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Westboro Baptist Church of child abuse, broken dreams, and broken people.

The song is not the original song that was made with the vid. I had to change the song so Utube gave me a big list to pick from. The new song is called "Savior" by Justin Jude.

Cult members believe that they are privy to special truths and insights not known to the general community, and that it is their mission to spread this knowledge to others.

Cults create a custom vocabulary for their members. New words are invented, existing words are redefined, and a jargon of trite and pat cliches is developed.

A cult provides a surrogate family for its members, who feel somehow separated and at odds with mainstream society.

Central to almost all cults is the founding member, a figure who through the strength of their own conviction is able to attract others to their cause.

Cults often craft alternative interpretations of world events, both present and historical, that serve to reinforce their belief system.

Cults tend to have a very limited life. The hype and fervor can only sustain the devotion of the members for so long, and eventually they will look to other sources for inspiration - those leaving a cult are frequently drawn into another within a short time.

"Characteristics of a Cult"
Popular
Manipulative

Controlling and authoritative: This message is from God; I am a prophet... You must follow these rules...


Fear-inducing
Legalistic
Condemning
Conformity
Exclusivity
Financial involvement
Isolation from outside.
Lack of privacy
Love-bombing
Critical thinking discouraged; can't question.
Indoctrination
Corporate identification with goals of group
Demands Total Committment and unquestioning submission

Value rejection: encouraged to denounce values and beliefs of former life.

Deviates from orthodox teachings of historic Christian faith

Denies and distorts fundamental orthodox Christian doctrines, ie., Trinity, deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith alone.

Threats about leaving and consequences

"Symptoms of cult followers"

* Fear
* Loyalty
* Brain-washing
* Emotional vulnerability
* Neurosis
* Guilt
* Identity confusion
* Paranoia
* Loss of free will
* Intellectual sterility
* Diminished capacity of judgment
* Psychosis
* Suicidal tendencies

Resources: Christian Research Institute and Larson's New book of Cults by Bob Larson

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