if you had some leaflets printed out and when a dub knocked on your door you could pretend you are doing research into religions and cults ,and you are searching for truth but want to be carefull not to get involved with a cult , give them a leaflet and ask them to check whether their religion fits any of the categorys , then watch them either outright lie to you or watch them look more horrified each one they read , maybe you could try it on your family thats in too .
what about giving dubs a checklist of what makes a cult when they call ?
by looloo 9 Replies latest jw experiences
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DazedAndConfused
I put into a seach engine "Cult checklist" and came up with this:
http://www.csj.org/infoserv_cult101/checklis.htm
Characteristics Associated with Cultic Groups - Revised
Janja Lalich, Ph.D. & Michael D. Langone, Ph.D.
Concerted efforts at influence and control lie at the core of cultic groups, programs, and relationships. Many members, former members, and supporters of cults are not fully aware of the extent to which members may have been manipulated, exploited, even abused. The following list of social-structural, social-psychological, and interpersonal behavioral patterns commonly found in cultic environments may be helpful in assessing a particular group or relationship.
Compare these patterns to the situation you were in (or in which you, a family member, or friend is currently involved). This list may help you determine if there is cause for concern. Bear in mind that this list is not meant to be a “cult scale” or a definitive checklist to determine if a specific group is a cult. This is not so much a diagnostic instrument as it is an analytical tool.
? The group displays excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its leader and (whether he is alive or dead) regards his belief system, ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law.
? Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished.
? Mind-altering practices (such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, denunciation sessions, and debilitating work routines) are used in excess and serve to suppress doubts about the group and its leader(s).
? The leadership dictates, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel (for example, members must get permission to date, change jobs, marry—or leaders prescribe what types of clothes to wear, where to live, whether or not to have children, how to discipline children, and so forth).
? The group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s) and members (for example, the leader is considered the Messiah, a special being, an avatar—or the group and/or the leader is on a special mission to save humanity).
? The group has a polarized us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society.
? The leader is not accountable to any authorities (unlike, for example, teachers, military commanders or ministers, priests, monks, and rabbis of mainstream religious denominations).
? The group teaches or implies that its supposedly exalted ends justify whatever means it deems necessary. This may result in members' participating in behaviors or activities they would have considered reprehensible or unethical before joining the group (for example, lying to family or friends, or collecting money for bogus charities).
? The leadership induces feelings of shame and/or guilt iin order to influence and/or control members. Often, this is done through peer pressure and subtle forms of persuasion.
? Subservience to the leader or group requires members to cut ties with family and friends, and radically alter the personal goals and activities they had before joining the group.
? The group is preoccupied with bringing in new members.
? The group is preoccupied with making money.
? Members are expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities.
? Members are encouraged or required to live and/or socialize only with other group members.
? The most loyal members (the “true believers”) feel there can be no life outside the context of the group. They believe there is no other way to be, and often fear reprisals to themselves or others if they leave (or even consider leaving) the group.
This checklist will be published in the new book, Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships by Janja Lalich and Madeleine Tobias (Berkeley: Bay Tree Publishing, 2006). It was adapted from a checklist originally developed by Michael Langone.
Resources
Langone, Michael, Ph.D.: "Definitional Ambiguity"
Langone, Michael, Ph.D.: "On Using the Term "Cult"I think that the area where there are places to make checkmarks is a good start. If a person were to use this I would say it is needed to state where this info comes from. Adding the Resources is also a good thing.
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misanthropic
I'd say that's a pretty thorough list DazedAndConfused posted- every single one would have to make a person think; except for the deception of not trying to "make money". But that becomes obvious once your not being blinded by their smoke and mirrors once you're out.
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Maddie
It's a good idea, just hope they are not too scared to read it
Maddie
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Frequent_Fader_Miles
just hope they are not too scared to read it
Yeah, they'd probably run away screaming and yelling "apostate! apostate!"
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jwfacts
Great idea. It would only work if they thought you knew nothing about JW's and the list had no reference to JWs.
If you said you were looking for the true religion, but research you have done shows there are thousands of unhealthy cults that manipulate their members, so before learning any more you would like to check whether JWs do any of the following points.
Here is a summary of Lifton's 8 points
Environment Control. Limitation of many/all forms of communication with those outside the group. Books, magazines, letters and visits with friends and family are taboo. "Come out and be separate!" Books by ex members must not be read.
2. Mystical Manipulation. The potential convert to the group becomes convinced of the higher purpose and special calling of the group through a profound encounter / experience, for example, through an alleged miracle or prophetic word of those in the group. The leaders are specifically guided by God or some other mystical force.
3. Demand for Purity. An explicit goal of the group is to bring about some kind of change, whether it be on a global, social, or personal level. "Perfection is possible if one stays with the group and is committed."
4. Cult of Confession. The unhealthy practice of self disclosure to members in the group. Often in the context of a public gathering in the group, admitting past sins and imperfections, even doubts about the group and critical thoughts about the integrity of the leaders.
5. Sacred Science. The group's perspective is absolutely true and completely adequate to explain EVERYTHING. The doctrine is not subject to amendments or question. ABSOLUTE conformity to the doctrine is required.
6. Loaded Language. A new vocabulary emerges within the context of the group. Group members "think" within the very abstract and narrow parameters of the group's doctrine. The terminology sufficiently stops members from thinking critically by reinforcing a "black and white" mentality. Loaded terms and clichés prejudice thinking.
7. Doctrine over Person. Pre-group experience and group experience are narrowly and decisively interpreted through the absolute doctrine, even when experience contradicts the doctrine.
8. Dispensing of Existence. Salvation is possible only in the group. Those who leave the group are doomed.
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WTWizard
Though I couldn't see it while I was in, it is blatantly obvious that Jehovah's Witlesses are in a cult.
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kool aid man06
A free downloadable brochure, giving the reasons why Jehovah's Witnesses are to be considered a dangerous and destructive cult, is available by e-mailing [email protected] For more information on Jehovah's Witnesses being in a cult hit this link and when on the home page click on screen 4 and watch videos regarding this matter. www.sixscreensofthewatchtower.com
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DoomVoyager
I remember reading somewhere - I think it was on jwfacts - that the most important sign of a cult is whether or not contact with former members is permitted. No legitimate group would restrict contact with former members.
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looloo
thanks everyone its been very helpfull x