The positive impact that religion generally has on human beings has been suggested by different studies. However, it cannot be assumed that religion always contributes to the wellbeing of believers. Religious systems can be misused, resulting in people being spiritually and even physically hurt and harmed. This study investigates certain aspects of some alternative religious group in order to determine the impact it has on the well-being of the members of these groups. It was found that people are drawn to these groups because of the challenges they present, the display of true love amongst members and the 'message' of an authoritative charismatic leader that resonates with them and convinces them to become part. As time pass, members were challenged with questionable aspects that appear in the activities and teaching of these groups. Obtaining clarity on these concerns was strongly discouraged by the culture and other members of the group, resulting in members suppressing doubts and emotions. Adherence to the tenets of the group then occurred as a result of peer pressure and out of fear instead of true conviction. The study concludes that most of the respondents in the study reported that their experience in these groups did not contribute to their well-being, and emotionally, they struggled to adapt to society and other religious groups after leaving the group.

This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief.

Freedom of religion has challenges of its own. One particular aspect that presents a challenge is the nature of religion in the sense that the actions and practices of religion are not prescribed or measured by human criteria except that it may not be against the law. Another aspect that cannot be underestimated is the susceptibility of people when it comes to religion. Both these aspects create opportunity for abuse in religion. When members of society become aware of religious groups that are believed to be exploitive for selfish aims it creates tension between society and these groups. With no recognisable, credible organisation to turn to for assistance society tends to take matters in their own hands that mostly result in an even more fragile situation. A solution is to set up an information centre that can provide information to the public. It is important to align the approach of the centre with workable practices in other parts of the world that have been dealing with this issue for many years. Practices in some European countries are investigated and the best practices suitable for South Africa are determined and suggested.

Mind control: The secret weapon utilised by religious cults to control their followers

Victims of religious cults are systematically influenced by the beliefs, teachings and practices of the group to adopt the identity and personality befitting the religious cult. This cult identity and personality that is believed to be God-pleasing views the outside world as evil and a threat to the spiritual well-being of cult members. In order to maintain cult members in a state which is supposedly pure and free from contamination by the evil world, they are taught to cultivate an antagonistic and resistant attitude towards any doctrine or person contradicting the cult’s views. Any attempt by an “outsider” to communicate with cult members is prohibited. Any attempt to counsel cult members must be preceded by the establishment of a trust relationship that will overcome the resistance and open up communication. The counselling process that follows should address the emotional conditions of anger, false guilt and fear in order to restore the person’s self-worth and ability to adapt to the outside world. This article contends that addressing false guilt, anger and fear is an important and necessary phase in the process of helping cult members to recover and reintroducing them to the world