Here's an interesting primer on cults that you can find in a book on advertising. The author of Coercion: Why We Listen to What 'They' Say" describes religious cults as powerful pyramid schemes. Author Douglas Rushkoff lists 20 common steps of indoctrination in destructive cults. His steps are quoted in italics with my comments included below each step. 1. The GoalEvery cult has a stated, vague and metaphorical goal. Because this goal must serve as the "illuminated eye" of the pyramid, it cannot be attainable. Rather, it is expressed as an abstract idea - like "salvation" - which the cult...