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Discipling religious cults, also known as shepherding or discipleship groups, are a type of religious organization that can be highly harmful to their members. We will explore what discipling religious cults are and why they are so harmful.
Discipling religious cults are groups that claim to be Christian or religious in nature but often have a leader or group of leaders who hold great power and control over their members. These leaders use various techniques to manipulate and control their members, including brainwashing, isolation, and intimidation. Members are often required to submit to the authority of the leader or leaders and are expected to obey their commands without question.
One of the most harmful aspects of discipling religious cults is their use of brainwashing techniques to control their members. These techniques can include sleep deprivation, sensory overload, and isolation from friends and family. By controlling the environment and the information that members are exposed to, leaders can manipulate their thinking and beliefs to align with the cult agenda.
In addition to brainwashing, discipling religious cults often use tactics of intimidation and fear to control their members. Members may be threatened with expulsion or eternal damnation if they do not comply with the demands of the leaders. This creates a culture of fear and anxiety, where members are constantly worried about pleasing the leaders and avoiding punishment.
Another harmful aspect of discipling religious cults is their use of isolation to control members. This isolation can lead to a loss of individual identity and make it difficult for members to leave the group. Members are often required to live together in communal settings, where the leaders closely monitor them. They may be required to give up their personal possessions, cut ties with friends and family outside of the group, and even give up their jobs or education.
Discipling religious cults can also be harmful to members’ physical health. Members may be required to fast or engage in other extreme forms of self-denial, leading to malnutrition and other health problems. They may also be denied medical care or medication, which can be particularly dangerous for those with chronic illnesses or conditions.
One of the most insidious aspects of discipling religious cults is their use of emotional manipulation to control their members. Members may be required to confess their deepest secrets and sins to the leaders, who then use this information to shame and manipulate them. This can create a cycle of dependence on the leaders, as members feel that they cannot leave the group without exposing their most personal and vulnerable information.
Finally, discipling religious cults can be harmful to members’ relationships with their families and communities. Members may be encouraged to cut ties with family and friends who are not part of the group and may even be encouraged to view them as enemies. This can lead to a breakdown of family relationships and social isolation, particularly damaging for children and young adults.
In conclusion, discipling religious cults is a type of religious organization that can harm its members. They use brainwashing techniques, intimidation, isolation, and emotional manipulation to control their members and create a culture of fear and dependence. Members may suffer from physical and emotional health problems and may experience a breakdown of their relationships with their families and communities. If you or someone you know is involved in a discipling religious cult, it is important to seek help and support from a qualified therapist or counselor who can help you to recover from the harm caused by the group.
For a full history and description of the ICOC, see our group information resource page here. For a color-coded BITE model analysis of the ICOC, see here.