Know the warning signs of commonplace cults.

By J. Basil Dannebohm

In the 1970s, we called it Jonestown. In the 1990s, we called it Waco. Today, we call it commonplace. An increasing number of Americans are joining cults. Most of them don’t even realize it.

There are a number of factors contributing to the rise in cult behavior, including a decades-long, deliberate attack on intellectualism, free thought, and non-conformity in the United States.

Likewise, while technology, specifically social media gives us an unprecedented opportunity to communicate, it tends to isolate us from actual face-to-face contact, which is imperative for proper mental health. This leads to loneliness, which subsequently results in vulnerability and often paranoia.

Narcissists and sociopaths, including (but not limited to): Evangelists, politicians, celebrities, garage-studio media figures, and self-proclaimed "experts" operate under the label of "influencer," manipulating and leveraging loneliness, vulnerability, and paranoia to appease their fragile egos. This gives rise to what's known as the cult of personality. As the name suggests, when one is caught up in a cult of personality, that individual is, by definition, part of a cult.

Most cults, including cults of personality, are either hyper-nationalist, hyper-religious, or a combination of both.

However, there are many different types of cults including: pro/anti religion, celebrity, sports, holistic or health based, new age or metaphysical, pro/anti government, and pro/anti science. Even multi-level marketing programs can be cults. Most seem harmless and enjoyable at first. This is paramount in order to ensure that one’s subconscious is receptive to brainwashing, gaslighting, and manipulation.

Sociopaths and narcissists who seek a following often commence their mission by carefully studying their target audience. They meticulously examine various groups in order to identify which is most vulnerable and susceptible. The individual then adapts a persona that best reflects the need, motive, or mission of the group. Usually, that persona appeals to both fear and passion.

Once he or she gains control of the group, the individual often makes ominous statements, suggesting that eventually some sort of vague "boogeyman" or authority figure will come for the group, take rights away from them, or force them to do something against their will. This serves the second purpose of the individual: the need to say or act above prescribed laws and norms without reproach or consequence.

Generally unaware of the individual's behavior behind closed doors, the warning given by him or her deceives the group into believing that he or she will eventually face some sort of unjust form of punishment or even martyrdom. The group, which has now devolved into a cult, is willing to ardently defend the words and actions of their new leader, disregarding facts and concrete evidence as lies and conspiracy. Any challenges against the leader are waged by "weak," "sick," or "brainwashed" individuals whom the cult labels as “radical lunatics," “infiltrators,” “apostates,” “traitors,” etc.

Though it’s easy to get caught up in a cult, it’s incredibly difficult and often impossible to escape. For the few who do, it takes years to heal from the mental, emotional, spiritual, and sometimes even physical trauma inflicted during one’s time in the movement.

Is this to suggest that all groups are cults?

Not necessarily.

However, the truth hurts.

If you’re reading this and find yourself triggered, you are probably part of a cult.

Nobody can force you to rethink your loyalties and associations. If or when you awaken from the deception, manipulation, gaslighting, and abuse you are experiencing, help is available. Contrary to what the movement would have you believe, help is not the enemy and asking for it is not a sign of weakness.

While there are many indications of a dangerous movement, here are ten warning signs that you may be involved in a cult —

1. The leader is the ultimate authority; any authority above him or her is either not a validly appointed leader or is some sort of sinister operative.

2. The group suppresses skepticism: attacking, threatening, and slandering anybody who challenges their claims.

3. The group delegitimizes former members, often through some sort of public shaming or false accusations. The group tends to employ name calling, rumor, and labeling as a means of shame and slander.

4. The group is paranoid about outsiders, often believing that some sort of nefarious force is at play; though they have no actual proof, just their fears and the words of the leader and his or her appointed emissaries.

5. The group relies on shame cycles, especially when one or more members second guesses situations. Shaming techniques include threats of eternal damnation, retribution, punishment, calling a person "weak," and preying on their fears and vulnerabilities. This is precisely why the leader studies the fears of the group as a whole.

6. The leader is perceived as being above the law or asserts that the law is invalid due to an illegitimate figurehead imposing the laws. The imposing group or individual is deemed by the leader to be “the enemy.”

7. The group uses "thought reform" methods, including self-published doctrine, study materials, marketing, and propaganda that has been tailored to appeal to the desires, fears, and collective paranoia of the group. This can include neo-constitutions, oaths, slogans, catechesis, courses of study or training.

8. The group is elitist, alleging that membership is intended exclusively for “like-minded” individuals, which is to say lonely, impressionable, or vulnerable people who can be easily persuaded. Often groups will attempt to isolate members from friends and family, especially if they raise concern or opposition to the group, fostering an "us versus them" mentality.

9. There is no financial transparency and excuses are made for a lack of accountability. Quite often such groups will assert that a non-profit, religious, executive, or "in the interest of security" status protects the leader and his or her emissaries, granting them immunity or some type of concession to justify the confidentiality.

10. The group wears a common uniform, emblem, or headgear and performs marches, rites, initiations, or ceremonies that are often steeped with symbolism and antiquated language or slogans. These are done to deceive the individual into a sense of profound belonging.

If you sense something is unhealthy about a group you're involved with, trust your gut. A good way to avoid getting caught up in a cult is not to dwell in information silos. These include online forums and chat groups that promote "us versus them" rhetoric.

Remember: Healthy engagement never involves hatred or violence against an individual or organization -- being part of a cult does.

Here are just a few of the books I recommend on today's topic:

• "Terror, Love, and Brainwashing: Attachment in Cults and Totalitarian Systems" by Alexandra Stein

• "Cults Like Us: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America" by Jane Borden

• "Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism―Understanding the Social Science of Cult Influence" by Amanda Montell

• "The Culting of America: What Makes a Cult and Why We Love Them" by Daniella Mestyanek Young and Amy Reed

• "Cults Inside Out: How People Get In and Can Get Out" by Rick Alan Ross

• "Losing Reality: On Cults, Cultism, and the Mindset of Political and Religious Zealotry" by Robert Jay Lifton

• "Cults in Our Midst: The Continuing Fight Against Their Hidden Menace" by Margaret Thaler Singer and Robert Jay Lifton

• "Escaping the Rabbit Hole: How to Debunk Conspiracy Theories Using Facts, Logic, and Respect" by Mick West

• "People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil" by M. Scott Peck

• "Recovery from Gaslighting & Narcissistic Abuse, Codependency & Complex PTSD" by Don Barlow