Spiritual Recovery After a Cult Experience
Religious cults depend on fear and intimidation to maintain their hold over group members. In order to control and manipulate followers, the cult leader portrays himself as the truth-bearer and group members are lead to believe that God has specifically chosen him to bring light into the world. The cult leader’s claim that God has imparted a unique and special revelation justifies his existence as the leader and his right to exercise control over his members. Followers are taught to accept the leader’s authority as divinely mandated. Any doubts or questions are quickly extinguished by the leader utilizing intimidation, humiliation, and fear tactics. Over time, the devotee adopts the cult’s view of God and becomes fearful of leaving because of the fear that they are renouncing their faith and God.
For individuals leaving pseudo-Christian cults, one of the most significant questions they struggle with in their recovery is what to do regarding their faith. There are unique complications for people in religious cults, because some were Christians before being drawn into the cult and they would like to reclaim the positive aspects of their faith. Former cult members wrestle with the image of the god of the cult and their previous belief system has dissolved. Redefining who God is and what that means to the ex-member can be a tumultuous journey. Four ex-members of aberrant religious, high-demand groups will share their thoughts on:• The role of fear and manipulation in religious cults• Obstacles in transitioning out of a spiritually manipulative group/religion• Healthy vs unhealthy faith • Reconnecting with their spiritual self