Some of my favorite research and training has been on the issue of cults. It’s a topic that is fascinating on so many levels. Of course, it can turn dangerous too. Have you ever thought about why someone or a group of people would take the time to create a system of beliefs and carefully craft out ways to get others to follow? Is it simply a lust for power? Do they enjoy manipulating people that much? Does having “special knowledge” give them a sense of purpose or bring meaning to their lives? If you’ve followed cults at all, then you know any and all of those things may be true. An internet search can help anyone find even more common characteristics of cults. I suggest you take the time to do that. BUT, defining cults is not the focus of this post. I’d like you to consider not just what characteristics make a cult, but why someone would cultivate one, and what things make a person susceptible to willingly follow/join a cult. Let’s take a second to examine the latter.
Cultivating Cults
Cultivating Cults
Cultivating Cults
Some of my favorite research and training has been on the issue of cults. It’s a topic that is fascinating on so many levels. Of course, it can turn dangerous too. Have you ever thought about why someone or a group of people would take the time to create a system of beliefs and carefully craft out ways to get others to follow? Is it simply a lust for power? Do they enjoy manipulating people that much? Does having “special knowledge” give them a sense of purpose or bring meaning to their lives? If you’ve followed cults at all, then you know any and all of those things may be true. An internet search can help anyone find even more common characteristics of cults. I suggest you take the time to do that. BUT, defining cults is not the focus of this post. I’d like you to consider not just what characteristics make a cult, but why someone would cultivate one, and what things make a person susceptible to willingly follow/join a cult. Let’s take a second to examine the latter.