Well, rather than go through all the details, check this site
http://www.caic.org.au/biblebase/workers/cooney.htmI both experienced and observed everything mentioned on that site. What I can add that wasn't mentioned there...
Children are primarily home schooled, and those that are not, such as myself, are not permitted to participate in any extra-curricular activities. The only friends permitted for association are those whom are already a part of the church.
Marriage outside the church was not permitted. Those involved in affairs, pre-marriage sex, or seeking divorce were excommunicated (including the spouse not seeking the divorce).
Smoking, alcohol, drugs, make-up, "revealing outfits", piercings, tattoos, jewelry, parties, most holidays - all forbidden.
I should mention that excommunication meant being shunned by the entire congregation. I personally witnessed this happening, and, had it happen to me. People that I had grown up with, been friends with for decades, no longer even giving the time of day simply because of the threat of excommunication and eternal hellfire. The threat of spending eternity in hell was an ever present topic of discussion.
Technology is heavily frowned upon, especially anything to do with entertainment. Our family had no television for the first dozen years, and, when we did get one, we hid it anytime an "elder" would call to come by, because to be caught would have meant possible excommunication / banishment. Members of my family who did not "belong" to the church were not permitted at church functions or gatherings on threat of banishment / excommunication of those whom invited them.
The family structure that members had to follow...the male was in charge, made all important decisions, was the "breadwinner", was the voice for the entire home. The female was to be subservient, follow the males lead in all things, take care of any of the males needs, perform all cooking, cleaning, childcare, etc., The children were to be subservient, well behaved <read be small adults>(on threat and application of both psychological and physical application), be seldom seen and less heard. Even in this, male children were given preferential treatment and girls were extensions of the mother (cooking, cleaning, etc.).
Higher education was only permitted in select fields that could benefit the church and were not objectionable to the Workers / Ministers. Sciences of almost any kind, many humanities liberal / liberal studies, critical thought programs or courses, much of theology plus more were not permitted since these courses encourage questioning and rational / critical thinking. Questioning the faith or the Workers was seen as straying or being influenced by Satan. Dinosaurs, evolution, quantum mechanics, other galaxies, the composition and history of our planet, et al ...all works of either Satan or God, with God "testing" our faith.
The Workers (as they are referred to) hold power through the threat of excommunication. Salvation is only obtainable by following their directives and living a pure life. They preach that they are the only ones who can correctly interpret scripture and therefore, salvation is only obtainable with their assistance. Failure to attend even one church function is scrutinized and could be reason for excommunication. The hierarchy always consisted of one senior worker and one junior worker in a county or area. The workers within a state were overseen by a worker who was in charge of that state, and these in turn selected an overall national leader. I have heard, though not verified, that national leadership was alternately handed down or even earlier, inherited.
Members often stay in this cult for fear of losing contact with their family and friends through shunning, and, of course, there is always the threat of hell.
As a child, before our family started "to stray", the threat of being burned alive forever was to say the least, a significant motivator. After that came "Why can't we go see ( fill in name of former excom member)? " Because s/he has strayed and is now under the influence of the devil". Grow up hearing that and living with that year after year and it's D*** effective. Personally, I credit this cult with causing me to become a predator (no longer, different topic). That however is a different topic which I'm not qualified to scientifically support, not being a psychologist or behavioral specialist, only a biased ex-participant.
Only after I got out did I begin to realize how pervasive the programming was...almost 2 decades later, I still catch myself with hangups from that time.
