'Cults' – New Religious Movements | Dr. Glenn Francis

People enter high demand groups to change themselves. These groups are sometimes known as ‘New Religious Movements,’ or pejoratively, as ‘cults’. Changes in one’s consciousness, level of awareness, and point of view can come about through immersion in an intentional culture with its own container inside the larger culture. *This immersion sometimes has a price. Perhaps along with altered consciousness comes obedience to a charismatic leader. ‘Belonging’ may mean subservient belief in doctrines central to the group. And alterations in behavior and lifestyle as part of membership of the group may alarm people outside the group.

When people leave these groups there may be distress from several sources:

The distress of losing community – sometimes in conjunction with the humbling experience of rejoining the larger community outside the group.
The distress of having to come back to yourself, and no longer relying on the ethos and practices of the group.
The struggle of integrating whatever was gained within the group into a life outside the group.

I have extensive experience within such groups, as well as extensive experience of leaving and integrating what was valuable from being in the group. Once outside the group it can be difficult to honor, nurture, and then integrate what was truly valuable in being a member of the group.

Skilled support and assistance from someone who knows what it is like to be both ‘in’ and ‘out’ can be immensely helpful in incorporating what you went into the group to gain. As people integrate the changes that took part within the group they are enhanced, enriched, deepened and feel wiser. And, before and sometimes during this integration people can experience substantial loss, disorientation, and distress – and the company of an experienced guide can be tremendously supportive.

[*Extensive research, such as the 1998 Swedish Government’s Commission on New Religious Movements supports much of what is stated here.]

Dr. Glenn Francis

‘Cults’ – New Religious Movements

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