Center for Spiritual Life

Unaffiliated Groups on Campus

The Center for Spiritual Life has received numerous concerning reports of a few unauthorized religious groups approaching students on Brandeis’ campus. These interactions may seem innocuous at first, but often involve high-pressure and manipulative tactics which can affect students’ mental health, academic performance, family/friend relationships, personal finances, privacy, and overall well being.

Brandeis supports a wide variety of faith traditions and denominations through trained chaplains and external organizations who affiliate with the Center for Spiritual Life and agree to abide by Brandeis’ policies. If a church or other religious organization is not listed on the Center for Spiritual Life’s website, or is not a registered student organization, it is not affiliated with Brandeis or the Center for Spiritual Life.

If you think that you — or others you know — have been approached by or are involved with an unauthorized, coercive group, please reach out to slife@brandeis.edu and Public Safety. Chaplains at the Center for Spiritual Life can provide a confidential space for you to process your experiences and ask questions.

A Guide For Making Safe Judgments About Religious Groups On Campus

Do you think you may be involved with a coercive group? If you’re in doubt, call on helpful campus resources. Chaplains in the Center for Spiritual Life are confidential resources who can provide a nonjudgmental space for you to process your experiences with a group and ask questions. Below serves as a guide to making safe judgments about religious groups on campus.

Common Techniques used by unauthorized religious groups

  1. Claiming that a person’s previous religious/spiritual experiences are invalid (e.g. insisting on re-baptism)

  2. Claiming that the religious group is “true family” at the expense of other friends and family

  3. Engaging students in intensive one-on-one “study sessions” with the intent to indoctrinate

  4. Repeated questions and pressure to “confess,” especially involving sexual experiences

  5. Group pressure and “love bombing” (excessive flattery, discouraging of doubts, instant friendship with everyone)

  6. Claims of being the “one true” campus religious group and condemning other groups

  7. Absolutism — insisting on unquestioned obedience, limits independent thought or action

Checklist of Warning Signs

  • Is there room for my individuality in this group? Am I discouraged from making my own choices?

  • Do I feel pressured by constant visits, calls, or emails? Do group members refuse to take no for an answer?

  • Does it feel like too much is being asked of me too quickly? (time, commitment, money, divulging personal information, etc)

  • Is there an implicit or explicit threat of negative consequences for anyone who leaves the group?

Ask Yourself: Am I Accepted for Who I Am?

  • Does the group respect other beliefs and allow for discussion, questions, and doubts?

  • Does the group make you feel unworthy, guilty or ashamed?

  • Do they imply or claim that you need them?

  • Are group members forthcoming when answering your questions?

  • Are certain members believed to innately have more rights than others?

  • Does the group only meet in off-campus locations?

  • Is the leader held in high esteem, almost to the point of divinity?

  • Does the group hold its activities in higher regard than other things that are important to you, such as school, friends or family?

  • Are my questions seen as signs of weak faith? Are questions subtly discouraged, or even met with hostility?

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Do your research. Look up the group’s reputation using external sources before attending any events or meetings.

  • Reach out to trusted mentors, faculty, and staff for support if in doubt.

  • Know who you are and trust your gut. Don’t let others make decisions for you or tell you how you should feel.

  • Be wary of people who want you to share intimate personal information. You should not feel pressured to share your personal information or history. 

  • Beware of people who are excessively flattering or overly friendly.

  • Beware of groups who subtly separate you from friends or family.

  • Demand that the organization clearly identify themselves – what are their beliefs, practices, and expectations for your involvement?

  • Check to see if a group is registered with the Center for Spiritual Life and/or recognized by the university before becoming involved.

Leaving a Group

We understand it can be very difficult to leave a group for a variety of reasons including fear of losing friends or feeling like you’re being mean to people who have been nice to you. Nevertheless, with high-pressure groups, it’s very important to set clear boundaries. Here is some example language you might use if you are approached:

  • “I understand you’re not a registered group at Brandeis, and I have concerns about the way you’ve approached me and others. I do not want to participate in your activities and expect you to cease all communication with me going forward.”