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Kingdom of the Cults: Unpacking the Allure and Dangers of Charismatic Leadership
Introduction:
Have you ever wondered about the seemingly unshakeable grip certain leaders hold over their followers? The term "Kingdom of the Cults" isn't just a sensationalist phrase; it represents a complex reality where charismatic individuals, often wielding religious or ideological authority, exert profound influence over the lives of their adherents. This post delves into the fascinating and often disturbing world of cults, exploring the psychological mechanisms that drive their formation and the dangers they pose to individuals and society. We'll examine the characteristics of cult leaders, the tactics they employ, and the potential pathways to escape their influence. Get ready to explore the captivating, yet perilous, landscape of the Kingdom of the Cults.
H2: Understanding the Dynamics of Cults:
Cults, unlike mainstream religions or social groups, often display a unique set of characteristics. These characteristics, while not always present in every group labeled a cult, contribute to a pattern of manipulation and control.
H3: The Charismatic Leader:
At the heart of most cults lies a charismatic leader who commands unwavering loyalty. This individual often possesses exceptional oratory skills, a compelling vision, and a knack for manipulating emotions. Their personality is often larger than life, bordering on messianic, fostering an almost god-like reverence among followers. This charisma isn't simply charm; it's a carefully cultivated persona designed to inspire devotion and obedience.
H3: Isolation and Control:
Cults frequently employ tactics to isolate members from outside influences. This isolation might involve discouraging contact with family and friends, controlling access to information (including the internet and mainstream media), or physically relocating members to secluded communities. This control extends to many aspects of daily life, from diet and clothing to relationships and career choices.
H3: The Power of Belief and Cognitive Dissonance:
The beliefs within a cult often require a significant leap of faith, frequently clashing with established societal norms or scientific understanding. Members who experience cognitive dissonance—the discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs—are often pressured to reconcile their doubts by strengthening their commitment to the cult’s ideology. This can lead to a vicious cycle of increasing dependence and unquestioning obedience.
H2: The Tactics of Manipulation:
Cults rarely operate overtly; instead, they utilize subtle and sophisticated methods to maintain control.
H3: Love Bombing and Manipulation:
New recruits are often subjected to "love bombing," a period of intense affection and attention designed to win their trust and commitment. This initial phase quickly gives way to manipulation, with subtle pressures to conform to the group’s norms and relinquish individual autonomy.
H3: Fear and Guilt Inducement:
Fear and guilt are powerful tools employed to keep members in line. Leaders might paint a picture of an impending apocalypse or catastrophe, suggesting that only through complete devotion to the cult can members find salvation or protection. Guilt is often used to shame members who express doubt or attempt to leave.
H3: Thought Reform and Brainwashing:
While the term "brainwashing" is often misused, cults do employ techniques to reshape their members' thinking. These techniques can involve repetitive indoctrination, sleep deprivation, and emotional manipulation, leading to a gradual erosion of critical thinking and independent thought.
H2: Escaping the Kingdom of the Cults:
Leaving a cult can be a dangerous and challenging process. Members often face intense pressure from the group, including threats, ostracism, and even physical violence. However, there are resources available to help individuals navigate this difficult transition.
H3: Seeking External Support:
Support groups, therapists specializing in cult deprogramming, and family members can provide invaluable assistance during the escape and recovery process. Building a support network outside of the cult is crucial for maintaining mental health and regaining a sense of self.
H3: Rebuilding Identity and Independence:
After escaping a cult, individuals often need to rebuild their sense of self and their independence. This process can involve therapy, education, and the re-establishment of healthy relationships with family and friends. It's a journey that requires patience, understanding, and unwavering self-compassion.
Conclusion:
The "Kingdom of the Cults" represents a complex and disturbing phenomenon, illustrating the power of charismatic leadership and the vulnerability of individuals to manipulation. Understanding the tactics employed by cult leaders and the psychological mechanisms that draw people in is crucial for preventing future exploitation and supporting those who have escaped. By raising awareness and providing resources, we can help individuals break free from the grip of these destructive groups and rebuild their lives.
FAQs:
1. Are all charismatic leaders cult leaders? No, not all charismatic leaders are cult leaders. Many inspiring leaders motivate and influence positively without employing manipulative tactics. The key difference lies in the methods used to maintain control and the impact on followers' autonomy.
2. How can I identify a potentially dangerous group? Look for signs of isolation, unquestioning obedience to a single leader, manipulation, control over information, and an us-versus-them mentality.
