Other Looking For Ex Cult Members / Cult Survivors

[Fadeaway]

Husband pointed out tonight that I am not as healed from it as I would like to believe. Having an exorcism preformed on you can't f*ck you up THAT bad, right?

 

[Lisse]

I entered a cult at 17 and left when I was 22. It was very brainwashing. I was vulnerable and looking for a community of people to connect with. It ended up being extremely abusive and controlling. I had an exorcism performed on me too and we were constantly publicly humiliated. I try to block it out. It damaged me.

 

[GrayOwl]

I've always sensed that we are little computers born into this world and our "programs" are what we experience in those first few years.
We seem so powerless to overwrite those programs no matter how faulty they are. But, unlike computers, we can learn and rewrite those bad programs and faulty learned experiences - it's just so damn difficult and painful at times. It takes a lot of compassion, support, understanding, self awareness, forgiveness, many other things.
What a gift to give to a child or young adult a healthy upbringing and a chance to experience life without having to look out through shattered glasses.

 

[strangelings]

Yes. And I have a friend who did his PhD Relegious Studies thesis on the effects of growing up in cults, a lot of his research subjects that experienced severe negative effects grew up in the JW's.

 

[chant2012]

There was lots of scripture used to justify and even promote abuse. They put me I closets. Otherthings then at home too.....

 

[chant2012]

There was lots of scripture used to justify and even promote abuse. They put me I closets. Otherthing...

Also not to mention the near constant flashbacks and reminders from it. Fears of burning forever and that I have demons all around me. And that I'm essentially bad. Bad blood.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

They put me I closets.

I was locked in a tiny hall closet for 3 days at a time without food or water. It was horrible! Today I freak if I am in an enclosed space. Claustiphobic doesn't describe it. It seems way more then that. But I don't know.

I'm sorry that happened to you! :hug:

 

[Deleted member 487]

I would have to say that any church that itself does not adhere to the teachings of Jesus and the Ten commandments is itself a cult. Not all churches are cults, but not all churches are Christian, either.

 

[Fadeaway]

People can do a lot of things in the "name of Jesus" that Jesus would be appalled by. A lot of people pervert Christianity for personal power and power over others. Plus the10 Commandments doesn't cover everything. I have first hand knowledge that one of the mega churches in the U.S.is not what the parishioners think it is.They preach Jesus and the 10 commandments but the leadership in the church are practicing witchcraft magick along with stage magic. I know this because I was there at the inception, before they became a mega church and the leadership were my ex in-laws.

Most people who go there are absolutely clueless and go broke giving this church all of their money in hopes for a miracle. As far as I am concerned. It is a cult set out to deceive the people for profit.

 

[Chiqui]

I just discovered this thread. I was in a cult for 12 years, from my latest twenties to my forties. The coercitive manipulation broke my mind and spirit.

 

[Chiqui]

I just discovered this thread. I was in a cult for 12 years, from my latest twenties to my forties. The...

It was a meditation cult, indian one.

 

[Chiqui]

Ish.

As in at this point? IDGAF for my sanity. They can all bite me.

Whats IDGAF Ronin?