Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 8, No. 3, 2009, Page 16
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 4 shows the harmful cult system as closed around the membership if members are to
sustain a transpersonal purpose and avoid peril. Doing rituals, transformational sessions,
recruiting, and fundraising always trumps the discursive activity of examining internal
Cult (totalist type)
Members use circular
ideation to strive on a
“razor’s edge” path
constricted by real and
perceived exit perils
(outside) and real and
mystical exclusion from
leadership’s authority,
privileges, and
knowledge (inside).
The cult’s transpersonal
purpose requires
personal transformation
through techniques and
ideas controlled by the
cult.
membership
domain/pit/edge
Cult (healthy
type):
Leadership accepts
reasonable peer
review, even from
surround.
Group has a
democratic means
to share authority.
Exit costs are
identified upon
entry no hidden
agendas.
Members participate
reasonably with
surround.
Transcendent
reality cannot be
contained by any
system.
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 4 shows the harmful cult system as closed around the membership if members are to
sustain a transpersonal purpose and avoid peril. Doing rituals, transformational sessions,
recruiting, and fundraising always trumps the discursive activity of examining internal
Cult (totalist type)
Members use circular
ideation to strive on a
“razor’s edge” path
constricted by real and
perceived exit perils
(outside) and real and
mystical exclusion from
leadership’s authority,
privileges, and
knowledge (inside).
The cult’s transpersonal
purpose requires
personal transformation
through techniques and
ideas controlled by the
cult.
membership
domain/pit/edge
Cult (healthy
type):
Leadership accepts
reasonable peer
review, even from
surround.
Group has a
democratic means
to share authority.
Exit costs are
identified upon
entry no hidden
agendas.
Members participate
reasonably with
surround.
Transcendent
reality cannot be
contained by any
system.
