Twelve Tribes

The Twelve Tribes is a religious group founded by Gene Spriggs in the 1970s in the United States, known for its communal lifestyle and strict adherence to Old Testament teachings. The group has been labelled a cult due to allegations of child labor, abuse, and isolation from mainstream society. The Twelve Tribes has communities worldwide, including in Australia, where it has faced similar accusations and scrutiny from authorities and former members.

1. Authoritative Leadership

Score: 3

Gene Spriggs, also known as Yoneq, established himself as the unquestioned leader, whose teachings and directives shape the community’s beliefs and practices. The leadership structure is hierarchical, with Spriggs' interpretations of the Bible being the ultimate authority, which followers must adhere to without question.

2. Control Over Information

Score: 3

Twelve Tribes maintain strict control over information. Members are encouraged to limit exposure to external media and are taught to rely solely on the group's interpretations of religious texts. This insular approach prevents members from accessing outside perspectives and maintains the group's doctrinal purity.

3. Deception

Score: 3

The group often presents itself under different names and engages in deceptive recruitment practices. Potential recruits might be drawn in through their businesses or communal living appeals without being fully informed about the group's deeper beliefs and lifestyle expectations.

4. Exclusive Knowledge

Score: 3

Twelve Tribes claims to possess a unique understanding of Biblical truth, which it believes is essential for salvation and the establishment of God’s Kingdom on Earth. This exclusive knowledge sets them apart from mainstream Christianity and reinforces their sense of being a chosen, special community.

5. Exploitation

Score: 3

Members are exploited through long working hours in communal businesses with little or no personal financial gain. The group expects complete dedication of time and resources to the community, often leading to significant personal sacrifice and hardship.

6. Fear, Guilt, & Intimidation

Score: 3

The use of fear, guilt, and intimidation is prevalent. Members are warned of dire spiritual consequences, such as eternal damnation, if they leave the group or disobey the leadership. This emotional manipulation fosters a culture of fear and strict adherence to the group's rules.

7. Isolation

Score: 3

Twelve Tribes practises physical and social isolation from the broader society. Members live in tightly-knit communities, often in rural or secluded areas, and have limited interactions with non-members. This isolation deepens their dependence on the group and strengthens internal bonds.

8. Micro-Management of Daily Tasks

Score: 3

The community exercises detailed control over members' daily lives, including their work schedules, dietary habits, and even their parenting practices. This micro-management ensures that all aspects of life are aligned with the group's doctrines and communal living standards.

9. Monitoring Thoughts & Behaviours

Score: 3

There is extensive monitoring of members' behaviours and thoughts. Leaders and peers are expected to report any deviations from accepted norms, fostering a pervasive environment of surveillance and control. This monitoring helps maintain uniformity and compliance.

10. Punishment & Discipline

Score: 3

Strict disciplinary measures are used to enforce obedience. Punishments can include physical discipline, shunning, and public humiliation. Children are particularly subject to harsh corporal punishment, which is seen as a necessary tool for spiritual correction.

11. Thought Reform

Score: 3

Members undergo continuous indoctrination through daily communal activities and teachings. This thought reform process is designed to reshape their beliefs and identities to align closely with the group's religious ideology and community norms.

12. Us vs. Them Mentality

Score: 3

The group promotes a strong “us vs. them” mentality, portraying themselves as the righteous few in contrast to a corrupt outside world. This narrative justifies their isolation and reinforces a deep sense of community and mission against perceived external threats.

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Total Score: 36/36

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Overall Cult Ranking: 10. Extremely Destructive Group

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Twelve Tribes scores a full 36 out of 36 on Renee’s Cult Ranking Criteria, equivalent to a 10 on the overall scale. This perfect score highlights the extensive and severe levels of control and coercion exercised by the group. Such a high degree of manipulation underscores the profound impact on members' lives, necessitating awareness and intervention to address these dynamics.

Under Gene Spriggs’ leadership, Twelve Tribes exemplifies a highly coercive and controlled environment. This analysis using Renee’s Cult Ranking Criteria illustrates the comprehensive methods of manipulation and exploitation used to maintain the group’s strict adherence to its doctrines.

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Further Reading

• What drove religious elder to leave controversial cult

• Twelve Tribes sect in $6 million property sell-off in Picton

• An eerie night inside Blue Mountains sect the Twelve Tribes