The following is a list of common characteristics of cults.
1. Limitation of communication with those outside the group. Books, magazines, letters and visits with friends and family are discouraged or even banned.
2. New members become convinced of the higher purpose and special calling of the group through a profound encounter, i.e. an alleged miracle or the prophetic word of the group.
3. An explicit goal of the group is to bring about some kind of change, be it global, social or personal.
4. Use of the practice of self-disclosure to members in the group. In the context of a gathering of the group, converts are encouraged to admit past sins and imperfections, and doubts about the group.
5. The group's perspective is absolutely true and completely adequate to explain everything. The doctrine is not subject to amendments or question. Absolute conformity is required.
6. A new vocabulary emerges within the context of the group. Group members "think" within the very abstract and narrow parameters of the group's doctrine. Loaded terms and cliches prejudice thinking.
7. Pre-group experience and group experience are narrowly interpreted through the absolute doctrine.
8. Salvation is possible only in the group. Those who leave the group are doomed.
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