CHAPTER ONE DEFINING A CULT The Metamorphosis of the Term “Cult" The people of Japan will long remember March 21, 1995, as the day when they first heard the word “cult."1 At approximately 8:00 a.m., six members of a radical Buddhist group called “Aum Supreme Truth" boarded a Tokyo subway, each man toting plastic bags filled with lethal nerve gas. Moving with clockwork precision, the men carefully sifted their way through the crowded train and deposited their deadly luggage at the end of the car. Quick thrusts from a sharply-pointed umbrella was all that was then needed to poke small holes in each bag and cause the invisible nerve gas to begin to slowly fill the commuter train. The Aum band was long gone before anyone realized what was happening. Suddenly pandemonium erupted as hundreds of commuters began to choke and pass out. Victims were carried up and laid out on the street to await transportation to local hospitals, but confusion reigned there as well because doctors had no idea of what they were dealing with. It was hours before proper treatment was made available for the victims. In the meantime, thirteen people died and over five thousand suffered varying symptoms of gas poisoning. Subsequent police investigations revealed that the Aum group was producing large amounts of nerve gas and had plans to diffuse it over wide areas of metropolitan Tokyo. Hand guns were also being manufactured at a number of secret factories. The head of the Aum Shinrikyo, Mr. Shouko Asahara, was well known for prophecies about Armaggedon and the end of the world. Apparently he had decided to try and bring about the fulfillment of those predictions. The word “cult," along with “culture" and “cultivate," originally comes from the Latin word “colere" which means “to till."2 Medieval society was centered around agriculture. Cultivation of the soil and all activities connected to it helped form the basis for the culture of the Middle Ages. With the growth of the Christian church, religious activity also began to influence culture and play a major role in the life of the average person. A system of religious worship or ritual subsequently began to be referred to as a “cult." In Germany and England “cult" still retains its original meaning and has no negative implications whatsoever. In America, however, the word went through a trans-formation of major proportions. “Cult" was conveniently used to identify a small, unusual religious group with unorthodox views and beliefs. However, when the 1970s produced a rash of violent incidents that left a trail of blood leading to certain religious organizations, secular scholars and Christian leaders began to refer to such groups as “cults." The Modern Definition of a Cult During the past twenty years numerous groups have endeavored to refine the definition of a cult and provide the general public with useful data about cults and their unethical recruitment techniques. One such group which has taken the lead in this work is the American Family Foundation (AFF), a nonprofit, educational organization. At an AFF conference of scholars and policy makers in 1985, the following definition was adopted: Cult: A group or movement exhibiting great or excessive devotion or dedication to some person, idea, or thing, and employing unethical manipulative or coercive techniques of persuasion and control (e.g., isolation from former friends and family, debilitation, use of special methods to heighten suggestibility and subservience, powerful group pressures, information management, suspension of individuality or critical judgement, promotion of total dependency on the group and fear of leaving it), designed to advance the goals of the group's leaders, to the actual or possible detriment of members, their families, or the community.3 This definition has been accepted widely by many scholars and cult researchers. It continues to be the standard by which cults are distinguished from other communities or groups. Characteristics of a Cult As outlined in the definition above, cult groups are distinguished by certain characteristics, which may be present to a greater or lesser degree. It is also conceivable that a certain religious organization, even a Protestant church, may carry some of the marks of a cult but not actually be considered a true cult group. The key issue is whether members are being manipulated and exploited to the point where they can cause harm to themselves, their families, or the community. Devotion to the Leader or Organization As pointed out by the AFF, cults are known for their excessive devotion to a person, idea, or thing. Normally the leader or the organization itself becomes the object of the members' veneration. In the eyes of the average faithful follower, the cult leader is someone with a special gift from God striving to fulfill a special mission in life.4 The leader is said to be God's prophet, God's messenger for this hour, God's mouthpiece, God's only channel of communication with the human race, etc. Support for these bold assertions is drawn from the charisma of the leader himself, the growth and activity of the group, a unique sense of comradery among the members, and a system of theology that claims to be Bible-based, but in reality distorts the basic message of Scripture. Every effort is made to create and maintain a picture of uniqueness and an aura of spiritual authority. The leader must always be represented as the one who has reached the unattainable heights of true spiritual maturity, has been entrusted with the keys to spiritual knowledge, or has been given divine authority to safely guide souls along the path to life. The Leader Exalted to Equality with Christ Exaltation of the cult head inevitably leads to a form of deification. Though a cult may expound on the importance of a personal relationship with God, in reality emphasis is placed upon obedience and faith in the leader or the group. Simply trusting in Christ is not enough for salvation. Maintaining membership in the organization, obedience to the commands of the leader, and working diligently for the advancement of the group's goals are all essential for obtaining God's blessing and approval. Disobeying the leader is regarded as a flagrant violation of God's law, while laboring for the group is considered “doing the will of God." Leaving the group is equivalent with turning one's back on God; remaining by the leader's side ensures that the cult member will remain