The Difference Between Destructive and Benign Cults

by BJ Bueno
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Ross describes destructive cults as "groups with an absolute authoritarian figure at the top of a pyramid scheme of authority where there is virtually no accountability for that leader." Destructive cults hurt, harm, manipulate, and often brainwash their members. The leader of a destructive cult really doesn't care about the well-being of the members. In fact, such leaders openly exploit and abuse their members, usually for their own personal benefit.

Benign cults are a different story. Ross defines these non-injurious cults as "any group of people that are intensely devoted to a person, place, or thing," but where the relationship between the follower and the cult is harmless or benign.

The important thing about benign cults is that they help fill the emotional wants and needs of their followers in a positive way. Benign cults and their followers enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship, with both receiving a real sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, belonging, and enlightenment from the relationship. Benign cults are never destructive. They don't harm or injure their followers either physically or mentally. Benign cults have leaders who are accountable to the group, and the leaders value the feedback of their followers.

This article is an excerpt from The Power of Cult Branding.