On a very well known anti-cult site, the following destructive cult dynamics are highlighted with regard to leaders within such dangerous movements.
* What types of people become leaders of unsafe and/or destructive groups?
Many cult leaders seem to be narcissistic personalities often fantasizing about messianic visions that will change the course of human history, while appearing to have little if any conscience. Some make claims that they are the exclusive voice of God, "psychic" connections to historical figures, or aliens from outer space. Often these leaders seem deeply delusional and disturbed and some have been called psychopaths. Marshall Applewhite, the leader of "Heaven's Gate" was once confined to a mental hospital.
Extreme examples of destructive and delusional behavior by cult leaders such as Jim Jones, David Koresh and Shoko Asahara have caused many mental health professionals to question their sanity. Still others simply may be opportunistic con men or women, exploiting their followers for personal profit and self-interest.
* What kind of relationship do destructive group leaders have with their followers?
The leadership most often defines what is right and wrong and group followers are essentially expected to defer making meaningful value judgments regarding almost any issue of significant importance. And any member of the group who questions or doubts the authority of the leader is likely to be labeled wrong, rebellious, suppressive, negative and in some situations even "demon possessed" or "satanic".
No area of a member or follower's life appears to be immune from such a group's scrutiny and/or criticism. A kind of learned dependency often develops. Group followers appear highly dependent upon their leaders to resolve problems and provide them with an ongoing sense of clarity and purpose.
It is the latter part that interests us at this point, because it highlights the almost docile approach that followers evince toward their leader, the belief that s/he can do no wrong and is above reproach. Now take a look at this exchange found on the Social Affairs Unit website. It focuses on an interview with the Galway cult leader and in the comments section a rather vitriolic exchange takes place.
What is interesting is how this character, Yusuf Pender, wades in with the following:
This so called Journalist is a hack and an Islamophobe. This is a total misrepresentation of our conversation and most of it is made up. Iman Ibrahim is a very pios, intelegent Muslim (I know my spelling is crap) and gave that interview in good faith.
As for the comments his ex-wife made...well a day dosent pass when he dosent talk about his children but his wife wont let him see them becouse she is....well she is not telling the truth.
The Daily Mail is a racist brit paper with an anti Catholic & Anti-Islamic agenda. And his wife is not old... she is only 35....ageism..
So Byeeeeeee..........
In one fail swoop, all other comments are cast aside as untruths - why? Well, we believe the answer can be found here at CultWatch
No comments:
Post a Comment