3. What if a loved one is involved in a cult? Maintain open and non-judgmental communication. Seek professional guidance from therapists or support groups specializing in cult dynamics. Avoid confrontation; focus on building a supportive relationship.
4. Is deprogramming effective? The effectiveness of deprogramming is debated. While some find it helpful, others find it traumatic. A more holistic approach focusing on rebuilding independence and critical thinking is often preferred.
5. Where can I find help for someone leaving a cult? Numerous organizations and support groups specialize in assisting individuals leaving cults. A simple online search for "cult recovery resources" will provide a wealth of information and contact details.
| kingdom of the cults: The Kingdom of the Cults Walter Martin, Ravi Zacharias, 2003-10 Newly updated, this definitive reference work on major cult systems is the gold standard text on cults with nearly a million copies sold. |
| kingdom of the cults: The Kingdom of the Cults Walter Martin, 2019-05-21 In an era of rapid growth of false religions worldwide, Christians need information they can trust. This comprehensive new edition of the leading book on cults will equip you--no matter your background--to understand and use biblical truth to counter false religions, including many that masquerade as mainstream Christianity. Reflecting the developments in cults and world religions in recent years, this edition, updated by expert Jill Martin Rische (daughter of Walter Martin), gives you the authoritative information you need to know. As our culture becomes less and less outwardly Christian, awareness of the belief systems of those around us has never been more vital. Readable and reliable for everyone, whether you're a teacher, a pastor, or a regular church attender, The Kingdom of the Cults remains the go-to reference book on this crucial topic. |
| kingdom of the cults: The Kingdom of the Cults Walter Martin, 1977 A comprehensive reference work containing a thorough analysis of all the major cults and the significant minor cults. |
| kingdom of the cults: The Kingdom of the Occult Walter Martin, Jill Martin Rische, Kurt Van Gorden, Kevin Rische, 2008-10-21 The Kingdom of the Occult delivers the timely followup to Dr. Martin's best-selling The Kingdom of the Cults This book takes Dr. Walter Martin's comprehensive knowledge and his dynamic teaching style and forges a strong weapon against the world of the Occult-a weapon of the same scope and power as his phenomenal thirty-five year bestseller, The Kingdom of the Cults (over 875,000 sold). Chapters include: Witchcraft and Wicca, Satanism, Pagan Religions, Tools of the Occult, Demon Possession and Exorcism, Spiritual Warfare, etc. Features include: Each chapter contains: Quick Facts; History; Case Studies; Theology; Resources |
| kingdom of the cults: The Kingdom of the Cults Handbook Walter Martin, Jill Martin Rische, 2020-01-07 False religions abound in the US and beyond, and Christians need information they can trust. Since the 1960s, The Kingdom of the Cults has been a trustworthy, well-researched resource on this topic for pastors, lay leaders, and other Christians. The Kingdom of the Cults Handbook takes that same, reliable information and pares it down into a more concise and simplified format. It's perfect for everyone from Christian teachers and ministry leaders to those who just want to better understand the religion of their neighbors. Covering everything from established religions like Islam and Buddhism to shifting trends in Mormonism, Scientology, and Wicca, this book will answer your questions and help you understand and communicate the key differences between true Christianity and other belief systems. |
| kingdom of the cults: Essential Christianity Walter Martin, 2022-11-15 Published originally in the 1970's by the late Walter Martin (1928-1989), The Bible Answer Man. Essential Christianity is a readable explanation of the most important Christian teachings, with answers to such vital questions as: Is the Bible completely true? How can God be three in one? Is Christ really God and man? Who will be saved in the end?...plus dozens more crucially important questions about God, man and the universe. Essential Christianity will give you the answers you need in our confusing world of cults, half-truths, and religious confusion. |
| kingdom of the cults: Find It Quick Handbook on Cults and New Religions Ron Rhodes, 2005-08-01 Were most cults and new religions simply passing fads of the late-twentieth century, or are some of them still growing today? What new sects have emerged, and what dangers do they present? How should Christians respond? Bible teacher and apologetics expert Ron Rhodes has cataloged 40 groups in this concise and easy-to-use handbook. Readers will appreciate Ron's thorough research and his reader-friendly style. His brief examination of each group includes a short history of the sect or new religion an explanation of the group's major doctrines the Christian apologetic response This informative guide includes a list of Apologetic Power Points, which provides readers with a fast-paced summary of the foundational truths of biblical Christianity. |
| kingdom of the cults: The Chaos Of Cults A Study In Present Day Isms Jan Karel Van Baalen, 2018-10-15 This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant. |
