Cult, n. A small religious group regarded as strange or as imposing excessive control over members;
Any system for treating human sickness that originated by a person usually claiming to have sole
insight into the nature of disease, and that employs methods regarded as unorthodox or unscientific.
Studies of religious, political, and other cults have identified a number of key steps in this type of coercive persuasion:
1. People are put in physically or emotionally distressing situations;
2. Their problems are reduced to one simple explanation, which is repeatedly emphasized;
3. They receive unconditional love, acceptance, and attention from the leader;
4. They get a new identity based on the group;
5. They are subject to entrapment and their access to information is severely controlled. « hide
Cult, n. A small religious group regarded as strange or as imposing excessive control over members;
Any system for treating human sickness that orig... more »
Updated:14 years ago Category: Groups > Faith and spirituality, Faith & Lifestyle > Faith & Spirituality Videos: 2