Evaluating cults

Question 1

Neal Osherows (1984) careful analysis of People’s temple provides additional examples of the persuasion principles by cults.Explain.

Answer 1

• how to do we distinguish if the group is bad or good?
• are alternatives being provided or taken away?P Ex: People’s temple gave people a sense of purpose but it taught them to fear anything outside the temple as the enemy. Following Jim Jones was the only alternate.
• access to new and different information being broadened or denied? Jones controlled the information to which members would be exposed - distrust of outside information was instilled members
• does the individual assume personal responsibility and control or is it usurped by the group and its leader? People in the temple relinquished their responsibility over their lives. It was exchanged for security, illusion of miracles and promos of salvation.