Practically, this post should have been written months ago to help set the definition of “religious cults”. Though I now believe that it has taken this many months for me to realize in general terms, what characteristics are found in a cult. Also, I now understand that different folks focus on different parts of the definition based on their individual experience, from whatever level that may be. So, what is a “cult”? More specifically, what is a “religious cult” and how is that term being used on this website? In defining these terms, I will be using definitions that I have found mixed with my experience through the years and during my direct involvement in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale, NC. First, let me share two experiences that may help illustrate my point.
In 1984, in a “Christian coffee house” in North Charleston, SC, I met and spoke with several young members of the local church that sponsored that “outreach”. It was held in the older section of the town where many retail stores had vacated several years previous. The meeting place was open Friday and Saturday evenings, as best I remember. There were places to sit and talk, local Christian musicians would play the popular songs or new Christian songs of the day. It all seemed so innocent in many ways.
As I look back and consider how it was set up and run, I see now it was the recruiting arm of the sponsoring church. In those days, I was not aware of “religious” cults. Most of my knowledge was from reading about larger groups more definitively acknowledged as “cults”. However, I remember one time a young member of the church was talking to several around a table. All at once, he stood up and raised his voice. He said, “Some people call us a cult. And you know; they are right! What is a cult anyway?” He then defined a cult as a close-knit group with “a strong central leader”. He went on- “We have just that!” He then called the leader’s name and went on the tell those of us who were around listening; we (church members) have given up our individual space and all live in mobile homes is a central location. We eat together, live together and share everything. If that is a cult, then yes– we are a cult!” Exactly why he felt compelled to defend his living choices with that particular outburst, I have no idea. But, the weirdness just settled in and I don’t think I went back after that. It all seemed too strange for me. I have no idea whatever happened to that group. Did this fellow accurately define a “cult”? Does it seem ironic that years later, I found myself in a group in which he had described many of the characteristics, while citing his definition? Yes, while I was in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF), I accepted many of the living arrangements that were similar to the group described in 1984. Why? I will attempt to answer this as we explore the definition of “religious cult”.
Earlier today, I was speaking with a co-worker about a particular church in the area. This person mentioned that in previous years, there had been word going around that this church was a “cult”. I asked them why, what had been the reasons for that? Continuing, this person said there had been rumors of the pastor having affairs with younger women in the church. I did not ask more questions along this line. Why? My experience has been that a pastor can violate others with hurtful behaviors and not truly be a “cult leader”. He or she could just be manipulative and self-centered. While it is true, many religious cults also have leaders who take advantage of other members sexually, it is not a requirement to be called a cult for that activity to be present.
While studying this topic, I was surprised to learn that there were other “cults” besides “religious cults”. Citing the work of Steven Hassan in “Releasing the Bonds..” (copyright 2000 Freedom of Mind Press); he writes, “A group should not be considered a “cult” merely because of its unorthodox beliefs or practices. Instead, destructive cults are distinguished by their use of deception and mind control techniques to undermine a person’s free will and make him dependent on the group’s leader.” (page 3) I would add that just because a group has sexual transgression or misappropriation of funds or some other isolated activity; does not make it a “cult”. A few individuals may have socially unacceptable behaviors, but the members in the group are free to come and go as they will and are not required to be dependent on the group’s leader. One example I saw in 1987 was a church in South Carolina where the pastor was arrested on charges of being a peeping-tom. He was convicted and lost he leadership position in that church. This sad sequence of events, though embarrassing; did not make this group a cult.
Hassan goes on to describe four main types of cults; religious or spiritual groups, political groups, therapy/large group awareness training groups and commercial groups. He admits that though most cults would fall in these categories; there are many other types of cults including computer cults, scientific fiction and New Age cult groups and more… (pages 9-10) Before learning about the full scope of the definition of a cult, I had not considered that so many other groups were so destructive and thus qualified as cults.
Reviewing in reverse order, commercial cult groups include “multi-level marketing” groups which require such slavish devotion. My first thought on this is the Amway group during the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. My encounter with Amway was the NC based Britt marketing group from 1980-1982, which would certainly qualify in this category. I am not sure about their marketing system now. That is a post for another day.
The therapy/group awareness training is not something I am familiar with. If any readers have participated in something like this and would want to comment, it would be appreciated.
Political groups- Hassan listed the Soviet Union, in retrospect, as an example of a political cult. The rise and fall of these groups changes the course of nations and world history. This type of cult is a fascinating study all by itself. My reading about Hitler and his regime certainly raises questions about the gradual rise and destructive nature of these groups. The mind control used on large groups is very intriguing to study.
At this time, the religious or spiritual groups are the ones in which I am most familiar. Hassan explains that these groups may be Bible centered groups, (Jewish, Christian or Muslim) or groups based on eastern religions. (Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Sufi) Each group may call their leader something different, Messiah, Prophet or Apostle with the Bible based groups. Other leaders in eastern religions may be called “enlightened avatars”, gurus, rinpoches, Perfect Masters or reincarnations of various enlightened masters of the past. (page 5)
We will review further information which helps define “cults” and “religious cults” in the next post. What are some common characteristics in “religious cults”? Who joins a religious cult? How do folks get involved or recruited in these groups? Why is it important to study and know about this subject of cults?
Ignorance never settles a question. Benjamin Disraeli (British Politician 1804-1881)
We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them. Livy
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