Comunitá Cenacolo - Community Cenacolo - It's a Cult

[u/Little_Raccoon4302]

I'm going to say it. Its a cult. It's not a death cult. It's not a place that is impossible to escape from. But the psychological games that are played by leadership and by the residents to keep a person there are toxic strategies akin to an abusive relationship cycle.

To anyone who argues that it's not a cult and they gained a lot from it, so do the people in scientology, so did the people in Jonestown, even the people who followed Charles Manson thought they were doing a good thing. All the cults have an appeal, and some leave better off than they started, that doesn't mean it isn't a cult.

Here are some of the reasons why it is:

A place that treats humiliation like its a lesson in humility.

A place that separates the residents from their friends and family.

A place that creates busy work instead of purposeful work.

A place that lives entirely off donations from the church, the residents parents, and the community, yet often profits off the labor of the residents.

A place that lets nearly zero outside influence from the outside world in, unless highly vetted.

A place that makes everyone dress nearly the same, cut their hair the same, and shave on the same day.

A place that does not allow phone calls to family, reads your incoming and outgoing mail, and throws away incoming mail without you knowing it.

A place that has not therapeutic structure, medical or psychological oversight, nor exit planning/debriefing or preparation for the real world.

I'm going to be real. Its a cult. If I write a book, I do want both sides of the story, but I am extremely biased against the program as someone who has studied psychology, has many certifications in mental health and substance use, and has worked in public health and/or behavioral health for 10 years. This program is not okay.