• Our teachings are the ultimate truth.

• Our teachings are the only path to true happiness.

• Our group is a utopian community.

• Our sacred texts are perfect and indisputable.

• Our leader(s) have special spiritual authority.

• Our rules are a higher authority than secular laws.

• Those who reject our teachings or leave our group will face judgment.

• Those who accept our teachings will be eternally rewarded.

• We have a special purpose from a higher power.

• Our group can achieve things that defy science.

• Humans are fundamentally broken/inadequate without our teachings.

• Human instincts are evil and can’t be trusted.

• We must enforce our rules on nonbelievers for their good.

• We have special rules regarding sex that nonbelievers don't understand.

• Those who defy our sex and gender norms are deviant or dangerous.

• We use special words/language that nonbelievers don't understand.

• Evil forces and nonbelievers want to corrupt or harm our members.

• Evil forces and nonbelievers want to corrupt or harm our children.

• Negative life events are a form of discipline from a higher power.

• Personal suffering is a sign of spiritual weakness.

• ​Mental illness is a sign of spiritual weakness.

• Doubting our teachings is a sign of spiritual weakness.

• Women in our group must submit to men. 

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Our members are expected to:

• Limit or cut off relationships with nonbelievers.

• Recruit nonbelievers into the group.

• Avoid literature/media that contradicts our teachings.

• Attend group meetings regularly.

• Make regular financial contributions.

• Volunteer their time to the group.

• Confess temptations and failures to the group.

• Report other group members' disobedience.

• Submit to the group’s discipline.

• Forgive and reconcile with other group members.

• Prioritize the groups’ needs over their own.