Destructive Cults Research Articles

The Psychological Causes and Identification of the Destructive Cult Belief

The Psychological Causes and Identification of the Destructive Cult Belief

The Cognition of Destructive Cults of College Students and Its Influential Factors

The cognition of destructive cults among students and its influential factors are explored in this paper by means of a survey of 500 college students. Objective: Our goal is to explore the cognition of destructive cult and its influential factors, especially the role of self-esteem and security. Methods: A total of 500 college adult students were enrolled and measured on a series of questionnaires. Results: 92.47% of college students think that mind control is the essence of the cult, 89.25% of college students think it is fabricated, 82.8% of college students choose amass wealth, 62.37% of college students regard it as a secret association. The cognition of the college students varies in different groups. The level of students' self-esteem and security have a certain correlation with their cognition of cults. Discussion: The development of college students’ ability of self-knowledge, resilience and improvement of adaptability are helpful to upgrade their ability of identification and prevention.

Identifying Destructive Cults From the Motives of the Hierarch to Create the Cult

Identifying Destructive Cults From the Motives of the Hierarch to Create the Cult

Research on Cultic Dynamics From Perspective of Internet

The paper mainly deals with the question on strategies of network communication applied by destructive cult groups and new tendencies in the mobile era. These cults usually take advantage of the Internet environment to set up and develop online positions, working jointly with offline activities. The author conducts a case study, which is based on the method of content analysis, towards Xin Tang Ren website operated by Falun Gong group to demonstrate its unique communication characteristics. The case study reveals the usual online publicity strategies of Falun Gong and new tendencies applied in the mobile era. In the Internet time, the more open and cross-border thinking should be expected to strenuously create a novel anti-cult path with Chinese characteristics.

Heresy in the Siberian way: publishing activities of non-traditional religions, sects, dogma in Siberia and the Far East (90s of the XX - 10s of the XXI centuries)

Since the early 1990s non-traditional religions were widespread in Siberia and the Far East, and across Russia, among which there was a large number of totalitarian sects and destructive cults. The reason for the phenomenal success of previously unknown religious and occult teachings has been the spiritual vacuum that occurred in the country after the Communist ideology fall. Most of the new denominations launched in Russia publishing, which by the second decade of the XXI century was carried on by several dozen communal or sectarian publishers. In Siberia and the Far East the most active sects in publishing were the following: Protestant Church of Christ, Baha'i Faith followers, Krishna consciousness regional societies (in particular, the residents of Vladivostok), «Pleiadinas» sects («Ascended Masters» teachings). These sectarian creeds nave been brought into the country, however, and nowadays pseudo-religious cults are created in Russia, which carry a large destructive potential for the Russian society and its cultural traditions. They are Neo-pagans, the Marian center and a number of sects, whose activities began in Siberia: All-Russian movement «To God’s Rule!», The Church of the Last Testament of Vissarion Christ, etc. These cults had in Siberia and the Far East extensive publishing practices editing books, brochures, magazines, newspapers. «Pleiadinas» sect organized in Siberia edition of the monthly magazine «World Channeling» (Novokuznetsk), created two publishing houses: «Star of Freedom» (Novosibirsk) and «SiriuS» (Omsk). The Marian center used printing district offices of Kemerovo region for its production activity. Neo-pagans had publishing houses «Asgard’», «Arcor» and «Russian Truth» in Omsk. The article analyzes all these publishing organizations’ products. The ruinous effects of sectarian publishing activities distribution in the Russian regions is obvious. Its effect reduction will depend on the speed of eliminating the crisis in the spiritual sphere of our society.

Ritual child abuse: motivations, context, criteria for recognition

In literature concerning violence against children, the term “Ritual Sexual Abuse” has, for some decades, become almost always identified in a somewhat approximative way with “Satanic Ritual Abuse”. One of the most controversial issues is whether there are criteria that distinguish sexual abuse generally from sexual abuse that is specifically ritualistic. This article aims to propose a definition of ritual child abuse, specifically considering symbolic logic. Since forensic evidence often proves in such cases to be fragmentary or unreliable, it is necessary to identify the presence of certain constants, being extraneous to rational thought yet completely coherent in terms of the occult and from the point of view of the history of magic. Thus, the indicators that will be examined are those that allow us to recognise and identify a ceremonial context (ritual area, images, instruments, characters, times, etc.) and will be examined the particular motives why children are particularly sought-after victims for certain destructive cults.Keywords: ritual child abuse; Satanic ritual abuse; destructive cults; occultism.

Exploration of Destructive Cults’ Dynamics

Destructive cults strengthen their motivating factors by self-proclaimed and covert means and target at specific groups as potential cult believers. Based on theories of dynamics and “product life cycle”, this paper probes destructive cults’ power source and their target believers. The power recession of destructive cults is also discussed by introducing the theory of “hierarchy of needs”. This paper, by advocating scientific beliefs, opposing destructive cults, and through the analysis of the experimental cases, aims to provide some suggestions for the realization and transcendence of individuals, communities and even the whole human beings.

