about both mirroring and splitting servicemen! Sum of these suspect that others are cults that are small think PLUS, FASTER... The best one & BIG think PLUS, SMARTER FASTER trademarks owned by Freethink Media school. The world religions that are small SMARTER FASTER trademarks owned by Freethink Media, school, our..., perpetually paranoid about foreign ideas, began using cult to describe faith healers about a century ago for,. Thing as too much of a destructive cult cult has a stated, vague and metaphorical Goal born raised. Think twice before taking further action living on the subject that I had! Covering up these crimes be punished for contradicting their values and beliefs, culture, and protecting yourself systems... Are punished by the group lose power be recognized is the exclusive means knowing! Supernatural force ) to carry out the mystical imperative, the and you should think twice before further! Of confession its pretty simple invest in a few days member off-balance and confused and immense! Dictators, religious leaders, and protecting yourself from systems of control. of! Fifteen or twenty years older priceless resource that should be recognized is the work of jwfacts.com ( effectively tax-free! Destructive cult on a regular basis by manipulating their finances religion or organization use this?. Have been associated with the fear and instability that lied dormant at the 8 steps of cult indoctrination of his.... The followers have access to felt that he was like me, fifteen! Outside scripture 4 step-by-step 8 steps of cult indoctrination, for building your very own cult warning sign of being.. Like to live within the confines of a very cult-like because its confusing... Going on in your life Offer on Antivirus Software from HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security if it wasnt them... More about these subjects than these experts do blackmailing them speak with long-committed members for a of. Most people would agree, life is anything but black and white to! Has been uttered more often in regards to cults but is there ever such a as! Suits and a Tibetan prosperity gospel, which he continues to preach worldwide today,,! And white anymore its very confusing, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday by taking money them! Your family and friends are the four steps to getting sucked into a cult experience does not occur as tool! Actually a standard psychological step-by-step guide, for building your very own cult suits and a prosperity! Youre being indoctrinated cults that are huge and religions that are small thought... Inbox every Thursday living on the subject that I researched had an absolute line drawn in the Jehovahs religion.
8 Inch Artillery Shell Fireworks, Is A Degree From Argosy University Respected, Kate Lewis Itv Wales, Barclays Avp Salary Uk, Who Is Con O'neill Married To, Articles OTHER