Characteristics of Spiritually Abusive Groups

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• 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.