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STRUCTURE OF THE ORGANIZATION:
Group with strong hierarchical structure, strict adherence to rules
Leader figure with prophetic claims, political extremist
OPENNESS OF THE GROUP:
Isolation and strong separation to the outside
SOCIAL LIFE, FRIENDS & FAMILY:
Ongoing contact is discouraged, minimized or forbidden
GIVING TO THE GROUP:
Paying for an overpriced course, mandatory tithing, forced labor or excessive volunteering is required
WORLDVIEW:
Division of the world into good and evil, black-and-white thinking, all-or-nothing mentality
ABSOLUTE CLAIMS:
Exclusive belief in the absolute truth of group’s own system, teaching, path, and methods; claiming the “only truth”
PROMISES OF SALVATION AND HEALING:
“Universal recipes” and simplified solutions for all problems, no checks-and-balances, unverifiable claims
VICTIM BLAMING:
If it doesn’t work, the member isn’t trying hard enough
ELITE THINKING:
The members of the group see themselves as chosen, as a spiritually evolved and superior elite of humanity
SACRIFICE:
Members are expected to sacrifice time, money and sometimes their health or life for the group’s purpose; sacrifice is hailed as a virtue HEALTH:
Physical health problems are ignored, doctor visits discouraged, mental health problems stigmatized; those with burnout or depression seen as weak
END TIME EXPECTATION:
The end of the world or a political escalation and war are dooming
EXTERNAL INFORMATION:
No open communication to the outside, misleading propaganda, covering up of sexual abuse or other crimes
INTERNAL INFORMATION:
Only selective information is given to members, sometimes deliberate disinformation within the group DOUBT AND CRITICISM:
Doubt and criticism are banned within the group; critics on the outside are ridiculed and sometimes punished
MILIEU CONTROL:
Control and monitoring of all areas of life, lack of privacy and choice
UNETHICAL METHODS:
Misleading recruitment, indoctrination, use of mind-altering methods and fear
CONTROL OVER THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS:
By creating shame and fear, the member is manipulated; by excessively practicing relaxation techniques or violence, thoughts and feelings become controlled and sometimes an “inner leader” is constructed, replacing one’s own conscience
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