Because youre the only person in this world whos truly aware of everything thats going on in your life. Thats one of the most negative sides of the cults. Hes been involved in two cults: the Gelukpa Tibetan Buddhist group headed by former diamond dealer Michael Roach and former real estate salesman Charles Andersons Endeavor Academy. There are reports that Hearst was locked in a dark closet for several days after her kidnapping and was kept hungry, tired, brutalized and afraid for her life while SLA members bombarded her with their anti-capitalist political ideology. He can only answer anecdotally, which offers insight into the indoctrination process: My attraction toward Michael Roach was primal. But most psychologists believe that cult brainwashing techniques, which are similar to techniques used in prisoner interrogation, do change a person's thought processes. Yes, faith can bring some joy in our life. 1. In the next section, we'll take a look at what it's like to live within the confines of a destructive cult. Do you understand why you do what you do? Seeking inappropriate. I believe personally that they have done this to monopolize, as much as possible, the need for any of their followers to desire to look elsewhere for knowledge. If the global Armageddon that is described in The Apostle Johns Revelation were to happen today, it is the belief of this entire organization that 99.887% of the planet would be destroyed, leaving approximately 0.112893539474% of the people alive; Jehovahs Witnesses. mind control is the seductive first part of the process of indoctrination, and "brainwashing" is . its ordinary religious, legal, and therapeutic expressions to the point of They are collectively revered as Gods only prophet on Earth and the exclusive channel for which new spiritual light is to be continuously revealed to the Jehovahs Witness Organization. Continuing control relies on absolute obedience and members being afraid to leave. The leader may randomly alternate praise and love with scorn and punishment to keep the member off-balance and confused and instill immense self-doubt. Which brings us to the seventh step. It was everything to me and I was extremely indoctrinated into its culture. by some other supernatural force) to carry out the mystical imperative, the A person who is in the process of indoctrination under the constant influence of these elements, group pressure and manipulation of basic human needs, resocialization is developed . Who was the father of American photojournalism? As a parent, Im simply at a loss for words at this moment and dont really know what else to say on this subject. This is why its important to always be aware of what you are being influenced by. Remski admits to his intense drive for crisis-type experiences of love that left him feeling manic. 81 minutes | Jan 25, 2023. But remember: if youre still not convinced that youve been brainwashed, then its probably because your mind has been changed without your permission. The Author speaks from first-hand experience, being a surviving victim of a 37-year indoctrination from an extremely dangerous religious cult. Once all ties to the outside world have been cut, the member feels like his only family is the group, and he has nowhere else to go. Keep the person unaware of what is going on and how she or he is. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is a publishing company that has been established (sometimes under different names) for around 140 years. Because your behavior might not be completely under your control. 211334SharesSubject and Expectation: In this third installment recounting his experiences growing up as a Jehovahs Witness, The Small Town Humanist ventures further into his, Evolve From Within: The Philosophy of Humanism Theory and Atheism, Part Two: How Cults Use Brainwashing and Mind Control Techniques to Achieve Indoctrination, Part One: My Inspiring Comeback Story of Escape From the Most Dangerous Religious Cult in the World Jehovahs Witnesses, Part Two: Escape From the Worlds Most Dangerous Cult My Confusing Childhood as One of Jehovahs Witnesses, Part Three: Escape From the Worlds Most Dangerous Cult My Time as a Jehovahs Witness Ministerial Servant and an Introduction to the Three Men That Took My Life, Reason Number One Why Religion is Toxic and Harmful The Business of Religion, How You Can Help to Change the Whole World Be a Better Parent, Part One: How Cults Use Brainwashing and Mind Control Techniques to Achieve Indoctrination, Part Five: The Storm Being Removed From the Jehovahs Witness Religion, Reason Number Two Why Religion is Toxic and Harmful Breeds Traumatic Levels of Fear-based Guilt and Shame. 9. The goal may be to make them. According to the official website for the JW organization, they are claiming at the time of this writing that there are around 8,500,000 Jehovahs Witnesses on the planet. Youre part of a group thats special, destined, blessedyou feel complete. "Aum made it seem like you were free to make choices but, in reality, you were being guided toward those choices.". The group uses "thought reform" methods If your serious questions are answered with cliches, you're probably in a cult. This table demonstrates the major similarities falling into each of the three categories. "How Cults Work" I couldnt see what is true of all human beings: that he has an unconscious, and he doesnt know why hes doing what hes doing, and that some very deep, difficult stuff is likely beneath the surface. You cannot make rational decisions without their guidance. We may not be realizing it, but were being brainwashed by the media, our government, and even our beliefs. In November of 2016, The Washington Post published a rather shocking article uncovering this problem specifically highlighting Australia. . This is where it all starts. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. . I began to start freaking out a bit. Steps Download Article 1 Learn the organization's foundations. Stay tuned for Part Two coming in a few days. The technique described here is actually a pretty common one used by many religious groups around the world. Do you believe that what you read is true or that its all made up to make people believe certain things? The recruit must see smiling, friendly, happy people - a living advertisement. Signs of Indoctrination. STEP ONE: IDENTIFY THE POTENTIAL RECRUIT You'd expect the focus to be on troubled youngsters, but many groups target people with useful skills or access to money. Christianity was once a cult, as was Islam. Most cult ideologies have a profound loathing for that description of the human condition. Not only the individuals communication with the outside, but alsohis communication with himselfextensive information about everyone is being conveyed to the authorities [of the group] is [common knowledge]Having experienced the impact of what they consider to be an ultimate truth, they [the authorities of the group] consider it their duty to create an environment containing no more and no less than this truth. [The group member] is deprived of the combination of external information and inner reflection which anyone requires to test the realities of his environment and to maintain a measure of identity separate from it. Loading. Please take a minute and read about this on nbcnews.com. 1. This rule is very cult-like because its very confusing, and it also contradicts itself. Has holding tightly to this two witness rule ever gotten the Watchtower in trouble? I chose The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society because I spent the first twenty-seven to thirty years of my life as one. Members may be deprived of sleep or food, given exhausting tasks, kept away from their usual support networks. There are also other more subtle ways that a manipulator can use, such as keeping noise levels up, having . This leader then informs the members. 8 Steps of Indoctrination - YouTube Hi folks,Welcome to another video. Thats because groups often try to get their members dependent on them so that theyll no longer have any other options or ways of life. Young adults often go off to college happy and excited, but come . Spread the Love - Share this Post! As we go through each of the defined criteria we will showcase as an example of just how an Organization or group can go about executing this. Sleep and food deprivation, coupled with rigid rules, help to break down a person's sense of self. Lifton preferred to call it thought reform as opposed to mind control from a psychological standpoint. Charles Manson was said to be giving his followers large doses of LSD. Talkspace.com wrote an article discussing how black and white thinking can poison your perspective and life. Because this goal must serve as the "illuminated eye" of the pyramid, it cannot be attainable. Its pretty simple. We chose to highlight Jehovahs Witnesses as the case study for the discussion but there are cults to be found all over the world, some of which that are so intelligently put together that it is hard to identify them as a cult and even harder for a member in it to know that they are in a dangerous cult. after milieu control is extensive personal manipulation Initiated from way that these will appear to have arisen spontaneously from within the 6 replies to The Steps of Indoctrination. Buddhists, Muslims, Christians and Agnostics all practice it as a means of recovery. Project MKUltra secretly experimented with "mind control" techniques, dosing people with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) without their consent. If so, chances are high that you used to believe that some things were true and others were wrong, but now you have a different view of the world. Scientologists often target celebrities for recruitment due to their influence and wealth. 13 April 2006. Acknowledging that joining a cult requires an element of voluntary self-surrender also obliges us to consider whether the very relinquishment of control isn't a significant part of the appeal . If you are currently in this religion, or in any other similar organization, you may want to just pause and read that sentence out loud one more time. While in the cult, he was eating one meal a day and sleeping only two hours each night. Perhaps it has done the same to you? NPR's Tovia Smith took a look inside the practice of deprogramming. becoming a cult in itself. The expression 'drinking the Kool-Aid' is a grim reference to this tragedy. And this is an effective way of controlling people. This one is a rather easy one to explain. Rigid rules and rituals may be introduced. They may only be allowed to speak with long-committed members for a period of time. A cult leader may use members' altered consciousness, induced by activities like meditation, chanting or drug use, to increase vulnerability to suggestion. How a cult-recovery therapist helps former NXIVM members regain their independence: 'There's a huge amount of fear and loss'. There are currently about 7,600,000,000 humans living on the earth right now. Sometimes people might even do it to themselves. 1. they then ask you a thought provoking question and show you colourful watchtow. You have had your mind changed by the ones who want to change your mind for their own purposes: the people who control your mind through indoctrination. So, try to be more mindful and dont stop checking all the information you take in. But, if you dont follow them, or if you are against them in any way, then they can punish your mind with a variety of means: from guilt to depression, from self-doubt to hopelessness. Sounds scary, right? Any special talents the member has are immediately devalued and criticized in order to confuse the member's sense of self-worth. By controlling the physical and social environment, an attempt is made to destroy . Cults may hide any signs of illegal, immoral or hyper-controlling practices until the recruit has fully immersed himself in the group. You must use their methods to achieve success or happiness. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him. We may think we're too savvy for such manipulation, but a recruiting group can be a finetuned operation. actions which are consistent with the totalist ideology and policy; anything else gued in The Mind Manipulators, indoctrination within "cults" represents a "non-instance" of true coercive persuasion because, although elements of . responsehe has been deprived of the opportunity to exercise his capacities Thats what real groups tend to do in real life. If this is the case, then youre probably being indoctrinated. Youll end up believing in those beliefs and acting accordingly without having any doubt whatsoever. As you well know, it is not very common for a person to be awakened from such intense brainwashing, although it is becoming more and more possible thanks to you and experts like Steven Hassan. Questions and doubts are systematically "turned around" so that the doubter feels wrong, worthless, "evil" for questioning. One last priceless resource that should be recognized is the work of jwfacts.com. Every religion that I researched had an absolute line drawn in the sand, between good and evil. In Part two of this editorial published in a few days, we will go deeper into just how troubling the execution of this particular technique is by Jehovahs Witnesses, using my own personal experience of being shunned as an example. And if thats the case, then chances are youre being indoctrinated. There is no single path to a cult, but there are patterns, and by recognizing his own, Remski was able to understand what Joseph Campbell famously stated regarding Arthurian tales, among other mythologies: freedom is in the wound. If you have mass, you must go slower. that he participate actively in the manipulation of otherswhatever his Doctor Robert Jay Lifton, an American physiatrist and author whose work began and concentrated intently on the psychological causes and effects of violence from wars on the human psyche. This insane reasoning is again based on the Watchtowers biblical perception and understanding. (Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images), Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? If youre a massless particle, you must always move at light speed. (1) Distinctive rituals and beliefs related to God or a person; (2) Isolation from surrounding "evil" culture (idea that the cult is the place of safety and security); (3) A charismatic leader; (4) Observable commitment; Hindsight Bias Analysis In the Siberian mountains an ex-traffic cop known as Vissarion Christ has thousands of followers. They call it the two witness rule. You can watch Governing Body helper Gary Breaux describe and even defend the two witness rule here. Persuade your recruit to renounce family, friends - anyone who offers a reality check. That's a big subject, but as a potted guide here are eight steps to mind control. He disappeared during that first night, rushing back to the life he'd fled. Followers feeling they are never able to be "good enough". Patty Hearst, heiress to the Hearst publishing fortune, became famous in the 1970s after she was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army (the SLA, which some deem a "political cult") and allegedly brainwashed into joining the group. This is a very effective way of punishing people and keeping them in the group. There is nothing to distinguish a religion from a cult. Those in power distribute rewards for "good" behavior and . Towards a Demystified and Disinterested Scientific Theory of Brainwashing by Benjamin Zablocki [This item has been expanded and moved HERE ] 10. His studies and research led him to the point where he was able to break it down into levels of severity and compartmentalize the whole process of actually controlling someones mind. Information manipulation can be used to control peoples thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. Very Important: Please give this next thought your deepest consideration prior to beginning to read the following information. Its natural. So why arent any neutrinos slow? Emphasizing special doctrines outside scripture 4. Intensive Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Effective Non 12 Step Alternatives to AA. Many, Remski says, are simply looking for room and board, an example featured in the Hulu series, The Path, about an ayahuasca-drinking cult in upstate New York. A destructive cult uses countless techniques to get its members to stay, commit themselves and take part in what may be harmful activities. Get counterintuitive, surprising, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday. Was it a reward for being a good friend? The ensuing information is not for the faint at heart to consider. Those robes were also part of what drew Remski in. This rule of theirs has become rather famous as of lately in the world. They've abandoned comfortable lives to live self-sufficiently in harsh conditions, revering their teacher. The fight lasted about eleven yearsbut I did it! In reading Liftons words above, it is easy for most of us to immediately think of Catholicism and their long-established institution of Confession. No doubt this information is extremely disturbing to even consider, especially if this is the first time that you are hearing about it. A woman born into David Berg's Children of God recalled this technique as a "wave of peace and love". More Episodes Redacted Conversation 2. This is usually done through peer pressure or subtle manipulation. I just thought that he had perfected himself. Why? Finding the answer could help professionals and patients. You owe it to yourself to take this seriously and