| kingdom of the cults: Those Who Prey Jennifer Moffett, 2021-11-02 College freshman Emily is seduced into joining a cult with deadly results-- |
| kingdom of the cults: Greek Religion and Cults in the Black Sea Region David Braund, 2018-05-31 The 'Priestess' at Bol'shaya Bliznitsa -- Social and Political Order -- Bibliography -- Index. |
| kingdom of the cults: The Cult of Trump Steven Hassan, 2020-09-01 *As featured in the streaming documentary #UNTRUTH—now with a new foreword by George Conway and an afterword by the author* A masterful and eye-opening examination of Trump and the coercive control tactics he uses to build a fanatical devotion in his supporters written by “an authority on breaking away from cults…an argument that…bears consideration as the next election cycle heats up” (Kirkus Reviews). Since the 2016 election, Donald Trump’s behavior has become both more disturbing and yet increasingly familiar. He relies on phrases like, “fake news,” “build the wall,” and continues to spread the divisive mentality of us-vs.-them. He lies constantly, has no conscience, never admits when he is wrong, and projects all of his shortcomings on to others. He has become more authoritarian, more outrageous, and yet many of his followers remain blindly devoted. Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert and a major Trump supporter, calls him one of the most persuasive people living. His need to squash alternate information and his insistence of constant ego stroking are all characteristics of other famous leaders—cult leaders. In The Cult of Trump, mind control and licensed mental health expert Steven Hassan draws parallels between our current president and people like Jim Jones, David Koresh, Ron Hubbard, and Sun Myung Moon, arguing that this presidency is in many ways like a destructive cult. He specifically details the ways in which people are influenced through an array of social psychology methods and how they become fiercely loyal and obedient. Hassan was a former “Moonie” himself, and he presents a “thoughtful and well-researched analysis of some of the most puzzling aspects of the current presidency, including the remarkable passivity of fellow Republicans [and] the gross pandering of many members of the press” (Thomas G. Gutheil, MD and professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School). The Cult of Trump is an accessible and in-depth analysis of the president, showing that under the right circumstances, even sane, rational, well-adjusted people can be persuaded to believe the most outrageous ideas. “This book is a must for anyone who wants to understand the current political climate” (Judith Stevens-Long, PhD and author of Living Well, Dying Well). |
| kingdom of the cults: The Kingdom of Matthias Paul E. Johnson, Sean Wilentz, 1995-08-03 Written by distinguished historians with the force of a novel, this book reconstructs the web of religious ecstacy, greed, and seduction within the cult of the Prophet Matthias in New York in 1834 and captures the heated atmosphere of the religious revival known as the Second Great Awakening. Illustrations. |
| kingdom of the cults: Christianity, Cults and Religions Paul Carden, 2010-07-21 How is Mormonism different from Christianity? When Jehovah's Witnesses say they believe in Jesus, what do they actually believe about him? What is the difference between Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims? What do I say to a friend, neighbor or co-worker of another faith? This study explains the history, background, and beliefs of the largest world religions and cultic groups, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and more. This Study Will Help You: Learn about the most common world religions and cults and how they compare to Christianity Know what you believe and why Learn how to share the Gospel with those of other faiths You don't have to be an expert to lead this six-session study. Perfect for small groups, Bible studies, adult Sunday school, or for individual use. Book jacket. |
| kingdom of the cults: Comparing Christianity with the Cults Keith Brooks, Irvine Robertson, Dillon Burroughs, 2007-04-01 What constitutes a cult? How does it contrast with what the Bible says? These colorful and concise brochures will answer seven fundamental questions of life and belief. Contrasted with the truth of God's Word are cults such as Christian Science, Spiritualism, Jehovah's Witness, Scientology, Mormonism, Eastern Mysticism, Unification Church, Wicca, and others. Perfect for training or for keeping by your front door. * Formerly titled The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error. |
| kingdom of the cults: The New Age Cult Walter Martin, 1989 Cult expert Walter Martin describes and responds biblically to key teachings of the New Age movement, exposes its latent dangers, gives criteria for identifying New Age groups and leaders, and shows effective ways for communicating Christian truth to New Agers. |
| kingdom of the cults: Another Gospel Ruth A. Tucker, 2004 Ruth A. Tucker's book is a comprehensive survey of all the major alternative religions in the United States, including the new groups since the 1960s. |
| kingdom of the cults: Larson's New Book of Cults Bob Larson, 1989 Encyclopedic in form, popular in style, Larson's New Book of Cults analyzes dozens of cults and movements from historical, sociological, and biblical perspectives. It will tell you what you want to know about the cults' origins, their appeal, and their strategies. Most important, it details how each cult deviates from Christian truth. |