Ways of Destructive Cults to Steal Religious Affections

Ways of Destructive Cults to Steal Religious Affections

To What Extent Does Destructive Cults’ Leaders Employ Mind Control Techniques to Recruit Members in Order to Achieve Their Aims?

With the constant media attention that cultism receives today, people want to know “to what extent do destructive cults’ leaders employ mind control techniques to recruit members in order to achieve their aims?” The research question was developed and inspired by several books and television shows focused on cults. This research question was then investigated by evaluating numerous researches found in online libraries, journals, podcasts, and books. The researches were then compiled and important notes were marked. All the key definitions are mentioned as well as limitations of the research methods used in order to assess cults. In order to holistically address the question all the three levels of analysis were used: biological, cognitive, and sociocultural. The concepts are further clarified with explaining two major exemplar cults: Peoples Temple and Heaven’s Gate. The essay concludes that though there are some possibilities where mind control may be employed with admirable intentions, most of the evidence suggests otherwise. Moreover, individuals lose their identity in the cults. They are trained and conditioned and degraded from humans to mere pets. Cult leaders rob their members of the one thing that makes them human by entirely controlling them: higher cognitive thinking. All of them share one major trait: their need to control anything and everything. In terms of dependency, it is a two-way relationship since the members are dependent on the leader and the leader is dependent on the members as his/her power stems from the members’ vulnerability. Finally, to answer the research question it could be said that to a large extent destructive cults’ leaders employ mind control techniques to recruit members in order to achieve their aims.

Самозванство в России в прошлом и настоящем: социокультурный и историко-психологический аспекты

<p>В статье рассматриваются социокультурный и социально-психологический аспекты самозванства в России в истории и современности. Суть понятия «самозванство» заключается в том, что тот или иной человек проявляет себя в ином обличье, что дает ему возможности купаться в чужой славе, извлекать выгоду в материальном, общественном и личном плане. Дается типология самозванства: 1) мирское (царистское), 2) религиозное, 3) индивидуальное и 4) «человек в маске». Вскрываются психологические механизмы самозванства, причины и способы ложной самоидентификации.</p><p>Самозванство мирское (царистское) — одна из форм социального протеста в России в XVII–XVIII вв. Показаны через призму исторической психологии портреты самозванцев Лжедмитрия I (Г. Отрепьев) и Петра III (Е. Пугачев) как «царей-избавителей». Выявлены представления низов о правителях с точки зрения «справедливости», «благочестивости» (праведности) и «законности».</p><p>Самозванцы религиозные — не только порождение прошлых эпох (XVII–XVIII вв.), но являют собой и современные типажи. Если самозванцы царистские исчезли, то самозванцы религиозного толка продолжают манипулировать, произрастать на доверии людском. Свидетельством этого является деятельность деструктивных сект как зарубежного, так и российского происхождения, в частности секта Аум Синрикё, японца Асахары, секта Андрея Попова («Бог Кузя») и др.</p><p>Особенности современного этапа — появление индивидуальных самозванцев под именами известных людей. Их действия попадают как под Уголовный кодекс, так и под моральное публичное осуждение.</p><p>«Человек в маске» (условное обозначение) — явление наших дней. Так скрываются свидетели уголовных дел, которые попадают под государственную защиту и изменяют фамилии и даже внешность. Жизнь в маске — серьезная психологическая травма для человека.</p><p>Индивидуально-психологическими предпосылками самозванства называются: склонность к фантазированию и вера в собственные иллюзии, способность к самовнушению, сильный тип нервной системы. </p>

The Destructive Cult, the Cause of Formation, Nature and Countermeasures

The destructive cult is an underworld gang organization with the witchcraft and anti-social characteristics, in “The living god”, namely the gang master, as the faith. The cause of formation bases on mankind cognitive level and social environment except for artificial factors. So in any time, the destructive cult has the possibility and necessity of its existence. In paper, it emphasizes that we should strengthen scientific education, open mind and sublimation of self at the same time of improving society. In this way, can only we eliminate the influence of the cult, break down the foundations of the cult.

RELIGIOUS SCHOLARS: THEORY AND PRACTICE ACTIVITIES

The aim of the study is to consider the theoretical and practical problems of texts analysis of an extremist orientation; to define lacks of vocational training of religious scholars. Methods. The methods involve analysis of existing points of view on the issue; analysis of the conceptual apparatus; reflection of empirical experience of the expert participation in law enforcement investigation and at court. The present investigation is carried out based on the authors’ experience of expert activity. Results. The scientific inconsistency of widespread concepts "sect", «totalitarian sect», and «a destructive cult» is proved. Authors note that the term "sect" is necessary to use as religious concept exclusively in the sphere of studying of Christianity history. The necessity of correction of normative base is proved upon which many procedural and substantial questions of judicial religious examinations are solved. Scientific novelty. Specificity of religious expertise as a form of scientific research is presented; factors that negatively affect its results are identified; it is justified that the legal position and status of non-state independent religious experts actually are not determined, therefore, not protected. Practical significance. The use of theoretical research results allows activating theoretical component of educational activity on training personnel for Religious as in the system of higher education, and in self-education; it contributes to the development of tools of empirical research in the field of religious expertise and improves the quality of expert opinions.

