Amos:
See [
www.culteducation.com]
This page answers the basic questions about cults and how they operate. How to recognize a destructive cult or leader and how they typically manipulate people.
Each cult victim may think that their group or leader is unique, but they all share common characteristics and patterns of behavior.
Note the links within the page that provide additional information and research.
Some cult leaders use the bible, others a claimed therapy or political cause to deceive those they exploit and prey upon. They rely upon "brainwashing," which is a synthesis of coercive persuasion and influence techniques.
No one is immune and anyone can fall prey to such manipulation given the right set of circumstances. It can happen to Christians, Jews, Muslims, people from good families, bad families, the poor, rich, educated and uneducated.
I have done about 500 interventions to rescue people from cults. Five of those people I worked with were medical doctors. Two of those doctors were committed Christians that knew their bible.
Jesus said that many would come in his name, but he would not know them. They would be wolves in sheep clothing. Paul warned about abusive controlling leaders in Galatians.
This is not a new thing.
No one should blame themselves or blame God. Rather blame the cult leader who did the damage, often used deception and exploited them.
No need for victim bashing here.