| kingdom of the cults: Cults in Our Midst Margaret Thaler Singer, 2003-04-11 Cults today are bigger than ever, with broad ramifications for national and international terrorism. In this newly revised edition of her definitive work on cults, Singer reveals what cults really are and how they work, focusing specifically on the coercive persuasion techniques of charismatic leaders seeking money and power. The book contains fascinating updates on Heaven's Gate, Falun Gong, Aum Shinrikyo, Hare Krishna, the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, and the connection between cults and terrorism in Al Queda and the PLO. |
| kingdom of the cults: American Messiahs: False Prophets of a Damned Nation Adam Morris, 2019-03-26 A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice Selection A history with sweeping implications, American Messiahs challenges our previous misconceptions about “cult” leaders and their messianic power. Mania surrounding messianic prophets has defined the national consciousness since the American Revolution. From Civil War veteran and virulent anticapitalist Cyrus Teed, to the dapper and overlooked civil rights pioneer Father Divine, to even the megalomaniacal Jim Jones, these figures have routinely been dismissed as dangerous and hysterical outliers. After years of studying these emblematic figures, Adam Morris demonstrates that messiahs are not just a classic trope of our national culture; their visions are essential for understanding American history. As Morris demonstrates, these charismatic, if flawed, would-be prophets sought to expose and ameliorate deep social ills—such as income inequality, gender conformity, and racial injustice. Provocative and long overdue, this is the story of those who tried to point the way toward an impossible “American Dream”: men and women who momentarily captured the imagination of a nation always searching for salvation. |
| kingdom of the cults: Cults Max Cutler, 2022-07-12 Mystery. Manipulation. Murder. Cults are associated with all of these. But what really goes on inside them? More specifically, what goes on inside the minds of cult leaders and the people who join them? Based on the hit podcast Cults, this is essential reading for any true crime fan. Cults prey on the very attributes that make us human: our desire to belong, to find a deeper meaning in life, to live everyday with divine purpose. Their existence creates a sense that any one of us, at any time, could step off the cliff’s edge and fall into that daunting abyss of manipulation and unhinged dedication to a misplaced cause. Perhaps it’s this mindset that keeps us so utterly obsessed and desperate to learn more, or it’s that the stories are so bizarre and unsettling that we are simply in awe of the mechanics that make these infamous groups tick. The premier storytelling podcast studio Parcast has been focusing on unearthing these mechanics—the cult leaders and followers, and the world and culture that gave birth to both. Parcast’s work in analyzing dozens of case studies has revealed patterns: distinct ways that cult leaders from different generations resemble one another. What links the ten notorious figures profiled in Cults are as disturbing as they are stunning—from Manson to Applewhite, Koresh to Raël, the stories woven here are both spellbinding and disturbing. Cults is more than just a compilation of grisly biographies, however. In these pages, Parcast’s founder Max Cutler and national bestselling author Kevin Conley look closely at the lives of some of the most disreputable cult figures and tell the stories of their rise to power and fall from grace, sanity, and decency. Beyond that, it is a study of humanity, an unflinching look at what happens when the most vulnerable recesses of the mind are manipulated and how the things we hold most sacred can be twisted into the lowest form of malevolence. |
| kingdom of the cults: The Kingdom of Happiness Aimee Groth, 2017-02-21 Fearless gonzo journalism—an insider’s look at the enigmatic and successful CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh, and his quest to create his own version of utopia in the center of Las Vegas. In 2010 Tony Hsieh was introduced to many as a visionary modern business leader. Under Hsieh’s leadership, Zappos became the world’s largest online shoe company by championing satisfied customers and a valued workforce. After his company was purchased by Amazon, even as he continued as its CEO, Hsieh engaged his energies and considerable fortune toward a much larger goal: building a new and more socially conscious Silicon Valley in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, all within his five-year plan. Hsieh challenged business and technology journalist Aimee Groth to uproot her life and participate in his social engineering experiment. Beginning with couch surfing, moving to a Downtown Project crash pad, and then living in Zappos corporate housing above the Gold Spike bar, Groth had a front-row view of Hsieh’s efforts to build his ideal society. With interviews from insiders on all ends of the Zappos spectrum—like the “broken dolls” who gravitate toward Hsieh’s almost cultlike personality and make up some of his inner circle, to the Zapponians who live and work on campus, to players in the top echelon of Silicon Valley—Groth offers a unique view of a world few people know much about, and sheds a new light on this complex, eccentric man. The Kingdom of Happiness is the story of one man’s quest to create his own nirvana in the desert based on his exacting design and experimentation with lessons he’s gleaned not only from the incredible success of Zappos, but also from rave culture and Burning Man. Is it the business model of the future or a cautionary tale of hubris? |
