Friends,
There are essentially two reasons for high control mechanisms to exist.
First, the “truth” of the group is not the truth at all and must be defended with lies and those lies must be strongly enforced.
Second, the leader is a narcissist, or a controlling personality, and feels insecure or threatened by anyone around him who does not submit to his will. I think you will see this with each of the following abuse symptoms.
A Spiritually Abusive Group Will:
1) Claim a Superior Status with God
2) Focus on the Leader’s Position of Authority
3) Provide No Accountability for Leaders
4) Try to Control Your Time and Sources of Information
5) Close You Off from Outsiders
6) Put You on a Performance Treadmill
7) Emphasize Conformity to Legalistic Rules
8) Use Fear and Guilt to Manipulate You to Comply
9) Blame Misfortune on Lack of Faith
10) Wound People Spiritually and Emotionally
11) Shut Off Discussion about Forbidden Subjects
12) Label Those Who Dissent
13) Label Former Members as Unspiritual or Demonized
See Part 4 for David’s conclusion …
October 7, 2022 E-Letter
Website: www.watchman-ga.org
Email: dhenkewatchman@gmail.com (If you would like to receive David’s current e-letters, request them here.)
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