Perhaps it is time to review the definition of a "cult" : http://www.goldhammer.com/selfquiz.htm
Self Quiz
For Religious/Ideological Groups
Are you
"UNDER THE INFLUENCE"
of a destructive group or belief system?
Find out with this
SELF QUIZ:- Does your group discourage doubts, criticism or ideas that differ from their belief system?
Yes____No____ - Do you tend to rationalize whatever the group does even when it goes against your sense of right and wrong?
Yes___ No___ - Do you often feel exhausted from lengthy group activities, meetings and projects?
Yes___ No___ - Does your group have its own unique words, clichs, slogans, chants, prayers and doctrinal phrases that reinforce the group viewpoint?
Yes___ No___ - Are doubts viewed as a lack of faith, dedication, commitment or disloyalty?
Yes___ No___ - Have "your thoughts" become "the enemy?"
Yes___ No___ - Do you often find yourself doing more and more things in the group or because of group peer pressure that you would not have done on your own?
Yes___ No___ - Does your group publicly humiliate or criticize members?
Yes___ No___ - Does your group have a system of punishments and rewards for behavior?
Yes___ No___ - Group paranoia: Does your group obsessively think other groups or people with different beliefs are out to get them?
Yes___ No___ - Does the prospect of leaving your group seem scary, difficult?
Yes___ No___ - Do you feel the need to leave in secret?
Yes___ No___ - Have you been told something bad might happen if you leave?
Yes___ No___ - Does your group/belief system think they have/are the only or highest truth, or have the solution for the worlds problems?
Yes___ No___ - Are your leaders ideas or belief system considered beyond reproach or sacred?
Yes___ No___ - Do you follow a particular individual or belief system that requires unquestioning obedience and loyalty?
Yes___ No___ - ) Do members of your group feel specially chosen, superior, exclusive, elite?
Yes___ No___ - Do you feel the need to save or convert others to your belief system or ideology?
Yes___ No___ - Is your group secretive to outsiders about its inner workings, teachings, activities or beliefs?
Yes___ No___ - Does your group equate purity and goodness to being in your group, and impurity or evil to those outside your group?
Yes___ No___ - Do you place your groups mission or agenda above your own goals and ideals? Do group interests come before your own interest
Yes___ No___ - Do you find yourself thinking in a we-they, us-versus-them mind set?
Yes___ No___ - Does your group/system have a clear outside enemy?
Yes___ No___ - Do you see less and less of your family and friends who do not belong to your group or who do not subscribe to your groups belief system?
Yes___ No___ - Does your group use frequent public testimonials, confessions, or sharings that reinforce the groups mission or agenda?
Yes___ No___ - Is communication within, into and out of your group controlled or censored in any manner?
Yes___ No___ - Does your group criticize, shun, abandon or demean individuals who leave the group?
Yes___ No___ - Do members seek approval or get permission from group leader(s) for personal life choices?
Yes___ No___ - Do you feel pressured to attend meetings, events, lectures, seminars? And do you feel guilty if you dont attend?
Yes___ No___ - Do you feel pressured to give a portion of your income to the group, or spend money on courses, books or special projects?
Yes___ No___ - Are the groups financial needs more important than your own economic well-being?
Yes___ No___ - Does your group discriminate against anyone regarding race, gender, belief, or sexual orientation?
Yes___ No___ - Does your group have a totalitarian structure: a strict, top-down centralized control?
Yes___ No___
|
Do you wonder if you have been in a destructive group?
Do you...
...have difficulty forming new friendships and intimate relationships?
Yes___ No___
...have low self-esteem, poor self-image or loss of identity?
Yes___ No___
...have difficulty making simple decisions and choices?
Yes___ No___
...often feel depressed, anxious and nervous?
Yes___ No___
...feel isolated, lonely, guilty, cynical?
Yes___ No___
...feel like you are just now growing up, becoming a mature adult?
Yes___ No___
...have short-term memory difficulties?
Yes___ No___
...feel you have nothing to believe in?
Yes___ No___
...often feel anger and rage towards the group?
Yes___ No___
...have nightmares or unpleasant dreams?
Yes___ No___
...find it difficult or impossible to stop mental or other group ritualistic practices?
Yes___ No___
This quiz has no scientifically predetermined number of "yes" answers to indicate a destructive group. However, answering "yes" to any of the above questions means you may need to examine your group and its influence in your life in those areas.
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