Persecution Watch

Tag: cult

  • The Cult Label – How “Othering” language is used to justify violence.

    The Cult Label – How “Othering” language is used to justify violence.

    The Cult Label – How “Othering” Language is Used to Justify Violence

    The term “cult” has become synonymous with danger and fanaticism, evoking images of brainwashed followers and apocalyptic prophecies. But is the label fair, or does it perpetuate a harmful narrative that justifies violence against minority groups? In recent years, high-profile cases like the FLDS and NXIVM have brought the concept of cults into the public eye, sparking heated debates about free will, manipulation, and the boundaries between religion and criminal activity.

    The Power of Language

    Sociologist and author Jeffrey Hadden argues that the term “cult” is often used as a pejorative to describe minority religions or groups that don’t conform to societal norms. “The label ‘cult’ is used to discredit, dehumanize, and delegitimize,” he says in an interview with The Conversation. “It’s a way to say, ‘These people are not like us, they’re weird, and they’re dangerous.’”

    A History of Prejudice

    The term “cult” has its roots in the 17th-century European witch hunts, where anyone deemed outside the mainstream was labeled a “witch.” This “othering” language served as a justification for violence and persecution. Today, the same pattern is seen in modern society. A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that anti-cult rhetoric often relies on stereotypes and misinformation to discredit minority groups.

    The Cult Label’s Consequences

    The use of the term “cult” can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. In a New York Times piece, journalist Rachel Aviv describes how the label has been used to justify violence against minority religions like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Muslims. “When people are labeled ‘cults,’ it allows them to be treated as an enemy, rather than a group of human beings with beliefs and practices,” she writes.

    A Call for Nuance

    Scholars argue that the term “cult” is too broad and lacks nuance, failing to distinguish between legitimate religious groups and those that may warrant concern. A report by the International Cultic Studies Association emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of minority religions and avoiding sensationalized language.

    Beyond the Label

    So what’s the solution? Experts suggest focusing on the individual actions and behaviors, rather than making sweeping judgments about entire groups. “We should be concerned with people’s behavior, not their beliefs or affiliations,” says Hadden. “Let’s focus on creating a society that values free speech, assembly, and association – without resorting to demonizing labels.”

    Related Reading

    “The cult label is a tool of oppression, used to silence and marginalize minority groups. It’s time for a more nuanced understanding of religious freedom and the importance of respecting all belief systems.” – Jeffrey Hadden

    January 8, 2026
  • The Pressure Cooker – Why High-Control Groups Break People

    The Pressure Cooker – Why High-Control Groups Break People

    High-control groups, often shrouded in the guise of religious sects, political movements, or self-improvement circles, employ techniques that erode individuality and foster dependency. These groups might brand themselves as communities of personal growth or salvation, but beneath the surface lies a modest yet complex mechanism of control that can lead to emotional and psychological breakdown.

    The Anatomy of Control

    High-control groups typically use a range of psychological strategies to maintain dominance over their members. According to Psychology Today, these groups often employ isolation to limit outside influence, instilling an “us vs. them” mentality, which is crucial for sustaining control over the group’s narrative. This encapsulation suppresses dissent and encourages conformity, be it in beliefs, behaviors, or even personal life choices.

    “The most dangerous things about these groups is their ability to make people doubt their own reality, making it easier to strip them of their autonomy,” warns Dr. Janja Lalich, an expert on cult behavior.

    The Cycle of Breaking and Reforming

    • Manipulation of Cognition: By controlling information, high-control groups manipulate how members think and perceive the world. This can drain mental resources and lead to cognitive dissonance.
    • Emotional Regulation: Through guilt, shame, and communal reinforcement, emotions become controlled, making it hard for individuals to trust their own feelings. Members are often made to feel inferior or blamed for their suffering, shifting focus away from the group’s authoritarian practices.
    • Behavioral Control: Rigorous schedules, rituals, and norms keep individuals busy and prevent them from reflecting on their circumstances, contributing to a loss of personal autonomy.

    Breaking Points and Transformation

    The relentless pressure within these groups often leads to psychological fractures. The Guardian reports on how former cult members frequently experience PTSD-like symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and difficulty making decisions, long after they have left the group’s clutches.

    It is not just individuals who suffer; the repercussions ripple out to families and communities. The route to recovery commonly involves rebuilding self-trust and reconnecting with broader society. “Finding themselves again can be a long, painful process,” says Steven Hassan, a former cult member and author of Combating Cult Mind Control.

    While high-control groups can offer a sense of belonging and purpose, the cost can be devastating. Recognizing the signs and understanding the mechanisms of control is crucial in preventing these groups from breaking individuals beyond repair. Empowerment through knowledge is the antidote to the divisive grip of these pressure cookers.