Dangerous Cult Leaders

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Hope4
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Dangerous Cult Leaders

Post by Hope4 »

Dangerous Cult Leaders

Clues to what makes for a pathological cult leader

Joe Navarro M.A.
Posted August 25, 2012


One of the questions that I am often asked by students of criminology and psychology is, how do you know when a cult leader is “evil” or “bad”? These of course are vague descriptors to some extent, but I also get the question, “When is a cult leader pathological or a danger to others?” This is a valid question in view of the historical record of suffering and hurt caused by various cult leaders around the world.

From my studies of cults and cult leaders during my time in the FBI, I learned early on that there are some things to look for that, at a minimum, say "caution, this individual is dangerous, and in all likelihood will cause harm to others."

Having studied at length the life, teachings, and behaviours of Jim Jones (Jonestown Guyana), David Koresh (Branch Davidians), Stewart Traill (The Church of Bible Understanding), Charles Manson, Shoko Asahara (Aum Shinrikyo), Joseph Di Mambro (The Order of the Solar Temple a.k.a. Ordre du Temple Solaire), Marshall Heff Applewhit (Heaven’s Gate), Bhagwan Rajneesh (Rajneesh Movement), and Warren Jeffs (polygamist leader), I can say that what stands out about these individuals is that they were or are all pathologically narcissistic.

* They all have or had an over-abundant belief that they were special.
* They and they alone had the answers to problems, and that they had to be revered.
* They demanded perfect loyalty from followers.
* They overvalued themselves and devalued those around them.
* They were intolerant of criticism, and above all they did not like being questioned or challenged. And yet, in spite of these less than charming traits, they had no trouble attracting those who were willing to overlook these features.

These personality traits stand out as the first warning to those who would associate with them, but there are many others. Here is a collection of traits of cult leaders that give us hints as to their psychopathology. This list is not all-inclusive nor is it the final word on the subject; it is merely my personal collection based on studies and interviews that I conducted in my previous career.

If you know of a cult leader who has many of these traits there is a high probability that they are hurting those around them emotionally, psychologically, physically, spiritually, or financially. And of course this does not take into account the hurt that their loved ones will also experience.

Here are the typical traits of the pathological cult leader (from Dangerous Personalities) that you should watch for:

1. He has a grandiose idea of who he is and what he can achieve.
2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, or brilliance.
3. Demands blind, unquestioned obedience.
4. Requires excessive admiration from followers and outsiders.
5. Has a sense of entitlement—expecting to be treated as special at all times.
6. Is exploitative of others by asking for their money or that of relatives, putting others at financial risk.
7. Is arrogant and haughty in his behavior or attitude.
8. Has an exaggerated sense of power (entitlement) that allows him to bend rules and break laws.
9. Takes sexual advantage of members of his sect or cult.
10. Sex is a requirement with adults and sub adults as part of a ritual or rite.
11. Is hypersensitive to how he is seen or perceived by others.
12. Publicly devalues others as being inferior, incapable, or not worthy.
13. Makes members confess their sins or faults, publicly subjecting them to ridicule or humiliation while revealing exploitable weaknesses of the penitent.
14. Has ignored the needs of others, including: biological, physical, emotional, and financial needs.
15. Is frequently boastful of accomplishments.
16. Needs to be the center of attention and does things to distract others to ensure that he or she is being noticed, e.g., by arriving late, using exotic clothing, overdramatic speech, or by making theatrical entrances.
17. Has insisted on always having the best of anything (house, car, jewelry, clothes) even when others are relegated to lesser facilities, amenities, or clothing.
18. Doesn’t seem to listen well to needs of others; communication is usually one-way, in the form of dictates.
19. Haughtiness, grandiosity, and the need to be controlling is part of his personality.
20. Behaves as though people are objects to be used, manipulated or exploited for personal gain.
21. When criticized he tends to lash out not just with anger but with rage.
22. Anyone who criticizes or questions him is called an “enemy.”
23. Refers to non-members or non-believers as “the enemy.”
24. Acts imperious at times, not wishing to know what others think or desire.
25. Believes himself to be omnipotent.
26. Has “magical” answers or solutions to problems.
27. Is superficially charming.
28. Habitually puts down others as inferior; only he is superior.
29. Has a certain coldness or aloofness about him that makes others worry about who this person really is and or whether they really know him.
30. Is deeply offended when there are perceived signs of boredom, being ignored or of being slighted.
31. Treats others with contempt and arrogance.
32. Is constantly assessing people to determine those who are a threat or those who revere him.
33. The word “I” dominates his conversations. He is oblivious to how often he references himself.
34. Hates to be embarrassed or fail publicly; when he does he acts out with rage.
35. Doesn’t seem to feel guilty for anything he has done wrong nor does he apologize for his actions.
36. Believes he possesses the answers and solutions to world problems.
37. Believes himself to be a deity or a chosen representative of a deity.
38. "Rigid," "unbending," or "insensitive" describes how this person thinks.
39. Tries to control others in what they do, read, view, or think.
40. Has isolated members of his sect from contact with family or the outside world.
41. Monitors and/or restricts contact with family or outsiders.
42. Works the least but demands the most.
43. Has stated that he is “destined for greatness” or that he will be “martyred.”
44. Seems to be highly dependent on tribute and adoration and will often fish for compliments.
45. Uses enforcers or sycophants to ensure compliance from members or believers.
46. Sees self as “unstoppable” and perhaps has even said so.
47. Conceals background or family, which would disclose how plain or ordinary he is.
48. Doesn’t think there is anything wrong with himself and in fact sees himself as perfection or “blessed.”
49. Has taken away followers' freedom to leave, to travel, to pursue life and liberty.
50. Has isolated the group physically (moved to a remote area) so as to not be observed.

