Neuropsychologist Seth D. Norrholm considers the modern American Republican party to be a cult.
Although members of the GOP still refer to themselves as a political party with principled stances, the reality is they have now morphed into a domestic terror organization and to use the umbrella term, a cult – the largest and most dangerous cult in American history.
Seth D. Norrholm, PhD
Norrholm points out that the Republicans have completely abandoned political bipartisanship and compromise.
There was a time when the two major political parties in America could exhibit bipartisanship by moving across the aisle to compromise on the issues on which they were legislating… There were largely two sides of the issue and some areas for compromise. This is no longer possible in today’s sociopolitical climate.
Seth D. Norrholm, PhD
The evidence
Dr. Norrholm says that cults are manifested when there is uncritical and undying support of a single person who has become, to his followers, “the Dear Leader or Savoir.”
These followers are often prone to violence in support of the leader. He cites the examples of the 1978 attack on a Congressional fact-finding visit to Jonestown, Guyana and the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol.
Dr. Norrholm also says that cults are characterized by narrow, distorted, group thinking that does not allow its believers to see multiple points of view. In politics, this type of thinking prevents people from being able to even find the middle-ground – let alone negotiate or compromise with others.
Dr. Norrholm gives a list of specific topic areas where Republicans have staked out dangerous, extremist positions:
- Treason, conspiracy, and fraud
- Slavery
- Inaction in response to natural disasters and global health crises
- Gun violence against school children
- Jeopardizing national security and sharing classified documents
- The breaking of campaign finance laws
He says, “There should be no middle-ground on tolerance of crime, period.” Yet, almost all Republicans want to excuse Trump’s crimes. Instead of seeking justice, elected Republicans are attacking the prosecutors and our Constitutional legal processes.
This is cultic behavior.
How do people get caught in a cult?
Interestingly, Dr. Norrholm considers using the term “brainwashing” to explain how people join cults to be “an oversimplification.” He believes the term implies they are “passive victims to an irresistible force.”
Instead he quotes psychiatrist Robert Lifton’s argument that one enters a cult through “voluntary self-surrender.” Norrholm says, “the decision to give up control as part of the cult process may actually be part of the reason why people join.” People can be both insecure and lazy.
Research and experience tell us that those who are “cult vulnerable” may have a sense of confusion or separation from society or seek the same sort of highly controlled environment that was part of their childhood. It has also been suggested that those who are at risk for cult membership feel an enormous lack of control in the face of uncertainty (i.e., economic, occupational, academic, social, familial) and will gravitate more towards a cult as their distress increases.
Seth D. Norrholm, PhD
How can Christians be members of this cult?
Non-Republicans are often astonished how self-proclaimed “Christians” can be the foundation of the Republican cult, given the wide gap between the teachings and behavior of Jesus versus the teachings and behavior of Donald J. Trump.
Dr. Norrholm explains this inconsistency by referring to “the phenomenon of cognitive dissonance in which there is a disconnect between one’s feelings, beliefs, and convictions and their observable actions.”
This dissonance is distressing and, in order to relieve the anxiety, people may become more invested in the cult or belief system that goes against who they are individually. As such, cult members become more “dug-in” and will cling to thoughts and beliefs that contradict available evidence.
Seth D. Norrholm, PhD
In other words, the more anxious a person becomes about the disconnect between their political choices and their professed religious beliefs, the more they cling to their political choices out of insecurity.
This sounds crazy to the rational thinker, but it is psychologically sound. It is similar to the behavior of addicts. The anxiety produced by one’s addiction can drive one more strongly towards that very addiction for psychological comfort.
“What are you doing there?” he said to the tippler, whom he found settled down in silence before a collection of empty bottles and also a collection of full bottles.
“I am drinking,” replied the tippler, with a lugubrious air.
“Why are you drinking?” demanded the little prince.
“So that I may forget,” replied the tippler.
“Forget what?” inquired the little prince, who already was sorry for him.
“Forget that I am ashamed,” the tippler confessed, hanging his head.
“Ashamed of what?” insisted the little prince, who wanted to help him.
“Ashamed of drinking!”
from The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery, pp. 34-35
What can be done?
Dr. Norrholm says, “There are exit strategies for people ensnared in a cult.” He emphasizes the need for cult members to see “the adverse consequences of the group’s behavior.” He specifically lists indictment, incarceration, and job loss as factors that can wake people up.
Indeed, many of those convicted and imprisoned for crimes related to the January 6th, 2021 insurrection now say that they were lied to by Trump. Hopefully, should Trump eventually find himself in prison, most Republicans will snap out of their self-inflicted blindness.
But even should their hero be held legally accountable for his crimes, many members of the cult will continue to stand by him. This is evidenced by the fact that the more his current legal troubles mount up, the better he seems to do in the polls and the more money he raises. Sadly, the more a cult is threatened, the more its hardcore believers double-down on their delusion.
And thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggeth their souls down to hell; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own snare.
Doctrine and Covenants 10:26
Sources:
Seth D. Norrholm, PhD, “A neuroscientist warns: We’re watching the largest and most dangerous ‘cult’ in American history,” Raw Story, August 5, 2023. (Also on MSN.com).
Antoine De Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince, Harcourt, 1943.
Very well stated. It’s also very sad to see friends and loved ones be so convinced in support of these cult-like political/religious views.
Very interesting and thought provoking. I liked seeing “The Little Prince” here. Incidentally, Wendy Ulrich gave a very good presentation at the 2005 FAIR Conference on Cognitive Dissonance.
It appears Trump will get away with not debating his Republican opponents.
To protect its brand the Democratic Party needs to have President Biden debate – RFK Jr, Marrianne Williamson, and Cornel West too.
The country needs real debate.
My observation is that many in the Republican Party are not dupped or doubling down. Many are hoping that miraculously third party will appear. They believe in a system that that offers choices and feel themselves imprisoned in a system with too few opportunities to entertain viable options. I realize that they are putting their heads in the sand, but I hear so many say they feel helpless to even begin to participate in the creation of a third party that can replace the Republican Party. Many seek candidates from the numerous parties on the ballot, but haven’t found a match.