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| Premium subscribers in front of Church Militant Studios, Detroit |
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.
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:
"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]
"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.]
"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?
My measuring stick of a Christian Cult is what do they do with the precious Name of Jesus?
ReplyDeleteThere are many different flavors of religions - infinite choices. Many religions profess belief in no god other than self, paganist based materialistic religions - those are quite common in post-Christian Western civilization. "Trust The Science" is the pagan equivalent of "Jesus Saves!".
But when it comes to "Christian" cults, those that profess a distorted and deviant form of Christianity ... it always comes down to what they do with the Precious Name of Jesus.
The RCC has always enshrined Jesus on the Altar, especially during the Holy Sacrifice; but also at the center of every thought word and deed of our every waking moment.
The parallel New™️ Church of the Novus Ordo does not do this. Its Bishop of Rome does not do this. Materialism and secular goals focused on self are at the heart of New™️ Church and its Bishop of Rome.
In the same way, one of its many offshoots - Church Militant - is a personality cult focused on the faces, showmanship, salacious topics and flashy presentations of the out-of-date-by-20 years CM video team. Milo is a perfect addition to such a clown show.
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For he that will save his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it.
26 For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul? (Matt 16: 24-26)
3 Despised, and the most abject of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with infirmity: and his look was as it were hidden and despised, whereupon we esteemed him not. (Is 53:3)
3 Know you not that all we, who are baptized in Christ Jesus, are baptized in his death?
4 For we are buried together with him by baptism into death; that as Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also may walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin may be destroyed, to the end that we may serve sin no longer.
7 For he that is dead is justified from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall live also together with Christ:
9 Knowing that Christ rising again from the dead, dieth now no more, death shall no more have dominion over him.
10 For in that he died to sin, he died once; but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God:
11 So do you also reckon, that you are dead to sin, but alive unto God, in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6: 3-11)
This is the Faith, the Gospel that saves. I have no use for those, no matter who they are, who abuse or neglect or supersede the precious Name of Jesus.
I was kicked off Church Militant's comment box about six weeks ago for pointing out that a comment they had made about the US Episcopate was slander. A Jan. 4 article began: "For 60 years, U.S. bishops, for the most part, have not only been silent on Church teaching, they have also openly opposed it." For the most part bishops for 60 years have opposed Catholic teaching? What, have they denied the Nicene Creed? Have they publicly approved of abortion or even birth control? Church Militant here painted with a very broad brush. I'm not crazy about the American episcopate, but to make the comment CM did is certainly slander.
ReplyDeleteChurch Militant seems to have a very thin skin. Is the point of a comment box simply to gather praise?
For a couple of years I have made it known to Church Militant that despite their willingness to dive into some tough pieces of news, their tone and comportment work against their articulated goal. Their mindless assault on the Wyoming Carmelite Monks was the last straw. I simply can't stand to even go near the site. It is a dumpster fire the stench from which is that of a cesspool -- the same as that emanating from the National Catholic Report. Both enterprises are morally rogue. May they endure the same fate.
ReplyDeleteAQUA - Liked what you said, i.e., "The RCC has always enshrined Jesus on the Altar, especially during the Holy Sacrifice; but also at the center of every thought word and deed of our every waking moment."
ReplyDeleteP. O'BRIEN - Yes, as you said, Church Militant does seem "to have very thin skin" but that's always the way it is with bullies. And they probably do think their comment box is for gathering praise...as if it's their own private FB page....like Niles' personal FB page where fans comment on how "hot" she is, how beautiful, etc and gush over her every comment. Psychologically, it's all quite entertaining to see narcissists at work "gathering praise" while they gaslight other people. That describes both Niles personally and CM in general.
(And Niles and CM, if you're reading this personal opinion of you and your feelings are hurt and think it's meant as a statement of fact and want to sue me, I've already said what will happen....so go ahead and put a little old great-grandmother in jail. Maybe doing that would be the end of your "apostolate".)
JAMES - Well said. Since Church Militant lied about what Fr Wegner (SSPX) said and they use spoiled Catholic millennials who have no clue as "witnesses" I figure why would anyone out there believe anything else they say. The Wyoming Monk story was pure propaganda as was the Spotlight episode with Fr Wegner. CM is Opus Dei orchestrated; that much is clear as crystal.
(As for CM vs Mike Parrott and RTF - I think it's HILARIOUS that Parrott hired a major bad-a_ _ attorney to go after CM. Pass the popcorn!)
