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June 30 - November 4, 2016
ironic that whereas Moon’s stated goal was to unify the world, many of his strategies fostered jealousy and spite among leaders, virtually ensuring a lack of unity.
one of Moon’s major problems was his incredible narcissism and unwillingness to admit he didn’t know everything. He
my ideals and my own fantasy of an ideal world that had lured me into the Moonies.
Our need to believe that we are invulnerable, though, is actually a weakness that is easily played upon by cult recruiters.
Like it or not, everyone is vulnerable to mind control. Everyone wants to be happy. Everyone needs affection
Life in a destructive cult is, for the most part, a life of sacrifice, pain and fear.
Under the influence of mind control, a person’s authentic identity given at birth, and as later formed by family, education, friendships, and most importantly that person’s own free choices, becomes replaced with another identity, often one that they would not have chosen for themself without tremendous social pressure.75
In destructive cults there is always something to do.
The chain of command in cults is usually authoritarian, flowing from the leader, through their lieutenants, to their sub-leaders, down to the rank and file. In such a well-regulated environment, all behaviors can be either rewarded or punished.
destructive cult inevitably has its own “loaded language” of unique words and expressions.
greatest person in human history. As my cult identity was put into place, I wanted to think like him, feel like him and act like him. When faced with a problem, Scientologists are encouraged to ask, “What would Ron (Hubbard) do?”
Members are made to feel part of an elite corps of humankind. This feeling of being special, of participating in the most important acts in human history,
Cult members have a great sense not only of mission, but also of their special place in history. They believe they will be recognized for their greatness for generations to come.
all destructive cults, the self must submit to group policy and the leader’s commands.
In any group that qualifies as a destructive cult, thinking of oneself or for oneself is wrong.
