SPECIAL: Danger Signs for Extreme Religious Groups

The activities that took place recently at a ranch run by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints bring up some interesting questions. One of the most important is, "How can you spot a dangerous group?"

WASHINGTON (Catholic Online) - What makes an individual or family adopt extreme attitudes or join groups that embrace unusual causes? The answer is not that easy. There are, however, telltale signs that a group may be suspect due to its behavior.

Here are some of the danger signs:

1.The leader usually preaches the closeness of an apocalyptic event.

2.The group is explained as being especially favored by God and is expected to play a significant role in the unfolding of end-times activities. There is a unique destiny proclaimed.

3.The leader is normally someone with a highly charismatic personality who has the ability to sway people without support from external sources.

4.The leader exerts significant control over members' lives - spiritually, physically, emotionally, and even sexually.

5.They are not a part of an organized denomination that has been previously established but arises as an independent group.

6.There is a sense in which the group remains isolated and separated from the "world" around. This includes a possible sense of paranoia, that there are people committed to their destruction.

7.They hold to several common religious beliefs consistent with other religions, but have something that is unique to the group that sets them apart.

8.The group usually sets up defensive strategies to be sure their people stay together.
Only a handful of groups in the United States fall into this category. At the same time, we must be careful to stay true to the essentials of the Faith.

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