A thought-provoking dramatization of an actual classroom experiment on individualism vs. conformity in which a high school teacher formed his own "Reich" (called "The Wave") to show why the German people could so willingly embrace Nazism. This unflinching yet sensitive 1981/82 Emmy Award-winner raises critical questions: When does dedication to a group cross the line from loyalty to fanaticism? What is the nature of propaganda and mass persuasion? In the secular or religious world, mind control is the way to get the masses to react to a idea or movement. Movements will usually extol their superiority over others.
Uniqueness of the movement
Movements will usually extol their superiority over others. After all, there should be a strong reason to select that particular group. Some present themselves as being the sole way towards salvation, or being God's chosen people. Others promise a benefit that is reserved solely for members of that sect. To divert attention, some pride themselves in not having a teaching, or for their openness and democratic rules.
In short, new movements will advance a variety of reasons for their uniqueness. Herewith a few:
- Never before has mankind been offered this discipline / interpretation / insight of our leader.
- Do not pour new wine in old bottles.
- God's, or a celestial, new message to mankind for this particular time.
- Impending disaster (pollution, atomic explosion) calls for drastic measures. Salvation reserved, only for faithful members.
- Fresh interpretation of holy book thanks to insight / revelation of founder.
- Esoteric tradition, once accessible to adepts only, now revealed.
- New channel for teachings of esoteric lodge / brotherhood.
- New doctrine / insight based on latest scientific discoveries, reveals truth.
- Only those following this particular work on self, discipline, or belief, will reach eternity, be released from earth's satanic attraction, cycle of rebirths, etc.
- Preparatory group to make way for the coming of the new messiah / world-teacher / avatar.
Noteworthy is the vehemence with which groups stress differences between each other. The more closely movements share an outlook, the more virulent the attacks on their rivals become, much more so than on other groups which follow completely different beliefs. This manifests itself especially when groups split. In [medieval] Christianity, one could not stoop too low in attacking other followers of Christ who held a slightly different opinion of things. It resulted in disastrous wars. [The Twenty Years War, The Forty Years War...]
ON THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SPIRITUAL MOVEMENTS, Michael Rogge (URL)