| kingdom of the cults: Cults, Conspiracies, and Secret Societies Arthur Goldwag, 2009-08-11 Did you know? • Freemasonry's first American lodge included a young Benjamin Franklin among its members. • The Knights Templar began as impoverished warrior monks then evolved into bankers. • Groom Lake, Dreamland, Homey Airport, Paradise Ranch, The Farm, Watertown Strip, Red Square, “The Box,” are all names for Area 51. An indispensable guide, Cults, Conspiracies, and Secret Societies connects the dots and sets the record straight on a host of greedy gurus and murderous messiahs, crepuscular cabals and suspicious coincidences. Some topics are familiar—the Kennedy assassinations, the Bilderberg Group, the Illuminati, the People's Temple and Heaven's Gate—and some surprising, like Oulipo, a select group of intellectuals who created wild formulas for creating literary masterpieces, and the Chauffeurs, an eighteenth-century society of French home invaders, who set fire to their victims' feet. |
| kingdom of the cults: Eight Kingdoms Michael Pearl, 2006 There are eight types of kingdoms mentioned in the Bible. Two of those kingdoms-the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven-constitute the central message of the New Testament. If all the text that speaks directly of these two kingdoms were removed from the New Testament, there wouldn't be enough left to fill up a single page in the newspaper. Yet the kingdom message is completely unknown by a large majority of ministers and their congregations all across this land. There has never been anything spoken so much, yet understood so little. The errors of reformed theology and Armenianism alike are rooted in a misunderstanding of the kingdoms. Most cults, and many of the denominational differences today, can be traced to a lack of understanding of the mystery of the kingdoms. The key to understanding the entire Bible is found in knowing the differences among the eight kingdoms, but especially these two-the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven. When readers finish reading this book, they will assuredly know the difference. |
| kingdom of the cults: The Challenge of the Cults and New Religions Ron Rhodes, 2009-08-30 Cults and New Religions Aren’t Hard to FindThey’re in your neighborhood . . . your workplace . . . your school . . . maybe even your family.Cults are flourishing across America. Chances are, you’ve encountered one, perhaps even know someone who is involved in a cult. Can you discuss knowledgably the critical differences between Christianity and the teachings of Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientology, the New Age movement, Hindu-based cults, and other prominent groups and religious movements? In this essential resource, preeminent cult authority Ron Rhodes explains what cults are, why they are cause for concern, and why in the 21st century, as never before, their numbers and memberships are exploding nationally and worldwide. Drawing on his extensive experience as a cult researcher, Rhodes offers to-the-point, cutting-edge information on twelve major cults and new religions:MormonismJehovah’s WitnessesMind SciencesNew Age MovementChurch of ScientologyHindu-based CultsUnification ChurchBaha’i FaithUnitarian UniversalismOneness PentecostalismMasonic LodgeSatanismLearning the distinctives of these groups will equip you to deal with any of the thousands of other less significant cults you may encounter. The Challenge of the Cults and New Religion includes Color photosScripture IndexSubject IndexGlossaryBibliographyAnd your resources don’t end at the last page. You can supplement your knowledge whenever you choose by visiting the author’s Web site at www.ronrhodes.org for free, thorough, up-to-the-minute information on each cult discussed in the book.If you’re concerned for the temporal and eternal welfare of others, The Challenge of the Cults is a must. It will help you confront the deception of false Christs and lying doctrines with the clear, well-grounded truth of biblical Christianity. |
| kingdom of the cults: The Supreme Gods of the Bosporan Kingdom Yulia Ustinova, 2015-08-27 This is the first systematic study of the cults of the Bosporan Kingdom, which existed in South Russia in the first centuries AD. The research is based on a variety of sources: archaeological evidence and inscriptions, largely unknown to the non-Russian readers, as well as historical and literary texts. The religion of the Bosporus is viewed in this monograph as a blend of Greek and indigenous Iranian traditions. Its first part is dedicated to the cult of Celestial Aphrodite. The second part examines the controversial cult of the Most High God and its alledged Jewish affinities. The book, illustrated with thirty figures, is an important contribution to the understanding of the religious life in Greek colonies, and the history of Eastern Mediterranean in Late Antiquity. |
