CULTawareness
Posted by #43 Will Miller at 06-14-1999 12:22 AM
Yep, doing newz in notepad is fun. Last night at my grandparents' house I stumbled upon this cult awareness thing in a Christian magazine which followed a letter from a family separated by a real cult. I just thought it was funny, in application to OUR CULT.
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CULT AWARENESS
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What makes cults different from other religious groups? Commitment without freedom, according to Ronald Enroth, Ph.D., professor of sociology at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif. "A cult demands unquestioning devotion. It discourages members from thinking critically about its beliefs and actions."
Just about anyone can be vulnerable to the influence of a cult at some point in his or her life. "People join cults because these groups meet basic human needs for security and a sense of onging," Enroth explains.
People going through a transitional period, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 27, are especially vulnerable. The stress and uncertainty of moving from high school to college, starting a career or ending a relationship can make the structured life of a cult seem attractive. There is no need to make decisions about the future. The cult leader dictates members' actions, and they are given packaged friendships, careers and even marriages. Quick and absolute answers are provided for complex problems.
Cults also prey on the lonely, depressed and those with low self-esteem, becoming a surrogate family with the leader taking on the role of parent. Members are often idealists on a spiritual search. Cults claim to have a way to change the world, as well as special status or powers for the group as a whole, or for the leader in particular.
As people become more involved with a cult they are cut off from their families. Enroth warns, however, that parents should not become overly angry. Condemning the group only confirms the cult's warnings about outsiders and may drive the child farther away.
"The most important thing is to keep the lines of communication open," he says. Above all, parents must show their love in a way that is not contingent on the child's agreement or obedience with their wishes. "Let them know they have a home to return to where they are unconditionally loved," Enroth advises. By listening and asking questions rather than offering opinions, parents can not only rebuild a rapport with the child, but learn about the group.
Parents should also talk to organizations (such as the American Family Foundation) that compile facts about cults, provide advice about possible courses of action and may help locate former cult members, another important source of information.
"There is no universal solution for bringing someone out of a cult," Enroth says. It can be a long, painful, frustrating process. Fortunately, counseling professionals, support groups and other organizations are available. To find out more, call the American Family Foundation's Cult Information Line at (941) 514-3081.
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-Kristie M. Weiss, Editorial Assistant
Guideposts. Carmel, NY. March 1999
Volume 54, No. 1.
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The point is (like you actually read that) that we don't quite fit the description of a religious cult, since we don't have a leader that forces members to do anything. We also don't discourage critical thinking, hence the suggestion box. Members are simply encouraged to tell other people about netCULT. It does hopefully bring a sense of belonging to at least some members, especially those who choose to be more active in the daily happenings of THE CULT. Just another clue that netCULT is a good thing. No replies.
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