Spiritual humanism strongly opposes cults. Here are 10 warning signs of a cult:
- Absolute authoritarianism without accountability
- No tolerance of critical thinking or dissent
- Members must conform to the group’s beliefs without question
- Isolation from family, friends, and others outside the group
- Unreasonable fears about the outside world that often involve evil conspiracies and persecutions
- Use of fear to control members, such as the threat of eternal damnation, shunning, or physical harm
- Physical, psychological, or sexual abuse of members
- Followers feeling they are never able to be “good enough”
- A belief that former followers are always wrong for leaving and there is never a legitimate reason for anyone else to leave
- A belief that the leader is right at all times, the exclusive means of knowing “truth,” or the exclusive source of validation
Each of the 10 warning signs above directly contradicts the teachings, practices, and flexibility of spiritual humanism. This is why spiritual humanism cannot be practiced within a cult. If you ever find yourself in a cult, please leave that cult immediately. Your safety and well-being are at risk.