Stand Firm, Be Bold with Love

Stand firm, be bold with love. This was the theme of my church's sermon last Sunday. The Pastor spoke of Paul. Although Paul was in jail for spreading the love and word of Jesus, he continued to do it anyway. This inspired me to write. But I am not writing about Jesus or Christianity. Although I believe and follow Jesus, I believe there is truth in all religions. This belief system is called Omnism. What I am choosing to write about today is morality. And how to tell if a particular belief system is based in morality. Most religions have basic tenets of truth and morality. Unless you follow an extremist branch of a particular religion.

That being said, the word cult is quite a popular buzz word on the internet these days. Cults are not based in morality, and are highly based on deception and manipulation of their members. But how do you know if an organization can be classified as a cult? Great question. The first rule of cults is you never say the word cult. Please excuse my Fight Club movie reference. But in all seriousness, cults will never tell you that they are a cult.

Here are some other indicators: use of deception, isolation, induced dependency and dread.

Cult leaders don't full reveal expectations of the group to new members. They also go to great lengths to hide unlawful or controlling behaviors until the new member is deeply rooted in the group. Leaders use altered states of consciousness, such as meditation or drug induced trance states to leave members vulnerable to suggestions. Cults tend to cut off their members from outside society, friends and family members who don't belong to their group. The other members of the cult become cult members only means of social contact. Cult groups instill the belief that non-members are "dangerous or wrong." In this manner leaders gain a full sense of control over cult group members.

The leaders want members to have a polarized mentality. "You are either with us or against us." Cult leaders tend to require unwavering loyalty, devotion and submission. A member's sense of self is slowly eroded away for the "good of the community." But ultimately, it's for the facade, status and/or wealth of the leaders. Any assertion of independent thought, doubt about group motive, or social contact with those outside the group is met with: criticism, excommunication, or discipline. Cult leaders tend to gaslight the group member's questions until that member feels crazy, worthless or guilty for questioning. Once the group member submits to the leader's will or line of thinking; love will be returned to them. The leader may go through cycles of love/praise alternating with cycles of scorn and punishment. This is another manipulation tactic to keep members feeling unstable and in a state of confusion. The leaders sometimes offer gifts and privileges as a way of luring members into increased submission. Another sign of induced dependency is if a member's sole income is directly linked to the cult leader in some manner.

After complete dependence is achieved; the member must remain in the leader's good favor otherwise dire consequences are endured. Leaders punish insubordination and doubt with methods of either physical or emotional trauma.

Once total isolation is achieved, members may feel like their only family are other cult group members. Isolation and non attachment are two very different terms. A person can be practicing non attachment and still have a relationship with another. Isolation is making the choice or feeling forced to not interact or have any contact with another person. Non attachment is defined as: letting go of thoughts, emotions, outcomes or desires which create suffering in the mind.

More detailed information about cult indicators can be found at this link: https://people.howstuffworks.com/cult4.htm

If this article resonates with you in any way, take a breath and a step back. Go on a walk or meditate. Do whatever makes you feel closer to God and ask for guidance. This is your lesson in discernment. What is your intuition telling you? Your intuition is God given and vital. Here is a link to resources if you feel that you, or someone you know is involved in a cult. https://people.howstuffworks.com/cult7.htm

A true follower of God would want unity. Any time of isolation causes separation. Any type of "us vs. them" mentality causes separation. Love and control cannot co-exist. Fear and love cannot co-exist. Even the purest teachings can be misconstrued to be used for power, greed or control. And let this be a warning to those who use religious doctrine for power and greed. God sees your heart. Karma exists, and you reap what you sow. Thy will be done. Wishing those who read this an abundance of truth, compassion and clarity. Light and Love. Namaste.