| kingdom of the cults: Cults, Religion, and Violence David G. Bromley, J. Gordon Melton, 2002-05-13 This explores the question of when and why violence by and against new religious cults erupts and whether and how such dramatic conflicts can be foreseen, managed and averted. The authors, leading international experts on religious movements and violent behavior, focus on the four major episodes of cult violence during the last decade: the tragic conflagration that engulfed the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas; the deadly sarin gas attack by the Aum Shinrikyo in Tokyo; the murder-suicides by the Solar Temple in Switzerland and Canada; and the collective suicide by the members of Heaven's Gate. They explore the dynamics leading to these dramatic episodes in North America, Europe, and Asia, and offer insights into the general relationship between violence and religious cults in contemporary society. The authors conclude that these events usually involve some combination of internal and external dynamics through which a new religious movement and society become polarized. |
| kingdom of the cults: God Is Not Great Christopher Hitchens, 2008-11-19 Christopher Hitchens, described in the London Observer as “one of the most prolific, as well as brilliant, journalists of our time” takes on his biggest subject yet–the increasingly dangerous role of religion in the world. In the tradition of Bertrand Russell’s Why I Am Not a Christian and Sam Harris’s recent bestseller, The End Of Faith, Christopher Hitchens makes the ultimate case against religion. With a close and erudite reading of the major religious texts, he documents the ways in which religion is a man-made wish, a cause of dangerous sexual repression, and a distortion of our origins in the cosmos. With eloquent clarity, Hitchens frames the argument for a more secular life based on science and reason, in which hell is replaced by the Hubble Telescope’s awesome view of the universe, and Moses and the burning bush give way to the beauty and symmetry of the double helix. |
| kingdom of the cults: Under the Banner of Heaven Jon Krakauer, 2004-06-08 NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the author of Into the Wild and Into Thin Air, this extraordinary work of investigative journalism takes readers inside America’s isolated Mormon Fundamentalist communities. • Now an acclaimed FX limited series streaming on HULU. “Fantastic.... Right up there with In Cold Blood and The Executioner’s Song.” —San Francisco Chronicle Defying both civil authorities and the Mormon establishment in Salt Lake City, the renegade leaders of these Taliban-like theocracies are zealots who answer only to God; some 40,000 people still practice polygamy in these communities. At the core of Krakauer’s book are brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, who insist they received a commandment from God to kill a blameless woman and her baby girl. Beginning with a meticulously researched account of this appalling double murder, Krakauer constructs a multi-layered, bone-chilling narrative of messianic delusion, polygamy, savage violence, and unyielding faith. Along the way he uncovers a shadowy offshoot of America’s fastest growing religion, and raises provocative questions about the nature of religious belief. |
| kingdom of the cults: Terror, Love and Brainwashing Alexandra Stein, 2016-11-03 Written by a cult survivor and renowned expert on cults and totalitarianism, Terror, Love and Brainwashing draws on the author’s 25 years of study and research to explain how almost anyone, given the right set of circumstances, can be radically manipulated to engage in otherwise incomprehensible and often dangerous acts. Illustrated with compelling stories from a range of cults and totalitarian systems, from religious to political to commercial, the book defines and analyses the common and identifiable traits that underlie almost all these groups. It focuses on how charismatic, authoritarian leaders control their followers’ attachment relationships via manipulative social structures and ideologies so that, emotionally and cognitively isolated, they become unable to act in their own survival interests. Using the evolutionary theory of attachment to demonstrate the psychological impact of these environments, and incorporating the latest neuroscientific findings, Stein illustrates how the combined dynamic of terror and ‘love’ works to break down people’s ability to think and behave rationally. From small local cults to global players like ISIS and North Korea, the impact of these movements is widespread and growing. This important book offers clarity and a unique perspective on the dynamics of these systems of control, and concludes with guidance to foster greater awareness and prevention. It will be essential reading for mental health professionals in the field, as well as policy makers, legal professionals, cult survivors, and their families, as well as anyone with an interest in these disturbing groups. Students of social and developmental psychology will also find it fascinating. |
| kingdom of the cults: Jehovah's Witnesses Walter Martin, 1968-07-01 Cult scholar Walter Martin traces the ancestry of Jehovah's Witnesses back to the fourth century Arians who believed that Jesus Christ was merely the first and greatest of God's creations. He presents the main teachings of the Witnesses and carefully compares them with Scripture. |