under the protection of God. Steven Hassan, a former member of the Unification Church, cult exit-counselor, and author of the best-selling book, Combatting Mind Control, states that in his experience, most cult leaders “believe they are ‘God,' or the ‘Messiah,'or an enlightened leader."5 Hassan also declares that, “Absolute obedience to superiors is one of the most universal themes in cults."6 Cult leaders are quick to quote Scriptures that admonish obedience to spiritual authority. However, while obedience may be a scriptural principle, the Bible does not condone totalitarian control. Nor do the Scriptures encourage dependency on a human being. In fact, numerous passages give a stern warning to any who put their trust in man.7 Spiritual leaders who seek to follow the teaching of Scripture will never draw attention to themselves but always point people to Christ.8 He or she will continually stress the gospel message that, whoever believes in Christ will not be disappointed.9 This leader will not “lord it over" the flock of God but rather work to be an example.10 Doctrine Exalted to Equality with Scripture Just as cults deny the sufficiency of faith in Christ, they also deny the sufficiency of Scripture. Cults claim no one can hope to understand the message of the Bible without the help of “God's chosen messenger." This “help" comes in the form of sermons (lectures) and publications. Cult doctrine always requires that the individual distrust his or her own self. Doctrine is to be accepted, not understood.11 Here again, dependency on the leader is nurtured and the promises of Scripture are negated. Jesus, however, stated clearly that the “Spirit of truth" would guide believers into all truth.12 Manipulation As outlined in the American Family Foundation's definition of a cult, cult groups use “unethical manipulative or coercive techniques of persuasion and control. . . designed to advance the goals of the group's leaders." Cults are well known for their impressive work ethic. It is not unusual to see cult members work fifteen to eighteen hour days without any form of remuneration. This sacrificial lifestyle is made possible by maintaining an elitist mentality. In the words of Steven Hassan, As a community, they feel they have been chosen. . . to lead mankind out of darkness into a new age of enlightenment. Cult members have a great sense not only of mission but of their special place in history they will be recognized for their greatness for generations to come. . . . This feeling of elitism and destiny, however, carries a heavy burden of responsibility. Members are told that if they do not fully perform their duties, they are failing all of mankind.13 Another incentive used to spur members on to sacrificial labor for the group is the teaching of salvation by works. Believers must always demonstrate their worthiness, establish their own righteousness, and prove their loyalty to God and His “servant." Only those who “pass the test" will enter God's kingdom; the dropouts will be rejected.14 Still another powerful weapon of manipulation is prophecy warning of the imminent end of the world. Most cult members are told frequently and forcefully that Armaggedon is just around the corner. These warnings of doom cause loyal followers to reconsider their list of priorities in life. If the end is near, they reason, then seeking higher education, a full-time job, a home, or a family is a selfish endeavor. One's time should be spent working for God's organization and warning people of the disaster that awaits them if they do not accept God's prophet. One of the tragic realities of cult life lies in the fact that unsuspecting people are turned into slaves.15 The will of the group always takes precedence over the will of the individual. “Self purpose" is sacrificed for the “whole purpose."16 Unethical Techniques of Persuasion and Control Mind control17 is an expression frequently used to describe the recruitment and educational techniques of a cult. It refers to a state of extreme dependency in which members need someone (inevitably the leader, “God's messenger") to tell them what to think, say, feel, and do. Dependence and conformity are encouraged, while autonomy and individuality are discouraged. All former beliefs and values are replaced by those of the group. Mind control frequently produces a sudden and dramatic personality change. Individuals often change their clothing style, speech patterns, and behavioral patterns. Previous interests, hobbies, and goals are abandoned because they are no longer important. A totally new identity is assumed. The unethical aspect of mind control lies in the deception used in the recruiting and educational process. Deception can include outright lying, leaving out important information, or distorting information. Cult leaders reserve the right to determine what members should or should not know. They also think nothing of lying to further the plan of God. Destruction The destructive nature of cult groups came to light dramatically in the Jonestown massacre of 1978. Jim Jones, leader of the “People's Temple" group, took his followers to Guyana, South America, and founded the village of “Jonestown" in the middle of a remote jungle. Even in spite of the seclusion, however, reports concerning violations of human rights began to filter in to the United States Congress, prompting Senator Leo Ryan to personally initiate an investigation. The investigation produced undeniable evidence of numerous unethical practices, but before Senator Ryan could board his plane to return to America, he was shot and killed dead by several People's Temple followers. Jim Jones then proceeded to order his faithful following to drink a mixture of Kool-aid laced with a deadly poison. More than nine hundred people, including three hundred children, sacrificed their lives in blind obedience to their egotistical leader. Destruction in a cult can mean more than just loss of life. Countless homes have broken up due to cult-related problems. Many have witnessed their life savings go up in flames. Young people have seen their dreams for the future wither and die. Numerous others have experienced the trauma of witnessing the destruction of their identities and personalities.
	What's WTMJ｜Dr. ウッドのQ&A｜元カルトの体験談｜家族へのアドバイス｜本・ビデオの紹介｜ メッセージ｜悩むJWへ｜各支部紹介｜カルトニュース｜資料館｜Dr. ウッドの博士論文[英文]｜リハビリセンター｜E-メール
	Copyright©2001-2007Word of Truth Ministries, Japan & Jesus Communications All rights reserved.