There are many reasons why people join cults. Some people join a cult because they want to be part of something bigger than themselves and believe they can do something good for their community.
Others join because they want to be part of a group with rules and regulations, which helps them feel like they belong. Whatever the reason, people are making moves and making decisions every day. So in this article, we will look at why people join cults.
History Of Occult In Nigeria
The history of the occult world in Nigeria is quite interesting. It has a long history dating back to ancient times and still plays a vital role in our lives today. Nigeria’s first African nation has been integral to the occult world since its inception.
There are various terms used by different practitioners that describe their beliefs regarding magic and spiritual powers, such as ‘Olokun’ (Edo), ‘Amadioha’ (Enugu State, Abia State, etc.), and ‘Sango’ (Oyo State).
These people believe in witchcraft or black magic, also called various names in Nigeria, all having one meaning. The early beginnings of occultism in Nigeria are shrouded in mystery.
The occult is a secret knowledge passed down from the ancient Egyptians to the Yorubas and the remaining African tribes. It appears to have evolved into its present form during this period, but there are few reliable sources about its origins.
Some believe it originated in Africa; others believe it originated elsewhere, possibly even in China or India, rather than in Africa itself.
We know that African people practised it before recorded history began, perhaps even before written records were introduced onto Earth from outer space.
It’s possible that some societies practised these arts before their countries became unified under one government under European rule or vice versa.
Joining A Secret Society
A secret society comprises a group whose activities and ways are concealed from others. If you are not a secret society member, you are not allowed to know what happens and how it happens.
As long as joining the group or organization requires a specific ritual, rites, and initiation process, it can be said to be a secret society.
Some people consciously join a secret society, while some are unaware, but the bottom line is that various benefits are attached to each secret society.
There are numerous secret cults in Nigeria, and each has its own rules, benefits, and requirements. People usually paint joining a secret society as bad, but it all depends on what is done in that secret society.
What you need to know to join a secret can only be revealed by members of that secret society because their ways are always hidden from non-members.
Benefits Of Joining A Fraternity
A fraternity is an organization or group comprising different people connected because of one particular aim, belief, or goal. Fraternity is not subject to age because various fraternities range from young to old.
Sometimes, a fraternity is similar to a secret cult or society. Still, one major thing that links them all together is that they all have rules and ideologies guiding them when carrying out various activities.
The word uniformity comes into play when speaking of a secret cult, secret society, fraternity, etc. Many people would wonder what the benefits of joining a fraternity include, but they are a lot.
Hence, here are the benefits of joining a fraternity;
- Financial stability
- Networking
- Popularity
- Accessing new skills
- Development of leadership skills
- Academic excellence
- Access to rare opportunities and many more.
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Why People join Cult?
1. Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is a type of social pressure that encourages an individual to behave in ways that conform to the expectations of their peer group. It has been defined as “the influence exerted by one person on another.”
Peer pressure can be either positive or negative, depending on its intent and effect on the influenced person.
The effectiveness of this form of influence varies widely from situation to situation; however it can sometimes be extremely powerful when combined with other forms of coercion such as economic threats or physical force against oneself or others.
In some cases, peer pressure may result in a person’s death through suicide, called suicidality (suicide). This act’s power can influence people into joining a cult.
2. Poverty
When you’re poor, joining a cult is the only way to get by. Cult leaders are often charismatic and wealthy individuals who can offer their followers a chance at prosperity in exchange for loyalty and devotion.
These people have much more money than their followers, so they can afford things like food, shelter, and clothing that would be difficult or impossible for ordinary people on low incomes (or even middle-class families).
Also, because cults don’t require members’ full attention all day long as regular jobs do, and because there’s no need for employees’ salaries, they can pay lower wages than other employers might be willing to offer; this makes it much easier for members of cults who want jobs but don’t have any experience in their field.
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3. Unemployment
Unemployment is a significant cause of joining cults, and it’s also a major cause of poverty. Unemployed people have no way to pay their rent or bills, so they need money from somewhere else to survive.
But suppose you’re unemployed and living with friends or family members. In that case, there’s no guarantee that they’ll be able to help you financially when times get tough, and even if they offer some financial assistance, it won’t last forever.
That is why many cults initially focus on recruiting new members who are not only willing but also capable enough financially or otherwise; these individuals’ willingness makes them more likely candidates for recruitment within the group itself.
