HANDOUT: WHAT MAKES A CULT?
The information in this handout was compiled from the International Cultic Studies
Association, particularly the article "Characteristics Associated with Cult Groups—
Revised" by Dr. Janja Lalich and Dr. Michael D. Langone (2006); a Wikipedia entry on
Robert Jay Lifton; and "Common Characteristics of How the Cults Operate" (2009) on
the Let Us Reason Ministries website.
What Makes It a Cult?
The answer depends on how you define the word and to whom you are talking. For
purposes of liberal religious examination, this is our working definition of a cult:
A religion or sect, generally considered to be extremist or false, under the
guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader for whom members
exhibit fixed, even religious, veneration.
Groups that meet this definition tend to have an escalating negative impact on the lives
of followers. These groups exhibit many common characteristics:
One charismatic leader is the group's sole authority on truth; only this leader
decides, or has the right to approve, all policies and practices.
Members are zealous, protective, and unquestioningly committed to the leader.
Members regard the leader's beliefs and practices as truth and law; the leader
affirms and enforces this idea.
Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or punished.
The group's leadership dictates how members should think, act, and feel.
Members require the leader's permission to change jobs, date, marry, or have
children. The leader tells members where they can live and how to teach and
discipline their children.
The group uses public humiliation or punishment, debilitating work, sleep
deprivation, or other practices to create group-think and to suppress
individualism and doubt.
Criticism or jokes about the leader or group are taken very seriously and likely
punished.
The group is elitist, claiming special status for itself, its leaders, and its members.
The leader and members maintain theirs is the only path to truth and salvation.