When the question is asked, “When do we know when a cult leader is bad, or evil, or toxic?” this is the list that I use to survey the cult leader for dangerous traits. Of course the only way to know anything for sure is to observe and validate, but these characteristics can go a long way to help with that. And as I have said, there are other things to look for and there may be other lists, but this is the one that I found most useful from studying these groups and talking to former members of cults.

When a cult or organizational leader has a preponderance of these traits then we can anticipate that at some point those who associate with him will likely suffer physically, emotionally, psychologically, or financially. If these traits sound familiar to leaders, groups, sects, or organizations known to you, then expect those who associate with them to live in despair and to suffer, even if they don’t know yet that they will.

Psychology Today
Boundary Rider
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Re: Dangerous Cult Leaders

Post by Boundary Rider »

Spot on!!! Well done finding this Hope4!!! :)

BR
Hope4
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Re: Dangerous Cult Leaders

Post by Hope4 »

Many people who leave BCF or any fellowship group around the nation are very reluctant to name Victor Hall a ‘cult leader’.

So, why is this important?

Each person must decide their own response in regard to being a witness of abuse, deception and heresy. The recovery is so complex and individual, it must be according to one’s own dignity and choice.

Can I share the beginning of my journey?

Almost immediately after leaving I was consumed with shame!!
I felt ashamed that I was so deceived. There were regrets that I didn’t speak up earlier about my doubts.

In the BCF community, there is so much fear and intimidation that speaking against Victor Hall is associated with speaking against God!
Who wants to speak against God? Not me.

Once I faced the enormous shame, God began to heal me. Since then, I have found a new freedom to be totally transparent before my Father in Heaven.

Healing brings dignity and worth to a person who has been victimised, beaten, shunned and maligned and it results in a releasing freedom.

“What more can these men do to me? God helped me not to fear them anymore.

I realised I have survived horrendous cruelty and God graciously delivered me of the fear of these men.

Within that tremendous deliverance, God called me to speak up.

I have prayed about my response to such awful treachery and I have peace that calling the abuse for what it is and naming the perpetrators is important.

If we the abused, don’t warn others who will?

Warning innocent people of the dangers is in my opinion crucial.

* Young people need to know that these men will try to divide them from their parents.

* Men and women need to know that this man (Victor Hall) will attempt to destroy any marriage and any family.

Let us continue to pray…”Dear Father in Heaven, deliver us and our loved ones from evil”.
Seeker
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Re: Dangerous Cult Leaders

Post by Seeker »

I know this a very late response, but thank you so much Hope4. Hearing what you and others here have gone through is (I believe) very healing. Just knowing we are not alone in this.

I've been subject to a few of their interviews/investigations/inquisitions along with other "put him down where he belongs!" things they probably made up on the spot.

I keep thinking "OK, any day now, those under Vic's bondage will start waking up." So far, some have...and bless you all in this, and some have not. Let's continue to hold those stuck in the xcf's in our hearts and prayers.
Helen Pomery
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Re: Dangerous Cult Leaders

Post by Helen Pomery »

Let's continue to hold those stuck in the xcf's in our hearts and prayers. Seeker
I stand with you in this resolve Seeker.

Despite the lies about me wanting vengeance, this is NOT my heart.

I pray for God to protect, love, save and show mercy to every single person in BCF / MCF and every group around this nation that places a ‘messenger’ above Jesus Christ.

God knows those who are His and my trust and hope is firmly in His sovereignty and mercy. He saved me and He loves everyone, desiring that no one should be lost.

The older I get and the more years that pass me by, the stronger my faith is in the Lord. I can testify here with absolute confidence and faith that God has this harm and wickedness in His control and His timing. God is a God of deliverance and tender mercy.



PS: I don’t mean to be detached from the pain of shunning and isolation by stating my faith. I’m sure there’s a time and place for every response. A time to weep, mourn and grieve and a time to stand in faith for Gods deliverance. Perhaps we move in that direction within the space of a day? We hear about our lost families and we are broken. God understands our sorrow.


He knows every tear I’ve cried and every wound of my inner being but as I get closer to heaven He gives me faith despite not seeing an answer to my prayers.

I believe this forum can handle both pain and sorrow being expressed, as well as faith and trust being expressed for isn’t this the good news?
Seeker
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Re: Dangerous Cult Leaders

Post by Seeker »

Beautiful Helen. Every XCF'r should read this. If it wasn't for you Helen, I don' know if I would be here now. What happened to you led me into a deep, deep, years long study on Vic and the pretenders. Even though I've never met you, (or anyone here, that I know of) you have been a huge part of my life since The God of Brokenn Hearts. Bless you!
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