Sons of Patriarchy The Signs Your Church Might Be A Cult
Mar 20, 2025
Bethany Yancey, an expert in the Psychology of Coercive Control and founder of Free From Control Consulting, dives deep into the signs that a church may be a cult. She defines coercive control and highlights its subtle tactics, like isolation and psychological manipulation. Bethany discusses how individuals can be lured into high-control groups and the impact of patriarchal frameworks on recruitment. She also explores the psychological effects on both men and women, emphasizing the importance of support for those leaving such environments.
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Coercive Control Defined
- Coercive control is an intentional pattern of behaviors designed to gain control over another person through threats, isolation, and humiliation.
- Bethany Yancey summarizes it as an "or else" dynamic where implicit or explicit threats enforce compliance.
Control Often Feels Invisible
- Coercive control is often subtle and psychological, making victims unable to easily identify their own victimization.
- Bethany warns you cannot wait for a victim to label their abuse before intervening.
Religion Lowers Recruitment Friction
- High-control faith groups exploit existing religious structures and language to recruit and retain people.
- Bethany calls this a bait-and-switch: spiritual framing reduces resistance to manipulation.