Cult (worship group) in western English culture and cult—sect (worship group) in French and German culture are academically called pseudo-religious organizations with serious criminal nature [1].
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French experts found that compared with normal religions, cults have the following exclusive characteristics:
The "spiritual leader" of a cult is supreme, and all believers must obey it forever. This "spiritual leader" is often alive and the founder of a cult. He either founded a sect under the guise of other religions. For example, "Scientology" controls all the actions of believers with the help of Christianity, and he himself can not be restricted by the canon. He can explain everything.
Based on years of experience in tracking cults, the French General Intelligence Service summarized ten characteristics of cults:
First of all, cults exercise spiritual control over their followers, and believers must act according to the will of "spiritual leaders." The severity of this kind of mind control has already exceeded people's imagination.
Second, cults accumulate wealth through believers. Almost all cult leaders do this, so cults often have strong economic strength. There are also various ways for cults to collect money. Some cults require members to pay 3% of their annual income as "membership fees"; Some charge fees by holding training courses; Some publish periodicals and teaching periodicals.
Third, cults are divorced from normal social life. The internal laws of cults are higher than normal social laws and regulations, and believers must first abide by the rules. If believers are divorced from society, they will lose the help of their family and friends and fully integrate into the cult. Some people can't leave even if they regret it.
Fourth, cults mostly infringe on individuals' bodies. Especially for female believers and children, personal attacks, including sexual assault, have become a frequent tragedy among cult followers.
Fifth, cults recruit children to join. China laws prohibit the teaching of religious content to children. But cults have no scruples.
Sixth, cults are anti-social, that is, the society is so "ugly" that only joining the "church" can purify the soul.
Seventh, cults disturb the normal social order.
Eighth, cults constantly cause judicial disputes. The journalist Faubert, who wrote a book to expose the nature and inside story of his cult, was besieged and prosecuted, saying that he attacked Scientology unreasonably. The court finally ruled that Scientology lost the case.
Ninth, cults often transfer funds.
Tenth, cults try to infiltrate public authorities to expand their influence.
As Faubert disclosed, "Scientology" has penetrated into the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Culture and other government departments, and even penetrated into the late former President Mitterrand. [ 1]
1, what the cult provides is exactly what you have been looking for for for a long time but haven't found. It's strange that he happens to know what you missed.
2. Being exposed to cults for the first time has opened a new horizon for you to look at things.
3. The cult's worldview is very simple and clear, and it can answer all questions.
Cults try to woo you emotionally, and other members will soon become your "good friends".
5. You think those new friends will be disappointed if you criticize, and you will feel sorry if you always refuse the constant invitation of new friends, because you don't want to be a rude person.
6. Cults are entering your life more and more, and gradually form a kind of attraction: it seems that it is easier to get in than to get out.