The intolerant dogma of cults
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One identifying trait that identifies new religious groups as cults is they have an intolerant dogma. All cults believe they have the truth and that other religions, beliefs, faiths and individuals are either of the devils, unenlightened or worldly. Some cult members view non-believers as a threat and danger to the group’s survival. It is interesting to note, that although the broad spectrum of cults may be vast and varied; the belief system that each cult group holds fast to is not. All cults believe they are the one group to possess the infinite truth; all cults view outsiders as a dangerous threat to the cult’s survival.
Cults are closed-minded
As those in a cult environment are psychologically and emotionally forced into submission, one of the first things cult members lose is their identity and ability to argue, reason and think for himself or herself. Since there is no room within the group for questions, debate or questioning, it only makes sense that the group views questions from outsiders with apprehension and disdain. To say cults are closed-minded is an understatement. Intolerance and closed mindedness combined with the psychological abuse heaped upon those who question the leader or group’s doctrine is the very making of a cult. Closed mindedness is not just a characteristic or trait associated with cults; it is a defining factor. The group is a cult because it is closed minded and intolerant to other thoughts and opinion.
Cults view all with opposing views as the enemy
Cults view those who have opposing views as the enemy. It is for this reason that many cult members are forced to cut ties with the outside world, including family members and friends. It is not just pride, hatred or a sense of divine enlightenment that causes cults to distance themselves from outside members, but it is also fear. Many cults don’t just view outsiders as those who are lesser enlightenment or those who have yet to receive the “wisdom” the group believes they’ve attained, but they actually fear outsiders and believe they intend to harm them. The fear that cult members experience regarding “outsiders” or those in the “world” is intense and may paralyze cult members with such gripping fear they never break free from the group’s chains and find freedom.
With the psychological conditioning and abusive practices used by cults to control their members, it is no wonder that cults are intolerant of other groups, belief systems and individuals. Cult materials, literature, teaching and training session always includes teachings that the outside world is evil and means the group harm while portraying the cult members as the true carriers of wisdom and enlightenment as well as victims that must be on guard, ready to defend themselves from the wiles of the world.
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