Hi, I’ve been exploring how different religious groups function and what contributes to their health and supportiveness for members. I’m really curious about your thoughts on this topic. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions about what you believe are essential qualities for a healthy religious group?
Step 1:
Questions about Unhealthy Organizations and Cults
Do leaders of unhealthy organizations know that if people find out the truth about their group, many will leave?
Do they tell people they can’t trust anyone other than the leadership of the group?
Do they instruct members not to discuss disagreements with the leadership with other members?
Do they insist that members must keep trusting the leadership even if mistakes are apparent?
Do they claim they are the only ones who truly hear from God?
Do they exercise significant power and influence over members while pretending to be humble?
Do they discourage members from researching the group online?
Do they tell people not to talk to anyone who has left the group?
Do they threaten to ostracize members who leave the group by telling friends and family to avoid them?
Do they discourage any actions that might cause members to question their leadership?
Do they tell members they can’t be friends with people outside of the group?
Step 2:
Questions about Jehovah’s Witnesses & Watchtower
Does your organization tell people they can’t trust anyone other than the leadership of the group?
Does your organization instruct members not to talk about their disagreements with the leadership to fellow members?
Does your organization insist that members must keep trusting the leadership even if mistakes are apparent?
Do the leaders of your organization claim they are God’s only channel?
Do the leaders of your organization exercise significant power and influence over members while pretending to be humble?
Do the leaders of your organization discourage members from researching the group online?
Do the leaders of your organization prohibit talking to anyone who has left the group?
Do the leaders of your organization threaten to ostracize members who leave the group by telling friends and family to avoid them?
Do the leaders of your organization discourage any actions that might cause members to question their leadership?
Do the leaders of your organization tell members they shouldn’t associate with people outside of the organization?