4. Deprivation
Deprivation is a primary reason why people join cults. The lack of basic needs such as food, shelter, and employment can lead to desperation and depression, making them vulnerable to manipulation by charismatic leaders who promise a better life.
Cults also use fear tactics to recruit new members into their organizations; this includes threats against families who don’t want their children indoctrinated into the religion or forced into marriage with the leader’s chosen spouse, sometimes called “love marriages.”
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5. Financial difficulty
If you have many financial problems, it could be why you are looking to join a cult. You might want to make more money or improve your lifestyle and feel like joining a cult will give you that opportunity.
6. Desire To Do Evil
Some people just desire to do evil, and they exist in today’s society. They have a strong desire for certain things and resort to joining a cult that can offer them the necessary resources to achieve their aim. Some of these desires include;
- Desire to do evil
- A desire for power and control over others
- A need for validation, approval, and attention from others
7. Deceit Of Leaders
The leaders of a cult are deceptive, manipulative, and dishonest. Some secret cult tells their members that they are unique, unlike everyone else; The cult tells them that other people don’t understand them and don’t care about them; they say there is no hope for the world outside their group or even inside it.
These leaders make it seem as though there is no hope at all, hence the desire to want to join a cult.
8. Deception of members
Some cults may use deception to keep their members under control. In contrast, others will use psychological manipulation tactics such as guilt, induction, or peer pressure, where one person will pressure another into joining the group by saying something like, “you won’t believe how wonderful this community is until you join us”.
Or sometimes cult leaders will promise things such as meeting new friends with similar interests/hobbies, etc., but what happens when those promises aren’t kept? It’s very easy for someone who wants something badly enough to take advantage of anyone else’s generosity.
But also to manipulate them into believing whatever lies were told about why those things couldn’t happen beforehand.
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9. The Society Endangers Our Lives
The Society is a secret society or occult organization. Members of a secret society are taught to be aware of their surroundings and vigilant at all times.
They learn to identify people who are not members and those who might be spies for the non-member population.
Society teaches its members how to survive in today’s world, especially concerning jobs, relationships, and finances.
There are many reasons why people join cults, but one common theme among them all is that they want something more than what they currently have in life; something better than what they were born into, which could include:
- Freedom from financial troubles
- A sense of belongingness within their community (i.e., family) or group(s)
- A feeling like being part of something bigger than themselves
Disadvantages Of Joining Cult
1. You Could Lose Your Friends And Family
If you join a cult, you’ll likely become estranged from your friends and family. The cult may be more important than they are or even replace them entirely. This can be especially harmful if you have children who depend on their parents for life support.
If someone leaves their religious group, they may lose their place of worship and the emotional ties they’ve had with members of that community since childhood, and these losses don’t always happen quietly.
2. Cult Members Are Often Subjected To Brainwashing
Brainwashing is a psychological manipulation that uses intense group pressure to change someone’s beliefs and behaviour. It can make people do things they wouldn’t normally do, such as kill themselves or commit crimes.
Cult members might be subjected to brainwashing by being deprived of sleep or food, being told that their loved ones are dead and must leave immediately, being forced into s3xual activity with strangers that could result in pregnancy, being given drugs or alcohol when they’re not ready for it, etc.
These tactics are often used by cult leaders who want followers’ loyalty but don’t want them leaving the group for financial reasons or because they don’t want their friends and family members involved in something dangerous like drug abuse/addiction.
3. Cults Can Be Harmful To Children
In some cases, children may be forced to lie or keep secrets from their families and friends. They may also be forced to do dangerous things, such as give up their education, leave home alone, or join cults abroad without telling anyone about it. If you know someone who belongs to a cult, please help them get out.
4. Cult Members Must Pay For The Privilege Of Being In A Cult
If you join a cult, certain things come with being in the group. For example, if you’re in a cult, your family will probably not want anything to do with you anymore.
They might even try to stop your contact with other people and tell them that they don’t want anything more to do with their loved ones who are part of this group.
5. Leaving A Cult Can Be Very Difficult
Leaving may take a lot of time and effort, and you’ll have to give up all your possessions. If you’re in a cult recognized as dangerous by law enforcement agencies, then leaving will also likely be illegal for you.
We have seen that there are many reasons why people join a cult. We hope this information will help you recognize the signs of a cult and prevent them from forming in your community.