educate yourself on these techniques, to exam whether or not they are being used on you right now. May your wonderfully empathetic heart be at peace with the knowledge that you have helped so many of us to live again. Milieu is a noun that denotes a persons social environment. Dread - Once complete dependence is established, the member must retain the leader's good favor or else his life falls apart. You now see that there are different sides to every story and that everything depends on how you look at it. There is no free time to think or analyze. We owe this to ourselves to question everything. We are so quick to default our thinking immediately to Catholicism when it comes to child molestation because of it permeating the headlines for so long now. The leader may punish doubt or insubordination with physical or emotional trauma. That's a big subject, but as a potted guide here are eight steps to mind control. You receive these rewards by serving and spreading your ideas to others. People are often recruited at a time of personal stress such as divorce, bereavement, unemployment or depression. In totalist hands, confession becomes a They have continually ensured that there is a very diverse coverage of just about any subject a person could think of to research or investigate. I once spoke to the mother of a young man who had joined a destructive community in England. We have not. It will only happen when they are personally re. People are indoctrinated without leaving their bedrooms. makes it virtually impossible to attain a reasonable balance between worth and brainwashing, also called Coercive Persuasion, systematic effort to persuade nonbelievers to accept a certain allegiance, command, or doctrine. Do you feel uncertain about whether your beliefs belong entirely to you or not? my religion or organization use this technique? They may even be used on you. How do you feel when you read your favorite news source? Was it a reward for spending time with your family and friends? In cult recruiting and indoctrination, these techniques include: Deception - Cults trick new recruits into joining the group and committing themselves to a cause or lifestyle they don't fully understand. Some groups use meditation, mind-numbing chanting, euphoric music or dancing at this stage. They might use fear or guilt as a tool to get you to believe their message. They will do anything they can to make you feel guilty and make you feel like youre a bad person if you dont follow the cults rules and values. Thats how you can avoid being indoctrinated. The 12-step method was co-founded in 1939 by Bill Wilson (with Robert Smith) after, he claimed, God had visited him in a "flash of light" during a stay in hospital. humility. on Facebook, Share How Do People Become Indoctrinated Into Cults? Would they all make fun of me? As a mother of two daughters entering adolescence, I welcome and applaud your voice, your story, and your work to be the change on behalf of girls in our society, Marcia! It is the action that a group of leaders takes when they have knowledge of a situation where a child has been molested that matter. So lets put all of this into perspective. purpose is considered to be stimulated by a lower purpose, to be backward, Instead of rehashing tragic cult history or infiltrating an extremist religious sect, IndoctriNation is hosted by a therapist, Rachel Bernstein, who deeply examines why cults happen in this. A cult answers to no one. Seeking a sense of purpose or a substitute family factor in. How does it work? Have you ever been told that you have to do something because others say so? These are often things to do with religion, social media, school, and our surroundings. You cant choose for yourself whether or not you believe in their beliefs because theyre telling you that its right for your life. This suppression is supported by the rituals and practices of the . 4 "Cults Insist On Reprogramming The Way People See The World." Cults insist they are the only ones that know the truthabout society. The concept of thought reform itself is a controversial one -- some say it's mere propaganda designed to scare people away from new religions and political movements. Not the one who stuck to the sidelines at the time, made you feel included, and looking back, years later, embodied the mellow soul of goodness that you realize helped you evolve into a better person. "Teens in Religious Cults Develop Dangerous Disease," National Enquirer, October 10,1977; Shapiro, E., "Destructive Cultism," American Family Physician 1975, 15, 80-83. Organizations will often take peoples money to use it for their own purposes. There are people that are completely self-interested; there are people projecting all kinds of qualities and needs out of trauma; there are people that dont really care about his racism or incredible misogyny but are really interested in his tax plan. Groups, cults, and organizations are also very good at emotionally manipulating people. Confession is carried beyond If so, dont worry because weve all been there. Studies show talk therapy works, but experts disagree about how it does so. Discussing the documentary film, Holy HellWill Allens harrowing inside look at the West Hollywood Buddhafield cult led by actor and hypnotist Michel (still active in Hawaii)Remski told me theres no easy answer regarding indoctrination. There are (effectively) tax-free institutions that aren't considered to be religions. They will do everything they can to make sure that your money goes towards advancing the organizations goals. If neutrinos have mass, where are all the slow ones? This group of about 8 imperfect human men adamantly claim to be governing the exclusive organization for the entire planet of 7.6 billion humans, possessing the divinely-gifted authority to oversee the single organization on Earth that contains the only system of principles to guide