| kingdom of the cults: Belief and Cult Jacob L. Mackey, 2025-01-28 A groundbreaking reinterpretation that draws on cognitive theory to show that belief wasn’t absent from—but rather was at the heart of—Roman religion Belief and Cult argues that belief isn’t uniquely Christian but was central to ancient Roman religion. Drawing on cognitive theory, Jacob Mackey shows that despite having nothing to do with salvation or faith, belief underlay every aspect of Roman religious practices—emotions, individual and collective cult action, ritual norms, social reality, and social power. In doing so, he also offers a thorough argument for the importance of belief to other non-Christian religions. At the individual level, the book argues, belief played an indispensable role in the genesis of cult action and religious emotion. However, belief also had a collective dimension. The cognitive theory of Shared Intentionality shows how beliefs may be shared among individuals, accounting for the existence of written, unwritten, or even unspoken ritual norms. Shared beliefs permitted the choreography of collective cult action and gave cult acts their social meanings. The book also elucidates the role of shared belief in creating and maintaining Roman social reality. Shared belief allowed the Romans to endow agents, actions, and artifacts with socio-religious status and power. In a deep sense, no man could count as an augur and no act of animal slaughter as a successful offering to the gods, unless Romans collectively shared appropriate beliefs about these things. Closely examining augury, prayer, the religious enculturation of children, and the Romans’ own theories of cognition and cult, Belief and Cult promises to revolutionize the understanding of Roman religion by demonstrating that none of its features makes sense without Roman belief. |
| kingdom of the cults: Encyclopedia of World Religions, Cults & the Occult , 2006 The Encyclopedia of World Religions, Cults and the Occult analyzes sects, cults, the occult, non-Christian world religions, secret societies and atheistic beliefs and then highlights their dangers and compares them with the truth of Scripture. Religions and cults that claim to be Christian but function in a manner grossly contrary to Scripture are also exposed. |
| kingdom of the cults: From the Cult to the Kingdom Dubb Alexander, 2021-10-19 Your God given identity, purpose, and destiny are irrevocable. The adventure waiting for you in The Kingdom is the opportunity to discover these truths and actively align with them. Along the way, one should never underestimate the powerful role that the Kingdom principle of redemption will play in this process. The prophetic promise first uttered by Kim Clement that, Your place of pain shall become your place of reign, serves as a powerful theme that runs throughout every page of From the Cult to The Kingdom. Dubb Alexander's personal story is one of ultimate redemption and emphatically points to the hand of a good, kind, and loving heavenly Father working behind the scenes to take everything that the enemy meant for evil and masterfully working it for the good of an entire nation. Follow the compelling journey of a young man from the streets of Dallas as he navigates through the controlling abuse of a cult in Waco, TX, discovers the truths of The Kingdom, and ultimately steps into his destiny of bringing the strategies of Heaven to heads of state around the world. |
| kingdom of the cults: Mormonism Walter Martin, 1968 An analysis of this current heresy. Based upon primary sources. |
| kingdom of the cults: Combatting Cult Mind Control Steven Hassan, 1990 Describes the psychological techniques cults use to indoctrinate their members and discusses deprogramming. |
| kingdom of the cults: Ancient Mystery Cults Walter Burkert, 1989-10-15 The foremost historian of Greek religion provides the first comprehensive, comparative study of a little-known aspect of ancient religious beliefs and practices. Secret mystery cults flourished within the larger culture of the public religion of Greece and Rome for roughly a thousand years. This book is neither a history nor a survey but a comparative phenomenology, concentrating on five major cults. In defining the mysteries and describing their rituals, membership, organization, and dissemination, Walter Burkert displays the remarkable erudition we have come to expect of him; he also shows great sensitivity and sympathy in interpreting the experiences and motivations of the devotees. |
| kingdom of the cults: Cults Inside Out Rick Alan Ross, 2014 A look at the world of cults and information about the intervention process. |
| kingdom of the cults: Losing Reality Robert Jay Lifton, 2019-10-15 A definitive account of the psychology of zealotry, from a National Book Award winner and a leading authority on the nature of cults, political absolutism, and mind control In this unique and timely volume Robert Jay Lifton, the National Book Award–winning psychiatrist, historian, and public intellectual proposes a radical idea: that the psychological relationship between extremist political movements and fanatical religious cults may be much closer than anyone thought. Exploring the most extreme manifestations of human zealotry, Lifton highlights an array of leaders—from Mao to Hitler to the Japanese apocalyptic cult leader Shōkō Asahara to Donald Trump—who have sought the control of human minds and the ownership of reality. Lifton has spent decades exploring psychological