Cult Membership: Meeting with Compassion and Empathy

What does belonging to a cult mean to us all? We all probably know someone who belongs to a cult of some sort. Cults used to be the preserve of obscure groups but many of these cults have grown and can be more far reaching than we think. Being a member of a cult rarely has a positive impact on someone's life, so why are people drawn to cults and how can we communicate with someone in a cult?

Why People Join Cults

Cults don’t recruit “weak” people. In fact, many who join are intelligent, idealistic, and deeply committed to making the world better. What cults offer is a sense of belonging, certainty, and purpose at times when life feels confusing or empty. They promise community, identity, and answers to life’s hardest questions. Anyone, in the right circumstances, can be drawn into that promise.

The Role of Empathy

It can be tempting to criticize or confront cult members, but judgment often deepens their isolation and drives them further into the group. By responding with empathy, we offer an alternative experience: one where they feel heard rather than attacked. Instead of saying “How could you believe that?” we can say, “I see why this gave you hope.” Acknowledging the emotional reasons for their involvement builds trust and keeps lines of communication open.

Compassionate Support

Showing compassion doesn’t mean agreeing with harmful teachings. It means recognizing the human being behind the beliefs. Many cult members feel shame once they begin questioning their involvement. Compassion helps ease that shame, showing them they are not defined by the group they joined. Simple acts—listening without interruption, offering friendship outside the group, or reminding them of their strengths—can be deeply healing.

Helping the Healing Process

Leaving a cult is rarely a sudden break; it is often a slow, painful process. People may lose not only their belief system but also their entire social world. Empathy means being patient through this grieving period. We can support by encouraging professional help, connecting them with supportive communities, and reminding them that their story is one of resilience, not failure.

A Shared Humanity

At its core, empathy toward cult members is about recognising that we all have the same human needs—for connection, belonging, and meaning. Cults exploit these needs, but compassion can restore them in healthy ways. When we choose understanding over judgment, we create space for healing and show that no one is beyond hope. Members of cults need compassion and empathy, not judgement, hard as that may be, we need to try and step inside their world and understand what lead them to that place in their life xxx