What are the indicators of cult activity and what action should an educator take? At school or in a university the educator may notice strange symbols on the student and their possessions or witness their participation in a bizarre ritual. This may be easy to dismiss as mere adolescent behavior. However, it is important also to understand that the student may be taking the first steps into cult activity while it is perceived as fun, and yet they may become deeply immersed in a relatively short period.
Beyond the transfer of knowledge, educators and parents have a particular responsibility to be aware of student behavior, to recognize when something is amiss with an individual, and to act positively with regard to the student’s safety, whether they are a child, adolescent, or an adult. Follow school and district procedures and consult professionals.
If any of these persons have an involvement with a destructive cult that affects their free will and judgment, it behooves the responsible professional to obtain information about the cult. Any evidence of satanic or occult activity should be considered dangerous and potentially harmful to the individual, as many of these groups use behavioral techniques to control their subjects and even drugs to force further compliance. Furthermore, they have used members to commit crimes, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, in order to obtain funds for the group leader. Members are also used to recruit and indoctrinate new members. Tragedy is often the consequence of this type of activity, which can be prevented with early and decisive action. Although the word “cult” is generally defined as a belief or religious system, there are many cults that are extremely harmful to both their member and their families, while some pathological cult leaders even advocate criminal acts that extend to murder or mass suicide.
The term “occult” is used here to describe those groups or cults that practice rites which are secretive and destructive. Whether these cult and occult groups indulge in Witchcraft, Satanism, Vampirism, or purport to bear some new prophecy, most have leaders who use charisma and propaganda to unscrupulously manipulate the minds of their members.
Cults are a worldwide phenomenon that appear to proliferate. People of all ages, especially the young, regardless of race, education, or status, are susceptible to recruitment as members. Once fully indoctrinated by such an organization, the individual is often persuaded to donate funds, sign over their estates, or to server all ties with friends and kin. The effect on their families is usually devastating. Clearly, the relationship of the cult leader to their membership is not only parasitic, but it’s also criminally and socially destructive.
Over the past several years the media has increased coverage surrounding cults and cult activity. Reports have covered satanic and occult groups involving suicide, homicide, and various other crimes linked with cult groups. Does this increase in reportage indicate more media attention on cults and their activities? Or, an actual growth of cults and the crimes associated with them? Unfortunately, there is evidence of an increase in cults and their activities. Cults and their charismatic leaders attract members with the promise of providing a haven for those unsure of their identity and direction in life. Cults are no safe havens, to be sure, as cult membership often proves to be physically and psychologically destructive to member and their families.
It is important for law enforcement personnel, clergy, educators, mental health providers, parents, and the population at large to become aware of the existence of cults their activities. By increasing awareness, one can better protect themself and others.