They are totally a cult! Any criticism about them is met with a stern rebuke or removal. I have had many of my comments removed from Niles, the mother cult leader of the group. They cannot take a single strand of criticism without retaliation. I would never ever want to be associated with them again. I used to follow them religiously, donated every month, purchased their calendars, other merchandise, watched all of their programs. it is too bad because Voris could do a great job if he stuck with the real truth rather than fabricating stories out of nothing and thus ruining the lives of great organizations such as the Wyoming Group and the SSPX. i am getting to the point that nearly everyone they condemn are groups that I want to follow because they are so off-kilter. Everyone that follows them needs deprogramming
ReplyDeleteIf a cult is defined as a worshiper of cash money then I think C.M. definitely qualifies. Many years ago when I was young and stupid (as opposed to now where I am just old and stupid) I drank the Voris Koolaid and sent them a small donation honestly believing they were needed to save the church. It was almost immediately after that they started to go after the SSPX. At that time I was attending a SSPX chapel and was very outraged with what they were saying. I then emailed them that because of their treatment of the society I wanted my donation refunded. You should of seen the nasty responses from one of Mikes understudies. It sounded like the reaction of a teenager when someone imposed a curfew on them. It was only after I told them I would refute the charge with my credit card company that junior finally said, ok, we'll refund it but you have to say your sorry. OK big deal I'm sorry now give me back my cash, which they did do. I then immediately took the cash I had air marked for CM and gave it to the SSPX. I would like to know just who still follows them. They have alienated the SSPX with their attacks and now the trads in general with their attacks on the Carmalites in Wyoming. So who is left outside the Novus Ordo?
ReplyDeleteA logical question if and when the Bergoglio papacy restricts the Traditional Latin Mass to the point of being the rarest gem of all: "UNOBTAINIUM" (outside the SSPX). Having painted themselves into a de facto ultramontanist corner, will Michael "Bad Toupee" Voris and "Mean Christine" then become mildly conservative cheerleaders for the NO Church's springtime of the New Advent?
ReplyDeleteUnless they convert, they'll cheer for what the Opus Dei church tells them to cheer for. And the Opus Dei church will tell them to cheer for the VII sodomite Opus Dei protestant "Catholic" church.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased to have found this article, though I fear it's too late for my brainwashed parents who support the crackpots at Church Militant. They've had a major falling out with all of their children, myself included, for even suggesting that C.M. acts cult-like, and my mother was very loudly sobbing one night that all her children are going to hell for not believing in "real Catholicism."
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Anonymous. Maybe you could suggest they visit our blog and look at the Church Militant page. There is plenty of documentation about their bias and mendacity.
ReplyDeleteI was once a supporter, but when people are as filled with hubris as they are and don't mind stretching the truth and actually lying to advance themselves, they can't be trusted.
Susan and I are fed up and stopped posting about them for awhile, but their lates drivel, behind the Spotlight, may get a response. They posture as the world's leading Catholic source. That in itself should give people pause. Michael Voris is typical of a same-sex attracted man -- he craves attention and wants a worshipful audience. When he gives a "retreat" over the Triduum where he gives all the talks, well, just thinking about that calls for a rueful laugh. No thank you. I'll take my yearly priest-led silent Ignation retreat.
Funny you should mention that. My mother buying her three sons multi-hundred dollar tickets to such a "retreat" so we could "finally he exposed to real Catholicism" and all of us refusing to go is what led to the aforementioned sobbing. I'm regularly told that the Pope is heretical, who is and isn't going to hell, how Trump is still the president, etc etc. The other nutcase my mother can't stop watching is Taylor Marshall. I'm so over YouTube cultism. I'd love to link my parents this article, but as the only one still living with them I'd prefer not to be kicked out. Also funny you should mention real silent retreats. My mother recently had an anxiety attack that caused her to black out, and when the dust settled and I suggested a retreat to clear her mind she told me about how she doesn't believe in them anymore, since they're all lead by Jesuits who are eponymous with the devil. I give up.
ReplyDeleteI can't disagree with your mom about the Jesuits, Anonymous. There are too many James Martins in their ranks. But there are many solid orders as well.
ReplyDeleteThe retreat I attend is led by a very holy elderly priest from the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP). I've been going for almost 20 years and it is a real respite in a crazy world. The silence is so welcome and Father is wise, kind, and down to earth. I always look forward to seeing him.
I'll pray for your mom and for your family. CM thrives on bad news and they rope people in with the illusion they are the saviors. I'm also sad to see how many good people I know whose credibility they latch onto to build themselves up -- people like Steve Brady (Roman Catholic Faithful), Jack Ames (Defend Life in Baltimore), and Monica Miller (Red Rose Rescue). It's a smart move on CM's part, but I think it's a mistake, but that's my opinion and I respect those three.
I urge you to pray for CM. I do. But liars can't be trusted and they are, indeed, liars. We've documented a number of their lies.
Much appreciated. Praying seems to be just about the only thing I can do for my parents in this situation.
ReplyDelete