Frequently Asked Questions About Cults

What is a cult?

A cult is a group or movement that upholds an ideology that is led by a charismatic leader. The cult leader is often venerated by followers because he or she is seen as having the answers to life’s problems who provides special solutions to them in return for their commitment.

What are cults like today?

The cults today come in many different shapes, sizes and forms. They focus on a range of movements including New Age philosophies, religion, politics and business ventures. An estimated 10 to 20 million Americans have been part of a cult at some point in the recent years, according to clinical psychologist Margaret Thaler Singer.

Over the years, the word “cultic” has been used to describe a circle of people devoted to an idea, person or cause from CrossFit aficionados, “Beliebers,” fans of the musician Justin Bieber, to “Star Wars” followers.

Are all cults destructive?

Cults exists on a continuum of the influence and control it has on its members and society. Some are more extreme than others. Some are driven violence and crime while others are not.

What do extremist groups and hate groups have in common with cults?

Anti-government “militias,” violent gangs and hate groups which have led to domestic terrorism all share the same characteristics as destructive cults such as an “us versus them” mentality, black and white thinking and breeding fear about the outside world. They also often isolate themselves in remote areas.

What happens when a person is radicalized?

When a person is radicalized, they demand social and political action, and take steps to make them happen. Their beliefs shift and they become active about creating social reform. The word has developed a darker meaning as radicalization has led to more people engaging in violence.

What is deprogramming?

Deprogramming is the process of getting a cult member to change their beliefs and abandon their ties to a group or a belief system. Deprogramming measures mainly include separating an individual from the cult and putting him or her through many hours of intense debriefing so that they can begin to think for themselves and re-evaluate their allegiance to the group.

Sources: The Cult Education Institute and Wikipedia