Identifying a Cult
The Below mentioned list is a first-hand checklist to identify if an organization is a CULT. Now please go through this Cult Checklist and Validate any organization for its degree.
- Their leader/s may claim a special, exclusive ministry, revelation or position of authority given by God
- They believe they are the only true church and take a critical stance regarding the Christian church while at the same time praising and exalting their own group, leader/s, and work.
- They use intimidation or psychological manipulation to keep members loyal to their ranks. This could be in the form of threats of dire calamity sent by God if they leave; certain death at Armageddon; being shunned by their family and friends etc. This is a vital part of the mind control process.
- Members will be expected to give substantial financial support to the group. This could be compulsory tithing (which is checked); signing over all their property on entering the group; coercive methods of instilling guilt on those who have not contributed; selling magazines, flowers or other goods for the group as part of their “ministry”.
- There will be great emphasis on loyalty to the group and its teachings. The lives of members will be totally absorbed into the group’s activities. They will have little or no time to think for themselves because of physical and emotional exhaustion. This is also a vital part of the mind control process
- There will be total control over almost all aspects of the private lives of members. This control can be direct through communal living, or constant and repetitious teaching on “how to be a true Christian” or “being obedient to leadership”. Members will look to their leaders for guidance in everything they do.
- Any dissent or questioning of the group’s teachings is discouraged. Criticism in any form is seen as rebellion. There will be an emphasis on authority, unquestioning obedience and submission. This is vigilantly maintained
- Members are required to demonstrate their loyalty to the group in some way. This could be in the form of “dobbing” on fellow members (including family) under the guise of looking out for their “spiritual welfare”.
- Attempts to leave or reveal embarrassing facts about the group may be met with threats. Some may have taken oaths of loyalty that involve their lives or have signed a “covenant” and feel threatened by this.
The above list is sourced from ex-cult.org. Though it is not an exhaustive list, but has listed out all main points to identify one. As per my experience, TPM scores a 100/100 on the above list. They use all the above techniques to some degree and hence qualifies for being a CULT. Additional details with reference to TPM can be found here
Check out this video about TPM’s doctrinal issues. Sorry folks…its is in Malayalam.
Click Here to evaluate your depth inside TPM.