How can I help someone to leave a toxic cult?

Answer

If a loved one or friend is involved in a cult, it is important to start by praying. Then, conduct some initial research to determine the nature of the group they are part of. It is crucial to understand how these groups typically function and comprehend the mindset of individuals ensnared in a harmful religious group.

Fundamentally, toxic religious groups thrive on fear, shame, and secrecy. Members of cults are indoctrinated to focus on a future life in a paradise on earth or in heaven, relinquishing any hope for genuine happiness or fulfillment in the present. They often experience feelings of emptiness and apprehension, resigning themselves to monotony, labor, and strict self-discipline. Cult followers are frequently compelled to feign happiness and muster the strength to maintain a facade of positivity to demonstrate to outsiders that theirs is the “one true religion.”

It is also typical for cult members to feel constantly monitored. Higher-ranking members within their group monitor their actions, speech, and conduct. Any divergence from the group’s established norms is met with some form of punishment. Individuals in toxic religious groups are mentally enslaved, facing the risk of losing friends and family within the cult if they opt to depart. Many former cult adherents are ostracized for breaking away from the group.

Due to the perpetual fear of losing their loved ones and social circle, facing destruction at Armageddon, or jeopardizing their salvation, cult members often operate on “autopilot.” They mechanically navigate through life, striving to suppress any doubts or questions that may arise. They must convince themselves that their lives are not built on falsehoods and that their toil and sacrifices have not been in vain.

Numerous active cult members have forsaken everything for their group: opportunities for a proper education, the possibility of having children.

When individuals join a cult, they often forsake their dreams, career, retirement fund, and relationships with their non-cult family members in pursuit of salvation. This is why cult members tend to be defensive when discussing their beliefs with non-members. They frequently feel the need to justify and defend their life choices vigorously.

When communicating with a friend or family member involved in a harmful religious group, it’s essential to recognize that people typically respond more to the emotions conveyed than the actual words spoken. Expressing anger, frustration, bitterness, or ridicule may lead to alienation or defensive reactions from your loved one.

However, this doesn’t imply that we are powerless to assist cult victims in breaking free or that there’s nothing we can do. There are proven methods to help a friend escape from a toxic religious group, but it requires a strategic and sensitive approach.

The initial step, as previously mentioned, is to pray for them. Prayer is the most potent and effective tool available to us because only God can remove the blinders from their eyes. The God of truth can liberate them “and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32).

Secondly, it’s crucial to establish and nurture trust with your loved one who is ensnared in a cult. If they don’t feel comfortable enough to confide in you, it’s likely because you haven’t yet gained their trust.

Thirdly, instead of bombarding your friend with information you’ve gathered about the group, it’s more effective to pose thought-provoking questions that they can ponder and explore on their own. Even if your loved one doesn’t respond immediately, you may have planted a seed of doubt in their mind.

Lastly, assist cult members in learning about other cults so they can recognize the similarities between those groups and their own religious organization.

Group. For example, many individuals are now realizing that they are part of a harmful group after viewing Leah Remini’s exposé on Scientology. When cult survivors observe how manipulation and mind control operate in other groups, they confront the unsettling truth that they are being manipulated in a similar manner.

It is also crucial for your loved one to understand that if they decide to leave the cult, you will support that choice. Unfortunately, many individuals remain in harmful cults for extended periods because they fear they lack external support. Concerned family and friends must establish strong and enduring connections with those ensnared in a toxic religious group to assist them throughout their arduous journey to freedom.