|
Tearmunn |
|
Cults BEWARE OF CULTS AND CULT TACTICS Cults can come in may forms, whether online or in person. Cults can be
formed in any community; Christian, pagan, atheist, muslim, science etc. Chat programs are no exception. Please be aware of
cult tactics. Beware of cult tactics Unfortunatly cult tactics can be used online to manipulate people. Please
beware of tactics used and refrain from being pulled in. Religion often plays a part. The people appear to be highly intelligent, educated, and authoritarian They may claim to be battling a war in another realm They may include armeggedon type scenarios They may claim to posses special powers or knowledge that is denied to
others They may create a "bad guy" such as a devil, or witch coven etc. "Evil" is a common term They avoid direct answers that may defy their beliefs They create a false sense of security and family atmosphere They ban, or manipulate bad feelings amongst the group towards those who
disagree with them They may create a learning environment to manipulate thoughts They encourage "followers" to stay away from people who disagree with them For more information on cult tactics please go to: <http://www.cultclinic.org/qa7.html> How to avoid getting into a cult Learn to cope with stress. When stress is getting the best of us, we are
more likely to be seduced by someone selling happiness. If you are having difficulty coping, seek help from reputable, trustworthy
persons. Common sources of stress include: Troubled romances Academic difficulties Conflict with and tensions within the family such as parents’ marital
problems, domestic violence, alcohol and/or drug abuse by a family member. Confusion about values and goals. Physical illness of self, family member, or other loved one Loneliness Transitions- for example, moving, changing schools, jobs Death of loved one Disillusionment regarding religion or people you once respected Never be afraid to question other people. Learn to recognize common cult-recruitment tactics and situations, beware
of: People who are excessively or inappropriately friendly; there are few genuine
instant friendships. People who are very persistent in trying to get you to join, and won’t
take no for answer. People with invitations to free meals, lectures, and workshops People who demand secrecy from you. People who make you feel like there’s something wrong with you if
you’re not interested in joining. People with simplistic answers or solutions to complex world problems.
People who demand secrecy from you People who try to play on your guilt; you don’t always have to reciprocate
a kindness, especially when it may have been a way to manipulate you People who are vague or evasive. If they are hiding something, it’s
usually because they don’t want you to know the real answer. People who claim to be just like you, so you feel you have a lot in common.
People who confidently promise that they can help you solve your problems,
especially when they know little about you People, who make grand claims about how their group can save mankind, help
you achieve enlightenment or show the road to happiness. People who always seem happy People who claim they or their group is really special, even the most special
People who promise quick solutions to difficult problems People who put down reason and critical thinking, and tell you not to ask
questions about the group - just open your mind to it. Ten Steps to Critical Thinking 1.RECOGNIZETHE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "A DEMAND" AND "A REQUEST"
2. REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN SAY, "NO" 3. RECOGNIZE FALSE DILEMMAS 4. SLEEP ON IT 5. LOOK FOR THE HIDDEN AGENDA 6. LOOK FOR LOGICAL FALLACIES 7. KNOW WHAT GROUP OR BELIEF A PERSON REPRESENTS 8. RECOGNIZE FLATTERY 9. ASK QUESTIONS 10. RETAIN YOUR SELF-WORTH Are you involved in a cult? Do some critical thinking
about your involvement with group movements. In this group, are you pressured to change your beliefs as proof of personal
commitment and progress? Are you prohibited, discouraged, or made to feel bad if you express doubt? hesitate to do something you really don't want to do? retain contacts outside the group? Does this group speak in terms of them-versus-us? Are they the exclusive
possessors of the "Truth"? Is there a revered leader whose teachings and practices are not subject
to critical questioning? Do you know where the money goes? Can you prove it? Does this group make you feel: Accepted — (based on group conditions?) Secure — (incapable of independence?) Important — (specially "called" for a great cause?) Do members speak of lifetime commitment? Are you a failure if you leave?
Will they still be your friends? Is it possible to feel trapped in this group? Organizations that exhibit some or all of these characteristics can prove
to be harmful. |
|
|