No one thinks they’re joining a cult.  They think they’ve found community. Purpose. Answers. Maybe even a new version of themselves. For many people, the early stages of cult recruitment don’t feel threatening at all. They feel warm, validating, and deeply personal.  That’s part of what makes cults so psychologically powerful. They often appeal to ordinary human needs: belonging, certainty, identity, and meaning. Over time, that sense of connection can … Continue reading The Psychology of Cults