How To Avoid A Cult

How To Avoid A Cult

The term ‘cult’ is used in so many ways. Many people who get involved in religious organizations and see or experience something they don’t like decide that they have gotten involved in a cult and get out of dodge. Others have had legitimate run-ins with cults, and the rest of us just want to make sure that it doesn’t’ happen to us.

Let’s first look at what it means to be involved with a cult. One basic definition of a cult is ‘a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies’. A more specific definition of a cult is ‘a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader’, which is what most people think of when images of Jim Jones and the like come to mind.

Religion is a powerful and important part of most societies and a way in which individuals choose to express their spirituality. Many people, men and women alike who are affiliated with a religious organization and attend church or any other type of religious meeting on a regular basis are said to experience better health, stronger familial ties and an overall feeling of happiness and optimism than those who choose to go it alone.

Then, there’s that gray area. Let’s say you have found a small church that you like, and you start going regularly. Some appointed leaders interact with you on a variety of life situations, and once you’ve decided that you trust them enough with your biggest life issues, you tell them your deepest secrets and/or entrust them with your financial situation or anything other challenges. Several things can happen. That appointed leadership can advise you, make recommendations, and trust that you have been instilled with the wisdom and spiritual food to find a meaningful solution. Or, you might receive some specific advice, and you may not always like what you hear, but you take what you can use and discard the rest but the relationship with you and leadership remains intact and respectful. Unfortunately, the scenario that many people have run into is the one where they have made themselves vulnerable in every way to religious leadership, and find themselves used and betrayed.

What does that abuse and betrayal look like? Let me give you an example. If I am your religious leader and I call you into my office for a meeting in which I tell you that I don’t think you really believe in God enough and that you have to do certain things to prove to me that you do have enough faith, then you might be looking at the beginnings of a cult. Here’s another example – let’s say that your religious organization is consistently pressuring you to give of your time and resources at the neglect of your family, job, finances, etc. – and threatens to dismiss you or alienate you from the congregation or body of worship, then you might want to get away from that cult.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I can say from my experiences that a religious experience should be one that helps you grow closer to God, and not one that requires that you debase yourself before another human being. True spirituality comes from a loving and charitable heart, and a demonstrated lack of judgment of others. Be wise in your dealings with others and strive for balance in your spiritual and natural life. Listen to your instincts and know yourself and no one can pull the wool over your eyes.

Chandra Adams
Author
Shades of Retribution
Producer
North Bay Media Review