What are some of the defining characteristics of a “cult?
” Destructive cults typically conform to three basic criteria. (1) An absolute authoritarian leader without any meaningful accountability that so dominates the group he or she virtually comes to define it. (2) A process of intense indoctrination that inhibits critical thinking and ultimately leads to undue influence, often called “brainwashing.” (3) The group is harmful. This can be seen through anything from financial exploitation to physical abuse and medical neglect. It is important to note though, that not all groups are equally destructive and/or controlling to the same degree, that some are more harmful than others are. The term “new religious movement” is often thrown around. How are they different from cults? “New religious movement” is often a euphemism used by cult apologists in an attempt to spin a supposedly “politically correct” term for groups more commonly called “cults.” You alluded that some “cults” are not that dangerous, what are some other popular misconceptions abo