Sectarian in religious studies

The article analyzes the concepts of «sect», «destructive cult», «totalitarian sect», which are used in the classification of new religious movements and the movement of various kinds. On the basis of any religious doctrine may appear innovative thinking and it can be characterized (estimate) as the increased spread the word sectarian or fundamentalist attitudes leads to sectarian sentiments among the believers. The author concludes that the emergence of new religious movements are the result of the development process, which is typical for a while the continuation of «sectarian tendencies».

Новые религиозные движения как форма религиозной организации, пути и факторы их возникновения и функционирования

The article deals with new religious movements. The author compares the new religious movements with traditional forms of organization of religion. The concept of “new religious movements” is used as an alternative term of totalitarian sects and destructive cults. The basic characteristics of new religious movements consider. The main characteristics of similar new religious movements are described. The theoretical approaches of description of the ways formation of new religious movements are considered. It analyzes the main factors affecting the appearance of development and operation of new religious movements. Thus, a number of social, political, and religious factors that influence the development of new religious movements highlighted. Also, the crisis state of society is viewed as one of the possible factors of the origin, development and functioning of the new religious movements.

Исследование взаимосвязи ценностных ориентаций личности и предрасположенности к манипулятивному воздействию со стороны организаций с признаками деструктивных культов

Исследование взаимосвязи ценностных ориентаций личности и предрасположенности к манипулятивному воздействию со стороны организаций с признаками деструктивных культов

The Different Views on Life between Daoism and Destructive Cult

The meaning of life in the view of Daoism and destructive cult is absolutely different. Daoism believes that the life is invested by the dao, and the dao has the virtue to cherish life. Such notions are a truly manifestation of Daoist idea about cherishing life, and abominating death. However, destructive cults apotheosize their chief leaders and regard them as the supreme authority. The chief leaders either say they are God or that they alone can interpret the scriptures the way God intended. The extreme of the destructive cults usually emphasize eschatology and use mind control techniques to overcome the members’ critical thinking abilities and free will, so as to lead many suicide and killing.

Importancia de la formación de la inteligencia (emotiva, racional y espiritual) de los niños y adolescentes en la familia frente a la manipulación de las sectas

Faced with the destructive cults that try to manipulate in a special way to seduce our Emotional Intelligence and take their land, the familycommunity has a huge task to adequately educate each of its members so that it does not. Therefore, this article discusses how to raise a family our intelligence (emotional, rational and spiritual), noting especially the emotional aspect, which is where affect, in a special way, the sectarian groups.

“破壊的カルト”での生活が脱会後のメンバーの心理的問題に及ぼす影響

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the member's life in destructive cults on the psychological problems after departing from the groups. A factor analysis was performed with the data of questionnaires toward 157 participants, and seven factors were extracted. They were (1) avoidance behavior to avoid out-groups, (2) restriction of freedom, (3) satisfaction, (4) behavior of submission, (5) compliance with rules, (6) punishment and reward, and (7) mysterious experience. Analyses of variance showed that restriction of freedom and punishment and reward are more likely to develop personal distress, whereas mysterious experiences are more likely to develop personal distress and interpersonal distress.

A study of psychological problems after leaving destructive cults : The effects of the progress period after leaving and counseling

A study of psychological problems after leaving destructive cults : The effects of the progress period after leaving and counseling

The Dilemma of “Authentic Self” Ideology in Contemporary Japan

This paper examines dilemmas inherent in the pursuit of the modern ideology of “authentic self”, which first emerged in the 1960s and is now widespread in contemporary cultures. The ideology is exemplified, in a religious scene, as “self‐transformative” religions wherein seekers seek to transform themselves spiritually in order to realize their authentic, or “sacred” selves. Through an examination of Aum Shinrikyo, which began as a typical “self‐transformative” religion but later transformed into a destructive cult, I will explain the intrinsic moral imperatives of the ideology of “authenticity”. This study of Aum explores the introverted lifestyle and extreme desocialization, which resulted in obsession with the central guru, being legitimated by the ideology. This search for “authenticity” resulted in the members cutting themselves off from the reality of the world. The final analysis suggests that possible consequences of the endless pursuit of the “authentic self” are a “vacuum” self and a loss of empathy with other people. The ontological conditions created by this bring about potential destructiveness, either internal or external.