Cults and other dysfunctional groups are demonstrably places of restricted freedom to think and act independently. They are emotionally, if not physically, abusive and often isolate members from family and the outside world.
One may wonder what is the big attraction. What leads someone to join such a group in the first place or remain part of it?
It's a fair generalization to say that most dangerous groups do not start out that way. Whether a school, a church, or even an entire country, cult-like societies usually start with a heady idealism. Perhaps a truth has been discovered which others cannot yet see; a 'new' way of enabling a society to cohere has been found - holding all things in common, in community is often a basis. Or perhaps, the leader seems to have qualities above and beyond the run-of-the-mill. Thus a country's leader or political party may offer some form of national salvation; the answer to poverty or the key to economic success. There is often magical thinking involved. So a leader may be regarded as a god, with mystical powers, or maybe the group has access to the supernatural in unique ways.
Such idealism inevitably breeds elitism. Nobody does it the way we do! And since elitism is often considered an undesirable trait, it may be heavily disguised through, say, a programme of works of service to those outside, leading its members to think of themselves as humble servants. 'Love-bombing' the visitor is a prime tactic used to draw people in and demonstrate the superiority of 'our way'. It is often very effective since it immediately gives the newcomer connections and relationships which may, later, be hard to break. Those within the system, unless they have become cynical or have grown up within it, buy into the idealism and find their identity and purpose bound up in relationship with others.
It's not hard to understand why so many independent 'charismatic' churches have descended into unhealthy dynamics and practice. The charismatic movement began in such idealism. It was a proclamation that 'God was on the move', acting in the 'here and now' in supernatural dynamic ways. People spoke in tongues, others were healed. Some, by report, were raised from the dead. The 'gifts of the Spirit', including prophecy and the working of miracles were being restored to the church. A new breed of leaders, with an 'anointing' to be Apostles or Prophets began to arise. Fresh ways of worshiping were being explored outside the confines of traditional liturgy and there was a major emphasis on 'relationship' rather than meetings and rituals. Charismatic churches became a haven for idealistic christians disenchanted by a mainstream church which appeared to have lost its way and its power.
Cults always grow out of, or at least soon develop an elite society. Within the charismatic movement, it was easy for the 'born-again', the 'Spirit-filled', the 'anointed preachers', the 'healers', the 'Apostles' to think of themselves as supernaturally endowed and somehow more capable, wiser, more gifted than the rest of humanity. Elitist attitudes could be denied, or at least might remain unrecognised on grounds that whatever superior characteristics the believer now possessed, he had received 'by grace alone'. And that his life now consisted of 'pouring himself out for others' so that they could enjoy what he had received. Nevertheless, charismatic theology entailed that those outside did not 'have it' in quite the same way those on the inside did. It made those outside somehow less human.
For those who have been part of an idealist church for a long time but have, however, not seen the ever-promised 'revival' just around the corner, or have grown disenchanted, cynical or weary of false claims of miracle, there often remains huge pressure to stay. Relationships which have built up over the years become not only one's support system, but the opportunity to find one's own identity as a giver. Who you are is bound up with those to whom you relate. It is likely that other family members are part of the group and its very elitism may entail that you will be shunned by them if you leave, unless the church has maintained some healthy checks and balances.
It is often difficult to see flaws in a group from the inside, partly due to years of familiarity and especially so if one continues to hold on to any form of magical thinking about either the group or its leadership. As long as the leader remains 'the anointed man of God', and your dependence on him leads him to shower you with favour, you will simply refuse to see or believe a negative story brought by another. Flaws (sometimes serious) tend to be unrecognized or excused by the most 'faithful'.
Even if we concede the possibility that all the assertions of the supernatural in charismatic churches are true, that dangerous idealism and elitism remains. And if left unchecked, there is a tendency for leadership to become ever more power-protecting, self-serving, self-deceived and ultimately, abusive.
Often it is only when one takes a look from a distance, and begins to call the group or its leadership to account when it has veered off course, that the self-protecting, personal kingdom-consolidating attitudes of those in power become evident. At that point, the apparent beneficence of the leader, which is all that the idealistic compliant member can see, evaporates, to be replaced by bullying contempt or malevolent, underhand manipulation and rejection.
And then, despite the consequent intense emotional pressure to conform and remain, some choose the even harder route of leaving, with all the heartache and upheaval that entails.
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