According to This List, Is Church Militant a Cult?

Here's the checklist. You read it and compare Voris and Church Militant to the characteristics listed. You decide. Is Church Militant a cult?

From Les Femmes

By Susan Matthiesen

Looking at pictures of cult leaders it seems that hair is a significant magnet to draw followers to a particular cult leader, and Michael Voris certainly has a lot of hair. 

In addition to hair, here's an interesting list of how to recognize a cult. Church Militant seems to fit every one of the following ten descriptions so are they a cult? My comments are in red.

How to Recognize a Cult

Amy Morin 

"Sometimes individuals disagree about whether a group, such as a certain religious group, is actually a cult. Even researchers sometimes can’t agree on what constitutes a cult.

"One thing most people can agree on is that cults have a leader. [Michael Voris] And the leader (or group of people who serve as leaders) [Michael Voris Christine Niles, Simon Rafe] are responsible for the rules that guide the members.

"According to the Cult Education Institute, there are specific warning signs to look out for when considering whether a group might be a cult:

• Absolute authoritarianism without accountability [true]
• No tolerance for criticism or questions [true]
• No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget [true]
• Unreasonable fears about the outside world that often involve evil conspiracies and persecutions [true]
• Former followers are always wrong for leaving and there is never a legitimate reason for anyone else to leave [true]
• Former members often report being abused [true, i.e., mental abuse]
• There are records, books, articles or programs that document the abuses of the leader or group [true]
• Followers feel they are never able to be good enough [true]
• The leader is considered right at all times [true]
• The leader is the exclusive means of knowing truth or giving validation [true]

"Most individuals don’t recognize the group they’re joining is considered a cult. Individuals who are attracted to groups that are considered cults may have certain vulnerabilities that make them more likely to join, such as anxiety or substance abuse problems.

"Another study found that many cult members experience attachment insecurity prior to joining a cult. Their insecurities may drive them toward a group [the Opus Dei church] that promises acceptance.

"Once they join a group, they’re usually distanced from outside influences. [SSPX, Wyoming Carmelite Monks] After individuals are separated from the outside world, leaving the group becomes difficult. [proof HERE] They often grow dependent on being in the group and develop suspicions of anyone outside the group. [All members of the SSPX, The Remnant, Mike Parrott, Jeff Cassman, etc.]

"This is why some individuals suspect that cult members are brainwashed. And there is some science behind this idea as they’re often told they’re being persecuted by people outside the group.

"The other major theory about why individuals remain in cults is mostly sociological.

"Cult leaders often promise to reward members in some way. [Premium Subscribers] They may tell them they’re going to move up the ranks within the cult [Premium Subscribers receive information before all others] or they may convince them that something really good is going to happen to their special group. [They represent the true Church]

'Some people believe those involved are more like victims rather than members since they are often subjected to psychological manipulation tactics [Spotlight Episodes where Church Militant manipulates facts and the truth to form a pre-determined consensus] that lure them into making unhealthy decisions..."

You decide. Is Church Militant a cult?