"Destructive cults, groups, movements and/or leaders "maintain intense allegiance through the arguments of their ideology, and through social and psychological pressures and practices that, intentionally or not, amount to conditioning techniques that constrict attention, limit personal relationships, and devalue reasoning."

-- Margaret Singer, Ph.D.

Here is a poignant video about the coercive persuasion, mind control, and brainwashing of Pentecostalism and occult. It exposes all kinds of mind control characteristics and methodologies even of those outside Pentecostalism and occult, but anyone who either is a Christian will see the marks of Pentecostalism and occult programming and indoctrination in this little film. we have made some comments below concerning one aspect of this mind control that is touched upon in this video. We hope you enjoy it!


   

Thus no matter how insane or abusive the "under-shepherds" or sub-leaders are the Cult program continues. See, if a physical cult leader started doing insane and abusive things it is much easier for the mind to wake up and say "wait a minute" and start questioning things.

What is "Mind Control"?

While many have spoken of the methods used by the cults as a form of brainwashing (a forced reprogramming of a person's thoughts), a more apt designation would be mind control. Hassan clarifies the difference between the two:

"Mind control, also called `thought reform,' is more subtle and sophisticated [than brainwashing]. Its perpetrators are regarded as friends or peers, so the person is much less defensive. He unwittingly participates by cooperating with his controllers and giving them private information that he does not know will be used against him. The new belief system is internalized into a new identity structure.

"Mind control involves little or no overt physical abuse. Instead, hypnotic processes are combined with group dynamics to create a potent indoctrination effect. The individual is deceived and manipulated--not directly threatened into making the prescribed choices. On the whole, he responds positively to what is done to him."

Cult Mind Control Techniques

Cults use a variety of mind control techniques to control their members:

1. Group Pressure. Also known as love-bombing, the group flatters individuals and encourages child-like trust, uncritical thinking or questioning. Recruiters might pretend to be interested in a person, telling them they're exactly the type of person their group needs. Recruiters might tell prospectives that it's a church or discussion group and not even give the real name of the cult group.
2. Isolation. New recruits may be invited to attend an informational retreat that is often located in an isolated location. Once involved in the cult, individuals are separated from others outside of the cult group and are allowed to only talk to members of the cult. They're not allowed to read outside books and newspapers that might be critical of the group.
3. Thought-Stopping Techniques. A state of dependency is brought about by excessive meditating, chanting, and repetitious activities. Slogans such as "trust the leader" or "don't question, just do" stop individuals from critical thinking and deepen their trust in the leader.
4. Fear and Guilt. The group ridicules or abuses those who confess doubts about the group. They may be told they can't survive outside the safety of the cult or even that they'll go to hell. Leaders may teach that everyone who is not part of their group is under the influence of Satan, and therefore can't be trusted.
5. Lack of Sleep. When individuals are tired, they are more easily fooled. Those deprived of sleep become vulnerable to the teachings or practices of the cult and aren't able to think or examine what is happening to them. New members are kept awake or may be made to work long hours to bring in money for the cult group.
6. Sensory Overload. Individuals may be forced to listen to confusing and complex teachings without the opportunity to ask questions about what they have been told. Those who ask questions might be told the question is stupid or that there's something wrong with them for asking. Recruits quickly learn that it's not acceptable to ask questions about the group.
7. Deception. Cults often tell deliberate lies or make unrealistic promises about what prospectives will obtain from the group. Leaders share only limited information, giving hidden teachings or secrets only after members have proven themselves. Promises may include becoming like god, or achieving fame and fortune.
8. Drugs and Physical Abuse. Cults may use physical abuse to control individuals or offer hallucinatory drugs that distort reality and cause hallucinations. Not all cult groups use drugs and physical abuse.
9. Dependency. Cults encourage individuals to become dependent, trusting the leader or group instead of making their own decisions.
10. Turning Over Assets Cults often deceive recruits into turning over to the cult all their money and property. Members may be expected to work in jobs the cult provides or to turn over most of their wages to the cult.

Here you will find specific information about the process used by destructive totalists to control their followers.

Brainwashing.

Recovery.

Deprogramming.

Abusive and controlling relationships.

History of cult deprogramming.

Getting help.