How to Recognize a Cult

1. Absolute authoritarianism without accountability

• Zero tolerance for criticism or questions you get questions if ask
• Lack of meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget and group spending
• Unreasonable fears about the outside world often involve the end of time and persecution from the Government.
• A belief that former followers are always wrong for leaving and there is never a legitimate reason for anyone else to leave.
• Abuse of members’ money and time
• Records, books, articles, or programs documenting are only authorized by the leader.
• Followers feel they are never able to be good enough, the leader always corrects their actions.
• A belief that the leader is always right, and no one should correct him or her.

 10. A belief that the leader is the exclusive means of knowing “truth” or giving validation the group depends on him or her to give them the truth, not seeking it themselves.

Characteristics of Dictator Leadership

• Don’t allow little or no input from group members.

• Requires leaders to make almost all the decisions.

• Provides leaders with the ability to dictate work methods and processes without the involvement of the group.

• This leaves the group feeling like they aren’t trusted with decisions or important tasks.

• Tend to create highly structured and very rigid environments.

• Discourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking can’t think on your own and need his or her approval.

• Establishes strict rules and tends to clearly outline and communicate the rules most of the time.