Signs that an organization may have cultish characteristics

The following individual signs do not necessarily imply there is a cult problem with an organization, but if many are evident at the same time it may indicate that such a problem does exist.

• Has there been strong pressure for me to join or to stay?
  
  
• Am I being pressured to recruit others?
  
  
• Are my doubts and questions discouraged, avoided, or even forbidden?
  
  
• If I’m critical of the group, am I told there’s something wrong with me?
  
  
• Do I not have an opportunity to verify information provided by the group?
  
  
• Am I expected to reveal fears and secrets?
  
  
• Does the group’s leadership dictate how I should act, think, or feel?
  
  
• Do I not get enough sleep now or have enough time to devote to outside pursuits and responsibilities?
  
  
• Am I made to feel fear or guilt when I don’t do exactly as my leader or elders in the group told me?
  
  
• Have I lost my old friends?
  
  
• Have I missed important family occasions because I was encouraged to be with fellow group members instead or given an urgent task to complete?
  
  
• Is there a belief that the leader has special powers?
  
  
• Have I been promised things by the group that have yet to materialize?
  
  
• Was I told that joining this group was my only path to happiness, peace, God, or even prosperity?

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