Cults :: essays papers

CultsEach year, hundreds of North Americans join one of theincreasing, estimated 3000 unorthodox religions that existacross North America. The increasing number of cults, to datein North America, is due to the fact that cults are a socialmovement that attempts to help people cope with their perceivedproblems with social interaction. Cult recruiters target thosewho perceive themselves as varied from the rest of society,and allow for these individuals the sense of belonging that theycrave. Cult literature lures potential cult members byappealing to their desperate need to socially fit in. Cults declare oneself a controlled family environment that appeals topotential cult members because it is a removal from theexterior society. Cult recruiters prey on those who seethemselves as alienated from the rest of society, and givethese people the sense of conformity that they desire. A commonmethod of recruiters, to obtain new members, is through chatlines on the internet. A recorded conver sation surrounded by a memberof the Divine Light Mission, Fire-Shade, and an 18-year old boy, Jay18, was obtained off of the site, IRC Teen Chat.Jay18 I am a really great poet, but all of the kids in my class are pretty warped about it. I basically hide it from them because I dont need that hassle.Fire-Shade My family has a great respect for the artist at bottom us all. I know you live in Michigan, and our family could always use new operatives all over the world. You have to understand what our family is about, it is about always adapted in and never hiding the truth to be liked or cool. Are you interested?Jay18 Well maybe...Fire-Shade Give me your phone number we really shouldnt splatter about this here.Jay18 I would rather not give my phone number out. You give me yours, I wont be able to talk for long though.Fire-Shade Trust is rattling important in our group...do you trust me? You cant call us, unfortunately because we are not in a position to be accepting phone calls.Jay1 8 Well thusly you can just e-mail me...OK.Fire-Shade disconnects1The cult member makes the young boy feel as though he does care abouthis problems, and wants to make this boys smell better. Fire-Shadeconveys his family as an entity not as many different individuals.After feeling alone for many years the only persuasion some individualsneed is the sanction that they will be part of a society and acceptedunconditionally. Cult members know what type of individuals feel mostalienated and alone, says Dr.