Apologetics Index » Cults http://www.apologeticsindex.org Apologetics Research Resources on religious movements, cults, sects, world religions and related issues Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:24:24 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Cults: Dangerous Devotionhttp://www.apologeticsindex.org/2658-cults-dangerous-devotion http://www.apologeticsindex.org/2658-cults-dangerous-devotion#comments Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:21:21 +0000 apologeticsindex.org http://www.apologeticsindex.org/?p=2658 The dark and dangerous world of cults has long been a source of both fascination and fear. What attracts followers to cults and, more importantly, what makes them stay?

Watch the documentary, Cults: Dangerous Devotion.

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]]> http://www.apologeticsindex.org/2658-cults-dangerous-devotion/feed 0 Dr. Robert J. Lifton addresses Destructive Cultshttp://www.apologeticsindex.org/938-robert-j-lifton-destructive-cults http://www.apologeticsindex.org/938-robert-j-lifton-destructive-cults#comments Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:10:37 +0000 apologeticsindex.org http://www.apologeticsindex.org/?p=938 Psychiatrist and author Dr. Robert J. Lifton -- know for, among other things, his theory on brainwashing -- addresses doomsday cults such as Aum Shinrikyo. [video]

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]]> http://www.apologeticsindex.org/938-robert-j-lifton-destructive-cults/feed 0 What is a cult?http://www.apologeticsindex.org/875-what-is-a-cult http://www.apologeticsindex.org/875-what-is-a-cult#comments Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:14:43 +0000 apologeticsindex.org http://www.apologeticsindex.org/?p=875 The term ‘cult’ has a precise definition — or rather, several precise definitions. Which definition is the right one largely depends on the context in which the term ‘cult’ is applied.

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]]> http://www.apologeticsindex.org/875-what-is-a-cult/feed 0 Characteristics of Cultshttp://www.apologeticsindex.org/268-characteristics-of-cults http://www.apologeticsindex.org/268-characteristics-of-cults#comments Wed, 24 May 2006 23:07:37 +0000 apologeticsindex.org http://www.apologeticsindex.org/?p=268 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 be manipulated, exploited, or even abused. The following list of social-structural, social-psychological, and interpersonal behavioral patterns commonly found in cultic environments may help you assess a particular group or relationship.

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]]> http://www.apologeticsindex.org/268-characteristics-of-cults/feed 0 Categories of Cultshttp://www.apologeticsindex.org/267-categories-of-cults http://www.apologeticsindex.org/267-categories-of-cults#comments Wed, 24 May 2006 22:54:10 +0000 apologeticsindex.org http://www.apologeticsindex.org/?p=267 Cults come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Not every person’s experience will fit neatly into these following categories, but this list should provide some idea of the range of cults and their reach into every walk of life.

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]]> http://www.apologeticsindex.org/267-categories-of-cults/feed 0 Cults as Power Structureshttp://www.apologeticsindex.org/266-cults-as-power-structures http://www.apologeticsindex.org/266-cults-as-power-structures#comments Wed, 24 May 2006 21:44:46 +0000 apologeticsindex.org http://www.apologeticsindex.org/?p=266 Four interlocking dimensions make up the framework of a cult’s social system and dynamics. You can use this framework to examine your own cult experience.

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]]> http://www.apologeticsindex.org/266-cults-as-power-structures/feed 0 Who Joins Cults, And Why?http://www.apologeticsindex.org/265-who-joins-cults-and-why http://www.apologeticsindex.org/265-who-joins-cults-and-why#comments Wed, 24 May 2006 21:31:38 +0000 apologeticsindex.org http://www.apologeticsindex.org/?p=265 Is there a certain type of person who is more likely to join a cult? No.

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]]> http://www.apologeticsindex.org/265-who-joins-cults-and-why/feed 0 Contract for Membership in a Cultic Group or Relationshiphttp://www.apologeticsindex.org/269-contract-for-membership-in-a-cultic-group-or-relationship http://www.apologeticsindex.org/269-contract-for-membership-in-a-cultic-group-or-relationship#comments Wed, 24 May 2006 21:20:20 +0000 apologeticsindex.org http://www.apologeticsindex.org/?p=269 In the medical profession, ethical contracts ensure that patients have given “fully informed consent.” That is, if a doctor fails to inform a patient about the risks, side effects, and options for treatment, the uninformed patient is entitled to sue. Below is a mock contract for cult membership. Ask yourself if you gave informed consent at the time of your recruitment, or if you would have joined had you known your participation would involve the following conditions.

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