Not all cults are religious in nature, but similarities do exist between most religious and non-religious cults. Cults prey upon an individual's need to identify, and be identified with, a strong belief and with others of like conviction.
Cults rob individuals of the ability to make moral and social decisions that govern their lives.
Cults rob followers of their individuality by making them conform to the identity of the group. The group presents the Bible as being unknowable except through their authoritative interpretation. Although they claim otherwise, such cults actually lead people away from Christ. The group makes commitment to Christ synonymous with allegiance to the group and its leader. The group becomes a substitute for conscience and for the leading of the Holy Spirit.