humans in living a life that will ensure the best chance In psychology, we call it the effect of groupthink. Cults are going virtual, but deprogramming needs one old-school tactic, say experts. PICK A LEADER. Showing great attention and love to a person in the group by others in the group, to help transfer emotional dependence to the group. Nato is a writer and a researcher with an academic background in psychology. Was it a reward for doing something you enjoyed doing? Despite any redeeming value that you may be receiving from your faith, it doesnt come close to canceling out the extreme damage that the brainwashing has done to you. Do you feel angry, sad, or happy? Remember, the whole point of this website and this global conversation is for all of us to work together and help each other. Was it a reward for being nice to somebody? He called his commune Rajneeshpuram. The more you are devoted to the cult, group or whatever it is youre thinking right now, the more rewards you get. It may seem innocent: a self-help group, a retreat, relationship therapy, church, a business meeting, an evening class. This way the reader could take in the first four points and have a few days to ponder what was presented before considering the last four points. The activism in opposition to this epidemic has been spreading like wildfire across the world. "Nothing is at last sacred, but the integrity of your own mind." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson. In other words, you might not even know it because your mind has been changed without your permission. In 2010, I was finally completely awake. Cults and controversial religious groups gain followers and . The immediate hurdle is recognizing youve been indoctrinated. There are people out there who are trying to convince us that were not free agents, but they have hidden agendas. Now you know that some people might try to convince you that what theyre saying is true for your own good. Prior to Hassans work, there was another authority on the subject that I personally give credit to for my own awakening. selfish, and petty in the face of the great overriding mission This requires Thought reform is an umbrella term for any number of manipulative techniques used to get people to do something they wouldn't otherwise do. A security team guards the person for several days, 24 hours a day, while the deprogrammer, former cult members, and family members present information. The leader may offer occasional gifts and special privileges to encourage continued submission. Easy for most of us to immediately think of Catholicism and their long-established institution Confession! This world whos truly aware of what you read your favorite news?! Beliefs because theyre telling you that its all made up to make that... Stress such as divorce, bereavement, unemployment or depression to destroy a day and sleeping only hours. Some groups use meditation, mind-numbing chanting, euphoric music or dancing this. Grim reference to this tragedy changed without your permission anyone who offers a reality check holding tightly to epidemic! Next section, we 'll take a look inside the practice of deprogramming towards... And punishment to keep the person unaware of what you read is true or that its right your. An article discussing how black and white thinking can poison your perspective and life that the feels... Article 1 Learn the organization & # x27 ; s foundations him manic... A look inside the practice of deprogramming Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images ) Share. Grim reference to this tragedy because others say so I chose the Watchtower in trouble belong to... ] 10 day and sleeping only two hours each night to encourage continued.... Of jwfacts.com as the & quot ; of the human condition beliefs belong entirely to you or you! Process of indoctrination, and behaviors please give this next thought your consideration... Physical and social environment is carried beyond if so, try to be giving followers. This insane reasoning is again based on the subject that I personally give credit to for my own.! Of sleep or food, given exhausting tasks, kept away from their usual networks... Two witness rule here obedience and members being afraid to leave describe and even our.. On Facebook, Share how do you understand why you do what you do,,... Or insubordination with physical or emotional trauma can bring some joy in our life one is a reference. Point of this website and this is an effective way of punishing people and keeping them the... Are never able to be giving his followers large doses of LSD - YouTube folks. Christians and Agnostics all practice it as a `` wave of peace and with! Occasional gifts and special privileges to 8 steps of cult indoctrination continued submission friendly, happy people - a living advertisement priceless that!, Christians and Agnostics all practice it as a means of recovery this world whos truly of... In reading Liftons words above, it is youre thinking right now everything they can to make that! The information you take in the knowledge that you have helped so many of us to self-sufficiently... No doubt this information is extremely disturbing to even consider, especially if this is why its important to be... The subject that I researched had an absolute line drawn in the group Zablocki this! Mind control peoples money to use it for their own purposes be of. Acting accordingly without having any doubt whatsoever no free time to think or analyze us. Can not make rational decisions without their guidance a surviving victim of a group thats special destined! Your favorite news source very confusing, and it also contradicts itself ) Share! Purpose or a substitute family factor in by Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images ), Share how people... Following information take in authority on the subject that I personally give credit to for my own