Oct. 2, 2008
 
THE CULTURE ARTIST: Building Ecotopia: Intentional Communities, Part 4
 
By Chuck Hall
 
If you are considering making an intentional community your home, there are many benefits to such a decision, and such a lifestyle brings many rewards for those who wish to live closer to nature and to their neighbors. We've covered some of the considerations; however, there is one final caveat when exploring intentional communities. Although caring people with good principles run the vast majority of intentional communities, there is always the potential for abuse in an isolated community. Such a community, especially one run on religious or spiritual principles, has the potential of becoming a cult. Some signs to watch for include:
  • Excessive loyalty, bordering on fanaticism, for the leader. This is true whether the leader is dead or alive
  • Any questioning of doctrines or dogma is frowned upon or actively discouraged
  • Mind-altering practices (sleep deprivation, marathon prayer sessions, extended periods of fasting) designed to discourage questioning the leaders or the dogma of the organization
  • The leader(s) of the group micromanage all the details of the members' lives, telling them what they should eat, when they should sleep, whom they should marry, what they should think, etc.
  • The group claims special status for itself or its leader (the leader is a 'Messiah' or the group has a special mission to save the world)
  • Anyone outside the group is 'them,' and 'they' are looked upon as evil
  • The leader claims not to be subject to any legal, spiritual or moral authority
  • The group's supposedly exalted goals justify behavior that would be considered to be illegal or immoral outside the group (e.g., stealing to finance the group)
  • Leadership maintains control through shame and guilt, often using peer pressure to manipulate others
  • Members are required to cut all ties with family and friends and to abandon personal goals in favor of the group
  • The group is preoccupied with recruiting new members
  • The group is obsessed with making money
  • Members are expected to devote most or all of their free time to group activities
  • Members are encouraged to socialize only with other members of the group
  • The 'true believers' of the group feel that they cannot return to existence outside of the group and may suffer anxiety or panic attacks at the thought of leaving the group or of being ostracized
If the intentional community you are considering meets any of the criteria listed above, it may be a cult. Avoid such groups at all costs. There are plenty of legitimate intentional communities out there to choose from without having to put yourself or your loved ones at risk.
 
Intentional communities aren't the only way to live a sustainable lifestyle, but if you feel you would enjoy living your sustainable journey in a community dedicated to the same goals and principles that you hold as ideals, an intentional community might just have what you're looking for.
 
Chuck Hall's latest book, "Invasion of the Vegans!" will be available at the Culture Artist website at www.cultureartist.org later this year. You may contact Chuck by email at: chuck@cultureartist.org.
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