I left a cult. AMA

[stillbeingwatched]

I recently left a religious sect /cult.

AMA.

Can you say which one?

I find cults fascinating, were you born into it or did you join by choice as an adult?

Well done for leaving

How long were you involved?

How did you get involved?

How did you leave?

(And looking at your username, hope you are safe)

Can you tell us about any particularly strange/"out there" rules you had to follow?

What country are you based in?

What made you decide to leave? And how easy was this to do?

Are your family in the cult?

How interesting. Thanks for posting.

Is there anything about it that you miss?

Was there an obvious turning point, or did the need to leave dawn gradually?

I can't say which one, but it wasn't a well known one.
Some might even argue it isn't a "cult"
But that's often the way, that smaller cults offer just enough normality to the outsiders that questions don't far asked

@nancy75 I was persuaded to join when I was very vulnerable, as an adult.

It was religion based and at the time it seemed a beautiful place to be a part of.

@TyneTeas it was a very quick process of joining, I think they made it fast to lessen the chances of rethinking things!

• I was part of if for six years, my partner and children were also involved.

We were inducted at a time when life had dealt us a few cruel blows.
They could sense we were looking for comfort and answers.

@KronksSpinachPuffs

We are in England

Well done for leaving.
So many questions I'd love to ask, but hopefully others will cover them.

How have you coped with the adjustment back to 'mainstream' life?

Do you find it hard to trust people/believe in your own judgement now?

Was it a Christianity-based religious cult?

How did you manage to leave? Did you have to escape in secret or were you able to be more open about it? Have your partner and children also left?

In what way do you feel or know that you are still being watched?

Massive well done for getting yourself out

I’m really fascinated by this. My ex was raised in a cult, and had no intentions of leaving it. His was also religion based and he was adamant it wasn’t a cult. I wonder if it’s the same one, begins with S?

Why won’t you name it?

What were the benefits of it?

What were the pros and cons?

Also have you all needed / had therapy since?

Why can’t you say what cult it was? Do you feel they need to be exposed for what they are and the other victims helped?

How was your life there and what made you leave?

If you can’t name which cult it was, can you explain the difference between it and any other normal religious group?

I don't think I have any questions OP but wanted to congratulate you, wish you well and say that I hope you have support. I know three people with direct experience of cults, two as children (now left) and one as an adult (active member) and I myself was pursued by one many years ago and the small amount of knowledge I have gained has made me realise the powerful techniques these organisations use and how difficult it is to walk away. I hope that you have good people around you who also have experience of escape and who can guide you in your next steps.

If its a small group then if she names it then people will know who she is

Obviously!

I'd love to know too, obv

Is it the Jesus Army? They are seriously sinister.

Did your while family leave or was anyone left behind?