Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 8, No. 2, 2009, Page 21
more clearly identified via ―cultic relationships‖ (p. 7). She claims, however, that the label of
cult can more easily refer to three factors:
1. The origin of the group and role of the leader(s)
2. The power structure, or relationship, between the leader (or leaders) and the
followers…, and
3. The use of a coordinated program of persuasion (which is called thought reform,
or, more commonly, brainwashing) (p. 7).
Singer attempts to explain the ―metamorphosis‖ of how ordinary citizens can be persuaded
to leave their everyday lives to become part of groups that carry out acts ranging from
bizarre, such as proselytizing door-to-door,3 to unethical and destructive, such as putting
their infants‘ lives at risk by kidnapping them from hospitals that offer potentially life-saving
blood transfusions.
It is difficult to accurately assess the prevalence of cults, but the ICSA does receive
thousands of inquiries about various groups that have been the object of critical news
reports.4 In 1997 an estimated 2 million to 5 million young adults were involved in cult
groups in the United States alone (Robinson, Frye, &Bradley, 1997). This report is
consistent with other prevalence research (http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_
topic/tp_prevalence.asp).
Jehovah’s Witnesses
According to Kim C. Callaghan (1996), JWs naturally deny that they constitute a cult, and
they are fairly mainstreamed at this time. Despite their being seen by many as misguided,
albeit benign, even well-intentioned nuisances, mainline theologians and mental-health
professionals alike may disagree. The following limited criteria, supported by referenced JWs
literature, identify only a few of the cult-like behaviors and attitudes sometimes exhibited by
JWs:
JWs leaders (Governing Body) promulgate the belief that they are ―…Jehovah‘s
organization alone, in all the earth … the only organization that understands the
―deep things‖ of God!‖ (Watchtower, 1973, p. 402). They believe they are in sole
possession of the ―Truth,‖ quite common among cultic groups, and JWs members
are not permitted to doubt or question the organization‘s leadership in any way.
Examining any information that is critical of the religion is also forbidden. This
exclusive so-called knowledge conferred upon the group, to the exclusion of all
others is, according to Callaghan, a ―…factor that clearly identifies JWs as a
religious cult‖ (p. 1).
The attitude that allows the JWs to operate as pseudo-superior, elevated above the
rest of society, is another clear characteristic they hold in common with other cults.
The Watchtower (WTBTS) states: ―Jehovah‘s Witnesses invite everyone to …
experience the joy that comes not only from having found a religion that surpasses
all others but from having found the truth!‖ (1995, Vol. 116, No. 7) this ―special
status,‖ according to Booth (1991), is a clear marker.
Once a potential convert has progressed past the rhetoric of tolerance and ―open-
mindedness,‖ tolerance quickly evaporates. Witnesses who come to doubt the
veracity of their beliefs, or who dare to disagree with Watchtower teachings, are
labeled ―apostates.‖ The Watchtower states: ―Apostate ones are judged with the
greatest severity they are disfellowshipped (excommunicated), no more to act as
leaven (an undesirable influence) among God‘s people‖ (WTBTS, 1988).
more clearly identified via ―cultic relationships‖ (p. 7). She claims, however, that the label of
cult can more easily refer to three factors:
1. The origin of the group and role of the leader(s)
2. The power structure, or relationship, between the leader (or leaders) and the
followers…, and
3. The use of a coordinated program of persuasion (which is called thought reform,
or, more commonly, brainwashing) (p. 7).
Singer attempts to explain the ―metamorphosis‖ of how ordinary citizens can be persuaded
to leave their everyday lives to become part of groups that carry out acts ranging from
bizarre, such as proselytizing door-to-door,3 to unethical and destructive, such as putting
their infants‘ lives at risk by kidnapping them from hospitals that offer potentially life-saving
blood transfusions.
It is difficult to accurately assess the prevalence of cults, but the ICSA does receive
thousands of inquiries about various groups that have been the object of critical news
reports.4 In 1997 an estimated 2 million to 5 million young adults were involved in cult
groups in the United States alone (Robinson, Frye, &Bradley, 1997). This report is
consistent with other prevalence research (http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_
topic/tp_prevalence.asp).
Jehovah’s Witnesses
According to Kim C. Callaghan (1996), JWs naturally deny that they constitute a cult, and
they are fairly mainstreamed at this time. Despite their being seen by many as misguided,
albeit benign, even well-intentioned nuisances, mainline theologians and mental-health
professionals alike may disagree. The following limited criteria, supported by referenced JWs
literature, identify only a few of the cult-like behaviors and attitudes sometimes exhibited by
JWs:
JWs leaders (Governing Body) promulgate the belief that they are ―…Jehovah‘s
organization alone, in all the earth … the only organization that understands the
―deep things‖ of God!‖ (Watchtower, 1973, p. 402). They believe they are in sole
possession of the ―Truth,‖ quite common among cultic groups, and JWs members
are not permitted to doubt or question the organization‘s leadership in any way.
Examining any information that is critical of the religion is also forbidden. This
exclusive so-called knowledge conferred upon the group, to the exclusion of all
others is, according to Callaghan, a ―…factor that clearly identifies JWs as a
religious cult‖ (p. 1).
The attitude that allows the JWs to operate as pseudo-superior, elevated above the
rest of society, is another clear characteristic they hold in common with other cults.
The Watchtower (WTBTS) states: ―Jehovah‘s Witnesses invite everyone to …
experience the joy that comes not only from having found a religion that surpasses
all others but from having found the truth!‖ (1995, Vol. 116, No. 7) this ―special
status,‖ according to Booth (1991), is a clear marker.
Once a potential convert has progressed past the rhetoric of tolerance and ―open-
mindedness,‖ tolerance quickly evaporates. Witnesses who come to doubt the
veracity of their beliefs, or who dare to disagree with Watchtower teachings, are
labeled ―apostates.‖ The Watchtower states: ―Apostate ones are judged with the
greatest severity they are disfellowshipped (excommunicated), no more to act as
leaven (an undesirable influence) among God‘s people‖ (WTBTS, 1988).
