Characteristics of Spiritually Abusive Groups

[Cal]

For your review.



Claims of special, unique status, of being uniquely chosen and commissioned.


Claims of special, unique knowledge, of possessing "hidden" knowledge.


Claims of special, unique experiences, which can be experienced nowhere else.


Claims of having God’s highest truth.


Special language.


Claims of having special apostles or prophets.


Excessive dependence on the special leader(s).


Expecting members to not deviate from any detail of teaching.


Expecting members to make the group their top priority.


Targeting young adults for membership.


A culture of intimidation and lording authority.


Excessive discipline, including shaming, quarantining and excommunication.


Member manipulation.


Legalism.


Perfectionism.


Persecution complex.


Exclusivity.


Denouncing all other groups.


Painful exit process.

[awareness]

For your review.



Claims of special, unique status, of being uniquely chosen and commissioned.


Claims of special, unique knowledge, of possessing "hidden" knowledge.


Claims of special, unique experiences, which can be experienced nowhere else.


Claims of having God’s highest truth.


Special language.


Claims of having special apostles or prophets.


Excessive dependence on the special leader(s).


Expecting members to not deviate from any detail of teaching.


Expecting members to make the group their top priority.


Targeting young adults for membership.


A culture of intimidation and lording authority.


Excessive discipline, including shaming, quarantining and excommunication.


Member manipulation.


Legalism.


Perfectionism.


Persecution complex.


Exclusivity.


Denouncing all other groups.


Painful exit process.

Well that's right one, and spells it out clearly. Thanks.

I have very low tolerance of those that make any of those claims. I now suspect them of tomfoolery.