Published: 2016-11-19

‘Father’ image in cult groups

Piotr T. Nowakowski
Pedagogical Forum
Section: Articles and essays
https://doi.org/10.21697/fp.2016.2.40

Abstract

The present article discusses the “father” image in cult groups. “Cult” is understood here, following Randall Watters’ idea, as “extended family”. The explanation of the abuse that happens in such groups is sought in the “father” figure, that is the leader, whose status becomes empowered as his activities are legitimized by the authority of God. Afterwards, the article outlines how the role of “fictive family” is adopted by a cult, which implies their taking on parental roles. The way it works in Poland is illustrated with the example of the experiences of Sebastian Keller in the cult Niebo (Heaven). In addition, there is a discussion of the problem of the parents’ degradation, including the father’s, to the level of middle management, which is required to carry out the instructions of the leader, even if it is contrary to their own parental instincts. In conclusion, the author asks about the effective antidote against the abusive influence of the “extended family,” and finds it in the restoration of the father’s ethos and in a reasonably conducted informational mission on cults by the media and educational factors.

Keywords:

cult, extended family, father image, God

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Citation rules

Nowakowski, P. T. (2016). ‘Father’ image in cult groups. Pedagogical Forum, 6(2/2), 233–242. https://doi.org/10.21697/fp.2016.2.40

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