A religious cult is a group of people who adhere to a strict belief system and organize around a charismatic leader.A religious cult uses fear and manipulation to control their members.If you evaluate their doctrine, examine their practices, and take your time to look at the church objectively, you can determine whether an organization is a legitimate church or a cult.
Step 1: You should read the church's rules.
The unquestioning membership of the cults makes them thrive.Many of the cult's rules will benefit the leader or leadership.There are often harsh punishments for breaking the rules.The cult's rules can be pointless if they are only used to ensure the loyalty of the members.cult rules include being subservient to the leadership, being barred from talking to anyone outside of the cult, and requirements to drastically change your lifestyle.
Step 2: What would happen if you left the church?
People who leave the church will often be punished by the cults.Being prevented from talking to family and friends within the church is a common consequence.
Step 3: Denunciation sessions can be dangerous.
Innunciation sessions, the leader of the church humiliates you in front of other members.It's a sign that it could be a cult if the church mandates group activities like this.
Step 4: Churches that talk of mass suicide should be avoided.
A fabricated prophecy that doesn't align with churches in the same religion or talk about mass suicide will be the focus of many cults.It is most likely a cult if the church preaches about suicide or scary prophecies.These prophecies are usually based on a human leader of the church.
Step 5: Determine if the church requires you to be isolated.
It is possible for cults to manipulate you and prevent you from figuring out that they are a cult.Cut ties with family and friends if you attend a church that requires mandatory isolation.You'll find out about the mandatory isolation after cults draw you in.
Step 6: Determine if they have an elite doctrine.
Many cults see themselves as superior to those outside of the cult.The cults will often convince members that they are an elite group of people who were born to save the world or change the course of human history.It could be a cult if you notice an arrogant personality from the members.This could make others feel bad for others outside of the cult.
Step 7: Special benefits to higher members should not be given by churches.
Many cults have a group of leaders who receive special benefits or that don't have to follow the same rules as other members of the cult.If you notice a strict hierarchy that is exempt from the rules, it could be a cult.The main goal of a group of leaders in a cult is to gain wealth, power, and influence.
Step 8: The typical characteristics of a cult leader are listed.
Look at the leader of the church.Determine if they are trying to spread their religion or just doing it for the sake of it.Avoid churches with arrogant or angry leaders.If the leader of the church is hyper sensitive, requires constant admiration, humiliates people in public, has a grandiose sense of self, or requires sexual acts from the membership, there's a very high likelihood that he or she is a cult leader.A lot of the leaders of different cults have the same personality quirks.
Step 9: Avoid churches that use mind control techniques.
Mind control techniques like hypnotism, group peer pressure, and mandatory isolation are used by religious cults to control their members.Try to find out when the church made these things mandatory and avoid any church that uses these tactics.People can become hypnotized by repetitive music and patterned paced speaking.
Step 10: Ask the rules.
If the church's leaders become defensive or angry when you ask questions, it may be a sign that you're in a cult.It's a good sign that it may be a cult.Some form of scripture or text can explain the rules of a real church.
Step 11: Determine if the church uses intimidation.
A cult uses threats and fears to keep their members in line.The threat of isolation from family and friends could come in the form of a calamity.It's a sign that the church is a cult if they use intimidation and fear to get their members to follow the rules.
Step 12: Beware of churches that require you to do favors.
It's a sign that the church is a cult if the members consistently pressure you to do favors for them.Picking things up from the store, physical labor, or financial contributions are some of the favors that can cut into your time.
Step 13: Common criticism of the church can be found here.
Search the internet for news about the church.There are opinions and experiences from past and current members of the church.If you know how other people view the church, you can know if it's a cult.A legitimate church will be able to hold up its end of the bargain.It's a sign that the church is a cult if you can't read critical literature.
Step 14: Outside of the church, talk to family and friends.
Ask your friends and family if they think the church is a cult.They may be able to give you an objective view, because they will be more neutral than members of the church.It's a sign that the church is a cult if you can't interact with other people outside of church.Do you think the new church I'm going to is strange?I think it might be a cult.What do you think?
Step 15: Tell yourself the truth.
Think about how the church treats its members.It's a good sign that the church may be a cult if you find it disturbing, wrong, or morally corrupt.If you don't feel like the church is helping the many, it may be a cult.If you're a member of the church, it may be harder to know if it's a cult.