I found this column by The God Squad (a Jewish Rabbi and Catholic Monsignor) interesting: Four common characteristics of a cult.
1. Love bombing. Most of the cults we've encountered engage in this highly successful technique used against lonely young adults. . . Members of the cult surround the target and bombard him/her with love. . .
2. Separation from family. The most important goal of cults is to get targets to sever connections to their families. . .
3. Brainwashing. You may think you're strong of mind, but if you are separated from those you love, deprived of sleep, and told over and over again what to believe, you would almost certainly snap and your brain will lose its ability to critically consider what you were being told.
4. Exploitation. After the lonely seeker has been transformed into a brainwashed cult member, the cult can use that person almost like a slave to bring money or new members into the group.