extremism. His pioneering concept of the Eight Deadly Sins of ideological totalism—originally devised to identify brainwashing (or thought reform) in political movements—has been widely quoted in writings about cults, and embraced by members and former members of religious cults seeking to understand their experiences. In Losing Reality Lifton makes clear that the apocalyptic impulse—that of destroying the world in order to remake it in purified form—is not limited to religious groups but is prominent in extremist political movements such as Nazism and Chinese Communism, and also in groups surrounding Donald Trump. Lifton applies his concept of malignant normality to Trump's efforts to render his destructive falsehoods a routine part of American life. But Lifton sees the human species as capable of regaining reality by means of our protean psychological capacities and our ethical and political commitments as witnessing professionals. Lifton weaves together some of his finest work with extensive new commentary to provide vital understanding of our struggle with mental predators. Losing Reality is a book not only of stunning scholarship, but also of huge relevance for these troubled times. |
| kingdom of the cults: The Cult Film Reader Mathijs, Ernest, Mendik, Xavier, 2007-12-01 An invaluable collection for anyone researching or teaching cult cinema ... The Cult Film Reader is an authoritative text that should be of value to any student or researcher interested in challenging and transgressive cinema that pushes the boundaries of conventional cinema and film studies. Science Fiction Film and Television A really impressive and comprehensive collection of the key writings in the field. The editors have done a terrific job in drawing together the various traditions and providing a clear sense of this rich and rewarding scholarly terrain. This collection is as wild and diverse as the films that it covers. Fascinating. Mark Jancovich, Professor of Film and Television Studies, University of East Anglia, UK It's about time the lunatic fans and loyal theorists of cult movies were treated to a book they can call their own. The effort and knowledge contained in The Cult Film Reader will satisfy even the most ravenous zombie's desire for detail and insight. This book will gnaw, scratch and infect you just like the cult films themselves. Brett Sullivan, Director of Ginger Snaps Unleashed and The Chair The Cult Film Reader is a great film text book and a fun read. John Landis, Director of The Blues Brothers, An American Werewolf in London and Michael Jackson's Thriller Excellent overview of the subject, and a comprehensive collection of significant scholarship in the field of cult film. Very impressive and long overdue. Steven Rawle, York St John University, UK Whether defined by horror, kung-fu, sci-fi, sexploitation, kitsch musical or ‘weird world cinema’, cult movies and their global followings are emerging as a distinct subject of film and media theory, dedicated to dissecting the world’s unruliest images. This book is the world’s first reader on cult film. It brings together key works in the field on the structure, form, status, and reception of cult cinema traditions. Including work from key established scholars in the field such as Umberto Eco, Janet Staiger, Jeffrey Sconce, Henry Jenkins, and Barry Keith Grant, as well as new perspectives on the gradually developing canon of cult cinema, the book not only presents an overview of ways in which cult cinema can be approached, it also re-assesses the methods used to study the cult text and its audiences. With editors’ introductions to the volume and to each section, the book is divided into four clear thematic areas of study – The Conceptions of Cult; Cult Case Studies; National and International Cults; and Cult Consumption – to provide an accessible overview of the topic. It also contains an extensive bibliography for further related readings. Written in a lively and accessible style, The Cult Film Reader dissects some of biggest trends, icons, auteurs and periods of global cult film production. Films discussed include Casablanca, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Eraserhead, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Showgirls and Ginger Snaps. Essays by: Jinsoo An; Jane Arthurs; Bruce Austin; Martin Barker; Walter Benjamin; Harry Benshoff; Pierre Bourdieu; Noel Carroll; Steve Chibnall; Umberto Eco; Nezih Erdogan; Welch Everman; John Fiske; Barry Keith Grant ; Joan Hawkins; Gary Hentzi; Matt Hills; Ramaswami Harindranath; J.Hoberman; Leon Hunt; I.Q. Hunter; Mark Jancovich; Henry Jenkins; Anne Jerslev; Siegfried Kracauer; Gina Marchetti; Tom Mes; Gary Needham; Sheila J. Nayar; Annalee Newitz; Lawrence O’Toole; Harry Allan Potamkin; Jonathan Rosenbaum; Andrew Ross; David Sanjek; Eric Schaefer; Steven Jay Schneider; Jeffrey Sconce; Janet Staiger; J.P. Telotte; Parker Tyler; Jean Vigo; Harmony Wu |
| kingdom of the cults: The Kingdom of the Cults Walter Martin, 1992-04-01 Describes the history and teachings of cults, sects, and Eastern religions in the United States, and compares each one's beliefs with those of the Christain Church |
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CONTENTS CONTENTS About the Author About the General Editor About the Managing Editor About the Research Contributors Publisher's Introduction General Edit
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