Recover From Coercive Control
A note before you read on:
The information on this page may bring up difficult feelings, particularly if you have personal experience with this group. That's a completely understandable response — what many members go through is genuinely harmful.
It's also worth noting that the overall score presented here is an average. Regardless of where a group sits on the scale, a single adverse experience — like being deceived, manipulated, or pressured even once — can be genuinely traumatic and deserving of support.
If you'd like help making sense of your experience, Renée offers specialised online counselling for survivors of high-control groups. Renée's counselling is built around understanding exactly how groups like this operate.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrian Community in Australia
Also known as Parsi
Founded by Zarathustra, also known as Zoroaster
6th or 7th century BCE
Established in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). Communities currently in Australia, India, North America, and Europe
Estimated followers between 100,000 and 200,000 worldwide; 3000 in Australia
Summary of Beliefs
Zoroastrianism, founded by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster) in ancient Persia, is one of the world's oldest continuously practiced religions. It centres on the dualistic cosmology of good and evil, where Ahura Mazda (the Wise Lord) represents the supreme god of truth, light, and goodness, while Angra Mainyu (the Destructive Spirit) embodies chaos and malevolence. Followers are encouraged to actively promote the good and combat the forces of evil in their thoughts, words, and deeds.
At the heart of Zoroastrianism is the principle of Asha, which signifies truth, order, and righteousness. Adherents are guided by the ethical maxim "Good thoughts, good words, good deeds," reflecting a commitment to living a morally upright life. The religion also places a strong emphasis on individual choice and responsibility, advocating for the importance of moral integrity and the pursuit of a just and harmonious existence. Through rituals, prayers, and community activities, Zoroastrians strive to align themselves with the divine order and contribute to the overall well-being of the world.
Analysis Using Renée's Cult Ranking
1. Authoritative Leadership
Score: 1
The Zoroastrian community in Australia is organised with respect for both religious and community leaders. However, leadership tends to be more democratic and participatory, with members having a say in community affairs and religious practices.
2. Control Over Information
Score: 0
Information about Zoroastrian beliefs and practices is openly available, and there is a strong emphasis on education and transparency within the community. Members are encouraged to learn and share knowledge about their faith.
3. Deception
Score: 0
The Zoroastrian community in Australia does not engage in deceptive practices. There is a commitment to honesty and integrity in both religious and social interactions.
4. Exclusive Knowledge
Score: 1
While Zoroastrian religious texts and doctrines are highly respected, they are not exclusive to a select few. The community promotes widespread knowledge and understanding of their teachings among all members and those interested in the faith.
5. Exploitation
Score: 0
The Zoroastrian community is known for its strong ethical foundation, focusing on the well-being and fair treatment of all its members. There is no evidence of exploitative practices within the community in Australia.
6. Fear, Guilt, & Intimidation
Score: 0
Zoroastrianism emphasises the positive aspects of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. The community does not use fear, guilt, or intimidation to control its members.
7. Isolation
Score: 1
Zoroastrians in Australia actively engage with the broader society while maintaining their unique cultural and religious identity. They do not isolate themselves from non-members and participate in diverse social and civic activities, however, they are a close-knit community.
8. Micro-Management of Daily Tasks
Score: 0
There is no micro-management of daily lives within the Zoroastrian community. Members are free to organise their routines and activities independently of religious or community mandates.
9. Monitoring Thoughts & Behaviours
Score: 0
The community does not monitor or control the thoughts and behaviours of its members. Individuals are encouraged to live according to their conscience and the ethical guidelines of the faith.
10. Punishment & Discipline
Score: 0
Discipline within the Zoroastrian community is centred on moral guidance rather than punitive measures. There is an emphasis on constructive feedback and personal growth rather than harsh punishment.
11. Thought Reform
Score: 0
The Zoroastrian faith encourages individual understanding and reflection on its teachings. There are no coercive methods employed to enforce conformity or alter personal beliefs.
12. Us vs. Them Mentality
Score: 1
Zoroastrians maintain a sense of pride in their heritage and religion but do not promote an antagonistic view towards non-members. They value diversity and coexist peacefully with other communities.
Total Score: 4/36
Overall Cult Ranking: 1. Benign Group
The Zoroastrian community in Australia scores 4 out of 36 on Renee’s Cult Ranking System, resulting in an average score of 3.3. This places the community in the category of a benign group. The Zoroastrian community upholds its traditions and values without exhibiting harmful or exploitative behaviours and maintains open and respectful interactions with the broader society.
The Zoroastrian community in Australia embodies a model of peaceful coexistence and respect for individual autonomy. While they maintain a strong cultural and religious identity, they do so without engaging in practices that could be considered harmful or coercive.
Further Reading
IS IT A CULT?: Response from
Zoroastrian Community in Australia
No known response.
Support available for anyone impacted by a high-control groups or relationships, and want to speak to someone who understands coercive control and the road to recovery
These assessments evaluate group dynamics, particularly patterns associated with coercive control. They are not determinations about whether any individual has or has not experienced trauma, abuse, or harm. Personal impact varies widely. Coercive control often develops through an accumulation of influences rather than a single event, though specific moments — such as discovering deception or betrayal — can themselves be deeply distressing or traumatic. If your experiences in a group have affected your wellbeing, support from a trauma-informed counsellor or therapist can be an important step toward understanding, healing, and regaining a sense of autonomy. Assessments provided here are conducted using Renée's Cult Ranking system and reflect her personal opinions, which are based on online sources and personal testimonies. Renée acknowledges that groups can change over time, for better or worse, and that individual experiences within any given group can vary. Renée is open to respectful discussions and encourages diverse perspectives to foster a better understanding of matters raised.