Alotta Hats Podcast
Episode 203 I Spiritual Abuse Pt. 2 I Church or Cult?
Jun 02, 2021
Season 2
Episode 203
Christina Faith and A Brillant Dummy
Church or Cult Pt 2: Cults
This episode will dive into the complexities and deep effects of cults/cult-like environment.
TALKING POINTS
What is a cult?
- Definitions:
- Cult (Culture)- “a misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing”- websters
- A few signs:
- Leader(s) are the ultimate authority. Have no accountability or “Yes-men”
- Others are shamed or discredited in some way for leaving the group or challenging beliefs/practices
- Shame Cycles: Need this group to feel loved, worthy or significant.
Narcissistic leadership in “Church”
- The narcissist and the needy (perfect relationship match)
- Ex: Hillsong/Ravi situations (Can maybe mention these situations)
- Signs
- Very Charismatic/charming personalities
- Love-bombing/flattery
- Manipulative
- Gaslighting
- Controlling
Healing
- The aftermath/disconnecting
- Examine fruit
- Does leadership actions match their words?
- Learning the difference between imperfection vs deep character flaws
- Shame and Doubt
- Give yourself space to question your beliefs and see what remains true (this can be very scary/lonely, but worth the journey)
- Finding faults in yourself not perpetrators
- Vulnerability (jump from cult to cult)
- Reconnecting with God & Others (scared to trust Christians/churches)
- Ways to heal
- Therapy
- Safe Community (Marks of a healthy church community)
- Find someone that can validate your pain and help you grieve. Talk about it!
- Rest (Maybe take time off from local church/serving until you feel comfortable)
Recommendation Book/Links
Combating Cult Mind Control by Steven Hassan:
Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/Combating-Cult-Mind-Control-Audiobook/B07GZVGN9F?source_code=GO1DH13310082090P1&ds_rl=1262685&ds_rl=1263561&ds_rl=1260658&gclid=CjwKCAjwjuqDBhAGEiwAdX2cj57D_1DJe48WXjEtnR6UEoF3QHe-PxI9NO_9H7wlSYL8hMl1Hx8h7hoChDkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Safe People by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr John Townsend
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Safe-People-Relationships-Avoid-Those/dp/0310345790