The abusive religious system is scrupulous to maintain an image of righteousness. The organization's history is often misrepresented in the effort to demonstrate the organization's special relationship to God.
- The mistaken judgements and character flaws of its leaders are denied or covered up in order to validate their authority.
- Impossibly high legalistic standards of thought and behavior may be imposed on the members.
- Their failure to live up to these standards is a constant reminder of the follower's inferiority to his leaders, and the necessity of submission to them.
Abusive religion is, at heart, legalism.
Abusive religion is also paranoid.
- Because the truth about the abusive religious system would be quickly rejected if recognized, outsiders are shown only a positive image of the group. This is rationalized by assuming that the religion would not be understood by "worldly" people; therefore they have no right to know.
- This attitude leads to members being secretive about some doctrines and the inner policies and proceedures of the group. Leaders, especially, will keep secrets from their members.
- This secrecy is rooted in a basic distrust of others because the belief system is false and can not stand scrutiny.
Excerpt from The Watchman Fellowship's Profile of Spiritual Abuse
