Cults and 12-Step Programs Share Similar Principles in Their Operations

The televised special was really very nice-- bright-eyed, smiling youth singing and speaking of "God! Country! Family!" The general concerns-of-the-day presented in such a positive manner that uninformed viewers would conclude that these folks had something very good to offer, and that we really should heed their message and give them a chance.

Shortly after watching the t.v. show I was walking through Chicago's downtown "Loop" and another little group of these folks were marching in the area, carrying signs and crosses; upon turning the corner my cousin and I were approached by a young girl who was handing out fliers, advertising the next meeting. For those who had no beforehand knowledge, the Unification Church-- commonly known as the Moonies-- sounded very good indeed.

Pseudo-religious cults and 12-Step Programs operate on the same principles: Offer people what they think they want, and you've got them hooked; Present it in a manner of convincing people that they really do need what it offers, and that it is the only way; overcome any resistance an individuals may have; and the end result is "Gotcha!"

12-Step Programs, with information primarily focused on the forerunner, known as Alcoholics Anonymous, has slowly but surely begun to reach the public light as being compared to, and meeting the criteria of, a cult. "If you want what we've got- and are willing to go to any lengths to get it..."

To recognize the full effect, it is helpful to take that statement in two parts: first, convincing people that they really do "want what we've got" is not as difficult as it may appear-- it is simply a matter of presenting a positive subject in a positive manner so that the individual will find it very hard to say "No." Who could possibly object to "God! Country! Family!" unless there were something seriously wrong with his priorities?!