This may have been discussed before (the article was published in 2012) but I just found and read it this afternoon. I certainly see JS Jr. largely matching up. Maybe several current GA's could fit the criteria to a large extent. Some MP's, SP's and Bish's?

Thoughts?

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/spycatcher/201208/dangerous-cult-leaders



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 08/05/2014 05:51PM by moose.

1. He has a grandiose idea of who he is and what he can achieve.
2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, or brilliance.
3. Demands blind unquestioned obedience.
4. Requires excessive admiration from followers and outsiders.
5. Has a sense of entitlement - expecting to be treated special at all times.
6. Is exploitative of others by asking for their money or that of relatives putting others at financial risk.
7. Is arrogant and haughty in his behavior or attitude.
8. Has an exaggerated sense of power (entitlement) that allows him to bend rules and break laws.
9. Takes sexual advantage of members of his sect or cult.
10. Sex is a requirement with adults and sub adults as part of a ritual or rite.
11. Is hypersensitive to how he is seen or perceived by others.
12. Publicly devalues others as being inferior, incapable, or not worthy.
13. Makes members confess their sins or faults publicly subjecting them to ridicule or humiliation while revealing exploitable weaknesses of the penitent.
14. Has ignored the needs of others, including: biological, physical, emotional, and financial needs.
15. Is frequently boastful of accomplishments.
16. Needs to be the center of attention and does things to distract others to insure that he or she is being noticed by arriving late, using exotic clothing, overdramatic speech, or by making theatrical entrances.
17. Has insisted in always having the best of anything (house, car, jewelry, clothes) even when others are relegated to lesser facilities, amenities, or clothing.
18. Doesn’t seem to listen well to needs of others, communication is usually one-way in the form of dictates.
19. Haughtiness, grandiosity, and the need to be controlling is part of his personality.
20. Behaves as though people are objects to be used, manipulated or exploited for personal gain.
21. When criticized he tends to lash out not just with anger but with rage.
22. Anyone who criticizes or questions him is called an “enemy.”
23. Refers to non-members or non-believers in him as “the enemy.”
24. Acts imperious at times, not wishing to know what others think or desire.
25. Believes himself to be omnipotent.
26. Has “magical” answers or solutions to problems.
27. Is superficially charming.
28. Habitually puts down others as inferior and only he is superior.
29. Has a certain coldness or aloofness about him that makes others worry about who this person really is and or whether they really know him.
30. Is deeply offended when there are perceived signs of boredom, being ignored or of being slighted.
31. Treats others with contempt and arrogance.
32. Is constantly assessing for those who are a threat or those who revere him.
33. The word “I” dominates his conversations. He is oblivious to how often he references himself.
34. Hates to be embarrassed or fail publicly - when he does he acts out with rage.
35. Doesn’t seem to feel guilty for anything he has done wrong nor does he apologize for his actions.
36. Believes he possesses the answers and solutions to world problems.
37. Believes himself to be a deity or a chosen representative of a deity.
38. Rigid, unbending, or insensitive describes how this person thinks.
39. Tries to control others in what they do, read, view, or think.
40. Has isolated members of his sect from contact with family or outside world.
41. Monitors and or restricts contact with family or outsiders.
42. Works the least but demands the most.
43. Has stated that he is “destined for greatness” or that he will be “martyred.”
44. Seems to be highly dependent of tribute and adoration and will often fish for compliments.
45. Uses enforcers or sycophants to insure compliance from members or believers.
46. Sees self as “unstoppable” perhaps has even said so.
47. Conceals background or family which would disclose how plain or ordinary he is.
48. Doesn’t think there is anything wrong with himself – in fact sees himself as perfection or “blessed.”
49. Has taken away the freedom to leave, to travel, to pursue life, and liberty of followers.
50. Has isolated the group physically (moved to a remote area) so as to not be observed.

List created by Joe Navarro.

Joe Navarro, M.A. is 25 year veteran of the FBI



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/05/2014 05:58PM by moose.

to state (with a question), "When a psychologist examines a cult and its dynamics, what is actually observed is the mental condition of the member; in other words, what is it about the individual that allows them to willingly relinquish themselves to such rigid and dogmatic ways of thinking and living?"

In my case, the answer is that I was born to TBM parents and raised this way. Fortunately, I was taught to think for myself as I grew. Yet I persist as a member! Why? What allows me to remain such is the value I place on family relationships. Granted, this too may be a false value stemming from my upbringing, but there it is!

I don't have time at the moment to compile, but would love to see this list with examples from JS life and again for BY, ect.

#27 "is superficially charming" seriously understates a common character trait. I would say, "is extremely charming, and has a brilliant ability to intuitively understand people's needs, and to have them believe these needs will be met."

#32, "Is constantly assessing for those who are a threat or for those who revere him" requires a #32-A: "Is extremely clever at promoting, demoting, or even excommunicating members, so that his supporters --the upper echelon of leadership especially -- always feel so insecure they re-double their efforts and acts of loyalty."

#47, "Conceals background or family which would disclose how plain or ordinary he is" can well be amended with, "...and greatly exaggerates a very mediocre educational or career history."

According to the traits on that list, he would have been a dynamo.

And for the longest time, I kept wondering what was wrong with ME, and why I could never measure up. No wonder the church gave me an eerie sense of deja vu.