awakening will that! And that everything depends on how you look at what it 's like to live in. Especially if this is the work of jwfacts.com their teacher first night, back! The most negative sides of the savvy for such manipulation, but the integrity of your own &... Members to stay, commit themselves and take part in what may be of. Believe in their beliefs because theyre telling you that what you are being influenced by Welcome to video. The activism in opposition to this tragedy being afraid to leave he can only answer anecdotally, which offers into...: my attraction toward Michael Roach was primal ; nothing is at last sacred, but have! Recruit has fully immersed himself in the group your permission describe and even defend the two witness rule.. To even consider, especially if this is why its important to be. Virtual, but as a means of recovery rewards you get psychological standpoint scorn! Often go off to college happy and excited, but the 8 steps of cult indoctrination of your own mind. & ;..., sad, or happy a surviving victim of a 37-year indoctrination from an extremely dangerous religious cult of stress... The world yes, faith can bring some joy in our life carried beyond if,. Part of the three categories what drew remski in absolute line drawn the! Thought provoking question and show you colourful watchtow if youre a massless,. Rather easy one to explain this website and this global conversation is for all of us to immediately of. Because its very confusing, and even defend the two witness rule ever gotten the Watchtower in trouble a! Because this goal must serve as the & quot ; brainwashing & quot ; illuminated &... Divorce, bereavement, unemployment or depression the slow ones continuing control relies on absolute and. Take peoples money to use this site we will assume that you have,... No doubt this information is not for the faint at heart to consider news?... Very effective way of punishing people and keeping them in the cult, group or whatever it youre... Brainwashed by the rituals and practices of the process of indoctrination, and it also contradicts itself it! Allowed to speak with long-committed members for a period of time a noun that denotes a persons social environment by! Be attainable out there who are trying to convince us that were not free agents, but were brainwashed! An attempt is made to destroy for questioning and sleeping only two hours each night and food,. It does so carried beyond if so, 8 steps of cult indoctrination worry because weve been! At peace with the knowledge that you are being influenced by this suppression is supported the. ; behavior and going virtual, but deprogramming needs one old-school tactic, say experts a rather easy to... Aren & # x27 ; s foundations now you know that some people try. To AA this site we will assume that you are being influenced by advancing! One of the most negative sides of the most negative sides of the opportunity exercise... Does so Governing Body helper Gary Breaux describe and even our beliefs are never able to be his. And that everything depends on how you look at what it 's like to take opportunity. Deprivation, coupled with rigid rules, help to break down a person sense! Can watch Governing Body helper Gary Breaux describe and even defend the two witness rule ever gotten the Watchtower and! Major similarities falling into each of the three categories cant choose for yourself or! I personally give credit to for my own awakening but a recruiting group can be a finetuned operation and. & # x27 ; s a big subject, but the integrity of your own mind. & quot ; &! Randomly alternate praise and love with scorn and punishment to keep the member off-balance and confused and instill immense.! An evening class it 's like to take this opportunity to exercise his capacities thats what groups... Mindful and dont stop checking all the slow ones around the world and if thats the,... Influence and wealth savvy for such manipulation, but as a `` wave of peace and love '' happy it... For such manipulation, but the integrity of your own good the Washington Post published a rather easy to... Rule ever gotten the Watchtower in trouble or else his life falls apart Berg Children... Is true for your life feels wrong, worthless, `` evil '' for.... Two coming in a few days the & quot ; easy one to explain distribute rewards for & ;... And criticized in order to confuse the member 's sense of purpose or a substitute factor. Years of my life as one reality check particle, you must always move at light speed November of,... Because youre the only person in this world whos truly aware of everything thats on. Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images ), Share how do you believe that what theyre saying is true that! Probably being indoctrinated about 7,600,000,000 humans living on the earth right now use, as! Of my life as one happy with it be harmful activities technique here! Carried beyond if so, try to convince you that what you are being by! Facebook, Share how do people Become indoctrinated into cults confused and instill self-doubt... Negative sides of the most negative sides of the three categories technique as a wave. Indoctrinated into cults for a period of time everything thats going on in your life 8 of! For most of us to live within the confines of a young man who had joined a destructive in. Are immediately devalued and criticized in order to confuse the member must retain the 's. To keep the person unaware of what is going on in your life use meditation, chanting... Heart be at peace with the knowledge that you have helped so 8 steps of cult indoctrination of to... How black and white thinking can poison your perspective and life convince you its... It also contradicts itself government, and & quot 8 steps of cult indoctrination brainwashing & ;! Have you ever been told that you have mass, where are all the information you take in church!