Has anyone on the forum been involved with the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) that was formerly American Family Foundation (AFF)? I receive mailings from them, and it looks like an interesting group. They are an ?interdisciplinary network of academicians, professionals, former group members, and families who study and educate the public about social-psychological influence and control, authoritarianism, and zealotry in cultic groups, alternative movements, and other environments.? They were founded in 1979. The main Web site is: www.culticstudies.org
International Cultic Studies Association
by JAVA 6 Replies latest jw friends
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HadEnuf
Hmmmmmmm...sounds like an interesting website JAVA. Never heard of it but I shall look it up when I have time...right now I'm too distracted trying to keep up with all the new topics.
Cathy L. "So Many Postings...So Little Time"
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HadEnuf
That is a very, VERY interesting website. I especially liked this little gem from the "Cult Observer", 1992...an article written by Ronald Enroth, Ph.D.
If this doesn't describe the JW's...then nothing does!
Dysfunctional Churches
Ronald Enroth, Ph.D.
Cult Observer, 1992, Volume 9, No. 4It is common practice for churchgoers in American society to refer to their own congregation as their ?church family.? Students away at college make reference to their ?home church.? Church people sing hymns about being part of ?the family of God.? Parents often employ family imagery to convey spiritual content to their children.
As behavioral scientists remind us all too often, that most basic of social institutions?the family?is increasingly subject to frailty and failure. The label that is currently popular for unhealthy families is ?dysfunctional.? Unfortunately, sociologists of religion (as well as many ex‑members) know that some churches are also dysfunctional, even to the point of being spiritually abusive. If truth in advertising standards could be applied to religion, some churches would be required to display a sign reading: ?Warning: this church could be harmful to your spiritual and psychological health.?
What are the hallmarks of unhealthy, aberrant churches? The key indicator is control‑oriented leadership, ministers who have a need to ?lord it over the flock.? Abusive leaders demand submission and unquestioning loyalty. The person who raises uncomfortable questions or does not ?get with the program? is cast aside. Guilt, fear, and intimidation are used to manipulate and control vulnerable members, especially those who have been taught to believe that questioning their pastor is comparable to questioning God.
Why does a pastor or priest sometimes turn into a spiritual tyrant? I believe it is because of the human desire to control others and to exercise power over people. Each of us has been exposed to the temptation of power, whether in the role of spouse, teacher, or parent. An excessive will to power, coupled with sincere religious motives, can lead to the misuse of spiritual authority.
More than any other age group, young adults are attracted to abusive churches, their seemingly dynamic programs, and their ?take charge? leaders. Such churches often target young couples during the crucial child‑bearing years. As a result, the energy needed by these young couples for legitimate family interaction is siphoned off into a high intensity cause. Family obligations are sacrificed, and children?s developmental needs are neglected.
How can we recognize a healthy church? In addition to matters of appropriate doctrine, a healthy church is reconciling and restorative, not adversarial and elitist. Members of healthy churches seek to deepen and strengthen their family commitments. Legitimate leaders will welcome dissent and hard questions from members without threat of reprisal. Trustworthy leaders will encourage accountability, and they will establish checks and balances.
Choose a church carefully and prayerfully. Remember, not all religion is benign, and not all church experience is beneficial.
Ronald M. Enroth, Ph.D.
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JAVA
HadEnuf ? Dr. Enroth has written extensively on cultic and high control groups, as has Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. Thanks for taking a look at their Web site, and pasting the above information. I use Mac computers at home, which don?t work well on this site. In many ways, high-control religions behave the same way, and members share similar experiences, during and after exiting the group. Any interested in scholarly research on manipulation of cultic groups might find the ICSA worth checking out.
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Dogpatch
They have been around for many years. I used to go to their conferences in Los Angeles and elsewhere. I met Steven Hassan there years ago. Learned so much about cults! At that time they didn't even know JWs were a cult, but not for long! :-))
Randy
Net Soup!
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JAVA
Randy -- I would like to attend one of their yearly meetings, but they're usually not around Ohio. If one comes up within driving distance, I'll make a point to be there. I'm on their mailing list, and get e-mails, but would enjoy meeting some of the folks.
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AK - Jeff
Thanx JAVA for the website - I will take a look at it later. Thanx hadenuf for posting the article too.
Jeff