by Rafael Martinez, Director, TVBSA
In our last article, we discussed seven elements of a cultic group, and the fact that many skeptics and critics of Christianity itself, including cult apologists themselves, often cite that the Christian Church itself is guilty of perpetrating the same type of practices. This is a charge that cannot be easily dismissed, and indeed, the Church has been guilty of abuses no different from those of cultic group themselves. Our SpiritWatch section on "Religious Abuse" is dedicated to a fuller discussion of this sad issue. However, while such abominations have occurred among those professing to be Christians, we would respond that these have been exceptions to the norm, and would readily admit that such historic abuses such as the Crusades and the Inquisition, as well as that of contemporary homophobic fundamentalism, are certainly not "Christian" acts whatsoever. We would assert that an authentic Christianity is based upon the Biblical principles of divinely bestowed love as expressed in the lives of truly transformed and converted people who are genuinely striving to be disciples of Jesus Christ (John 15:7-10, Romans 5:5 and Jude 20-23). And such a fellowship certainly does stand in the starkest contrast to abusive spirituality and philosophy as expressed by cult groups.
These abusive groups (and abusive churches) differ from this authentic Christianity in the key area of freedom of thought and conscience. A powerfully effective transformation that these groups bring to bear has been tragically beheld by many millions of dismayed family members who have experienced the personal cost of deception when they find loved ones changing before their very eyes. But unlike cults, and contrary to the openly voiced doubts of skeptics and nominal Christians, Christianity allows individual believers freedom of conscience and thought in areas of personal spirituality, with Romans 14:5 and Galatians 5:4-5 are among many New Testament mandates for such freedom. Such freedom is perhaps one of the reasons why so many Christian denominations exist today, but it is vital to remember that virtually all of these various bodies are in full agreement, a true unity of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:1-2); on the basics of Christian doctrine such as the Divinity of Christ, essentials that are nonnegotiable and binding upon all true Christians.
Despite all of their claims to the contrary, however cults have no such unity, but rather a rigid conformity to an accepted code of cultic conduct achieved through what is called "cult mind control.". This stratagem of domination is widely used by scores and scores of controlling and abusive organizations. No matter what the theological or philosophical bent of the group, one or more components of mind control can be found. While we recognize the controversy over such a seemingly dramatic concept, we are convinced that this is an often overlooked and ignored reality that is responsible for much of the abuse and inner trauma that deceptive groups inflict upon their members as they strive to impose their collective control over them. This smothering conformity is enforced through an unethical and coercive form of manipulative socialization designed at controlling thought, and hence behavior. Three of the major characteristics of this conformity can be briefly described through three broad generalizations:
- Exclusivism
- The cult's unceasing effort to instill in it's followers a desire for something promised to them by the group. The cult maintains that power, spiritual highs, fulfillment or salvation are available only through them and only offered to true believers. No one else can offer to the cultist what the cult supposedly has, and the cult's question posed to struggling cultists is often a rephrasing of the thought "well, brother, where else can you go?" (cp. 1 Corinthians 1:11-12)
- A Totalitarian Worldview
- The cult's own view of itself and the world outside of it that it promotes constantly as the way to view reality. It is designed to enhance the group's identity and reinforce the stated (and unstated) goals and welfare of the group above the individual's needs. Simply put, it fosters a "we-versus-they" mentality in cult member's minds, the cult's "good guys" versus the Satanic "bad guys" outside the group (cp. John 9:28-29).
- Alienation
- The cult group's active encouragement of it's members to separate from family, friends and society in general to avoid being led astray from the cult's own tightly closed circle of social interaction. Independent thinking is seen as sinful and the group's collective totalitarian worldview is exalted as the only godly way to both think and act (cp. Jude 19).
All of these characteristics were observed in the Heaven's Gate group, and can easily be seen in other active groups locally and globally. These are three of a list of 10 characteristic marks of cult mind control which are among the most effective means that cults have at their disposal to bring about an unholy devotion within the hearts and minds of their new converts. It seems so difficult to believe, but this Satanically inspired bondage (2 Corinthians 4:3-4, 2 Timothy 2:25-26) is what can turn responsible men and women into flaming evangelists of their cause, intellectual philosophers, meditating mystics and pliant sex toys.
As we have seen, Dr. Martin makes this all too sobering point: virtually anyone can be snared by cult bondage under the right circumstances. This is not a problem confined to the uneducated, the emotional fanatic, and the weak minded (or "those people" as we often hear in conversation). Go to any cult fellowship, and one will find represented people from all walks of life (from dishwashers to lawyers) who, more than likely, were at one time dedicated and active church members. Jesus' warning in Matthew 24:4 was not lightly given. He knew that many of His flock would be deceived in the last days. And far too many of these have been hoodwinked by the power of persuasive men who have convinced followers to consign their thinking over to their power exclusively. For a more complete discussion and more resources on the issue of cult mind control, we would recommend going to our "Cult Mind Control" section.