Why do cults encourage the loss of separate identities among their followers?

Question

why are followers are willing to give them up?

Answer 1

You cannot control separatists.

Answer 2

That's one of the key points of cults. The loss of identity is needed for someone to have control over you.

For example - military boot camp - everyone looks the same, dresses the same, does everything the same and together and are told what to think, what to eat and how fast to eat it. It's designed to break the individual into the mold to work as part of a team - a non-questioning member at first.

Same with cults

Answer 3

I know that deep down we are always seeking for the truth and looking for that "someone" to give us the answers that we need for our life. Some just search for it in the wrong place and are deceived. People that want to control others cannot stand to have anyone disagree with them. We are all also looking for love and acceptance and will pay any price to get it, even if we have to have someone control us. Sometimes it is also easier to be controlled, that we we feel we are not responsible for our own decisions, or even have to make our own decisions. Jesus lets us ask questions and disagree with Him if we want, He is not put off by that. He allows us to make our choices and is always there even when we make poor ones.

Answer 4

Aren't you talking about religion? A cult is a religion. You give up individuality to an extent when you join a religion.

Answer 5

Groups are easier to control than individuals. People will go along because they think everyone else is.

Answer 6

Its so they can control them. The followers do it because of brainwashing or 'game' it happens with battered women as well.

Answer 7

Mob mentality. Individuals are harder than mobs.
Watch a mob of sheep...only takes one shepherd and his dogs to round up hundreds of sheep and steer them where he wants them to go.

Answer 8

like what cults?