The Seven Signs You're in a Cult - Boze Herrington - The Atlantic

Although I am glad to see that the author is out of the clutches of this Tyler character, I am disturbed by his reliance on IHOP's "7 Signs" rubric. It is suffice to say, a false measure designed to incriminate any group not based in their brand of Christianity.

If one where to look at Diane Benscoter made as well in her TEDTalk:

What really caught my attention was Benscoter's use of the "Us vs Them" mentality A dichotomy I have noticed in regards to Nephilim Eschatology and the Ancient Alien Hypothesis: ,,,[a]nd the most dangerous part of this is that is creates "us" and "them," "right" and "wrong," "good" and "evil." And it makes anything possible. Makes anything rationalizable.

And for anyone who follows what I write, this Us/Them dichotomy is IMHO a big issue in regards to the Dominionist/Theocratic movement as well.

But I digress,,,

Many moons ago I read an article that talked of symptoms of cult membership rather than characteristics. Whiston, in attempting to move away from the "negative connotation" that the word cult entails (the bizarre nature of the group's belief), felt that by focusing on characteristics a more accurate picture would emerge. His focus is on the "behavioral, cognitive, and organizational impact the belief system has on the participants."

1] A belief in the core cult dogma that is independent of facts, logic, or even one’s own intuition. In other words an absolute and blind acceptance of any information provided by cult leaders and literature as undeniable fact.

2] tendency to isolate from the rest of society, often justified by the suggestion that those outside of the faith are wicked, lost, etc.

3] A compulsive need to recruit others into the cult.

4] The deriving of most or all of one’s self esteem from the cult collective and the cult dogma. Often cult members will see themselves as worthless (because this is what they are taught) and will insist that only through the practice of the cult’s teachings can they serve the world in any worthwhile manner.

5] The complete loss of individuality, logic, and objectivity. The only reasons for continued existence becomes the serving of the cult’s agenda.

So I wonder, if Herrington were to be exposed to the above list, would he still be involved in the church as he now is?

Though some of the group’s former members remained part of the prophetic movement, I mentally checked out after Bethany’s death. I joined a church in a liturgical tradition and formed a new circle of friends, many of whom had also left IHOP. I began to rethink my views on homosexuality and other marginalized groups. I also underwent counseling with IHOP leaders. During this process, I tried to renounce what I saw as harmful beliefs, including the conviction that our group had been messengers called to battle the forces of the anti-Christ. To my surprise and dismay, they told me, “No, Tyler was right about that. You need to pray out loud for God to show you your calling.”

The Seven Signs You're in a Cult - Boze Herrington - The Atlantic

See also: 
Love and Death In the House of Prayer

What Rolling Stone Didn’t Tell You About Tyler Deaton

How to Recognize Cults: 7 Characteristics