Identifying Marks of an Exploitive, Abusive Group

 Lifton's Eight Criteria of Mind Control
Includes how it has been used by WCG and controlling offshoots.

Understanding What a Cult is
Taken from "Exiting an Exploitive, Deceptive Group."

Warning Signs of Extremism

Profile of a Sociopath
A number of mind-manipulating cult leaders may exhibit many of these characteristics.

How Mind Manipulation is Used for Influence and Control
Includes at end, "The Techniques of Coercive Persuasion."

Clues to Application of Mind Control in WCG
Very good and detailed letter showing how WCG was able to remove the true God from our minds and replace it with the WCG organization ("the government").

Leaders of Totalistic Religious Groups Have These Things in Common

Are You Being Recruited Into a Totalistic Group? Check it Out With an Ex-Member!!! (Twenty-two Differences in Content, Emphasis, Methods, Church life and Lifestyle)

How Do I Know if It's a Sick Cult or Healthy Spirituality?

Identifying a Cultic Church

Without My Informed Consent!
Do you give your informed consent at the time you went into the group?

Questions to Ask Any Church or Religious Group You Are Planning on Becoming Involved With

Behavior, Information, Thought and Emotional Control
Explains the four aspects of mind control. [offsite link]

Principles of Influence Used in Society
These can also be used unethically, as by those leading totalist groups. 

The Cult Test [offsite link]

How Did Herbert W. Armstrong Recruit People?

Bobby Fischer Speaks Out!"
Exclusive Interview with world chess champion where he explains how he was able to have his mind manipulated by HWA. This is a very enlightening interview in regard to what is done to one's mind. [Note: This is posted on an atheist/agnostic website]

How Did I End Up in a Spiritually Abusive Group?
Our noble seeking brought hidden abuses.

How Do People Get Out of Religious Cults?

If You Have a Loved One in a Deceptive, Exploitive Group
Covers what to do and not to do.
 
All or Nothing Statements (from those that have "the truth") 

 Symptoms of Religious Addiction

Buzzwords (or Loading the Language)
A list to help those who are having a hard time understanding the terminology in the Armstrong groups. (Informative, but written with tongue in cheek)

How to Resist Mind Control
Resisting persuasion, resisting systems, challenging the system.

An Open Letter to Our Acquaintances in The Church of God
Very important letter which enabled many to question deception and to exit WCG and its authoritarian offshoots. One interesting part shows how WCG used thought reform in order to instigate their new changes.

 Twenty-Five Ways To Suppress Truth: The Rules of Disinformation (Includes The 8 Traits of A Disinformationalist)

Cults
Good three part article on "Cults: Questions & Answers" and "Cult Influence Tactics." [offsite link]

The Battle For Your Mind (Persuasion & Brainwashing Techniques Being Used On The Public Today)  
Very interesting article on techniques used. Note: The author is a New Ager and ESN does not endorse all material on this site. [offsite link]

Tapes on Mind Control/Cults

NOTE: It is also recommended that exiters of exploitive, abusive groups read books on these subjects, along with checking out our Articles For Those Who Were Emotionally and Spiritually Abused, as this will aid in understanding and recovery. 
 

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