Steve Hassan and Rick Ross Wikipedia pages

Cult News
Sponsored by the Cult Education Institute

Home


Getting Help  |   Mind Control  |   Contact  |   About  |   What's New  |   Headlines  |   Links  |   Books  |   Help Us  |   FAQ




2006
Aug
14

Is “religious scholar” J. Gordon Melton a “vampire” helper?
DaAdmin Cult Apologist?, Jehovah's Witnesses 2 comments
 
J. Gordon Melton 1994J. Gordon Melton has made a substantial income over the years by selling himself as a “cult apologist.” His list of clients has included the notorious “Children of God” (COG) known for its fund raising through prostitution and child sexual abuse.
As CultNews previously reported Melton received $10,000.00 from a charity controlled by COG members, now known as “The Family.”
He has also defended the existence of “Ramtha” — the 35,000-year-old spirit from the “Lost Continent of Atlantis” allegedly channeled by Judy Z. Knight for her follower’s edification in Yelm, Washington.
Melton was hired by Knight to “research” her claims and concluded that she is “not a fraud.”
It seems that no matter how bad or ridiculous a purported “cult” may be Gordon Melton can come up with an apology, for the right price.
This same “researcher” also traveled to Japan after the cult Aum gassed subways in Tokyo and surmised quickly that the group “was a victim of excessive police pressure.” Aum reportedly paid for all of his travel expenses.
Now Mr. Melton offers up his apologies for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In an article published by the Grand Rapids Press, largely skewed to the Witness point-of-view, the supposed ”religious scholar” and former UC Santa Barbara library worker claimed the controversial religious organization is “very benign.”
Melton apparently chose to ignore the many Witnesses that have died due to their religion’s rules regarding blood transfusion. And he likewise neglected mentioning the frequent court interventions ordered by judges around the world that have at times saved the lives of Witness children. Kids that needed blood who would have otherwise become a needless sacrifice made by Witness parents through medical neglect.
Melton also ignored the countless families that become estranged because of the undue influence exerted by Jehovah’s Witnesses and its leaders. A seemingly endless stream of child custody battles that trail in the wake of Witness divorces, when one spouse won’t follow another into conversion, prompted by the door-to-door proselytizers.
And then there is the Jehovah’s Witnesses sexual abuse scandal, a series of allegations concerning the church’s inadequate handling of reports regarding child molestation made by its members.
Never mind about all these very serious issues.
Mr. Melton says the Witnesses should be thanked for ”some of the basic rights we enjoy today [which] they won for us.” He means like the right to pester people at their homes repeatedly through unwanted visits with redundant prophecies of doom.
Mr. Melton is also reportedly fascinated with vampires.
Maybe there  is something about people dying over blood loss that makes Melton a fan of both Jehovah’s Witnesses and the mythical predators of the night?
Perhaps Gordon Melton sees himself as something like a familiar, the people who according to some stories guard the vampire’s lair during the day when they are confined to coffins. Protecting their “Master” while the sun shines, so that he can crawl out safely at night to prey upon humanity.
Dracula in his coffinIn much the same sense Melton the “scholar” can be seen as a protector providing cover for his ”cult” patrons that exploit others. He offers up apologies about how supposedly benevolent they are, thus shielding them from ”persecution” so that they can continue to recruit unsuspecting potential victims.
Sound a bit over the top?
Jim Jones was responsible for the cult mass murder-suicide of more than 900 people in Jonestown November 18, 1978. However, Mr. Melton said, “This wasn’t a cult. This was a respectable, mainline Christian group.”
Whether it’s Dracula or a murderous cult leader like Jim Jones, J. Gordon Melton apparently sees something ”respectable.”
 

2006
Jul
06

Jehovah’s Witness leaders work the worldly system for cash
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses 7 comments
 
Known for their persistent door-to-door missionary work and handout magazine called “The Watchtower,” ”Jehovah’s Witnesses” have repeatedly predicted the “end of the world” with a sense of urgency to anyone willing to listen.
The Watchtower in BrooklynHowever, the sect seems to repeatedly fail regarding its dates, including a purported final judgment set for 1925 and another that never came some fifty years later.
According to the ”Religious Tolerance” Web site, which is known for its frequent apologies rather than admonishments regarding groups called ”cults,” the Witnesses have actually made many more failed predictions. The theologically tolerant site without apology lists 1914, 1915, 1918, 1920 and 1994, as examples of additional Witness failures. 
Much more religiously conservative Christian Web sites have longer lists of apparent blunders, such as a “Watchman Expositor,” which examines the organization’s supposedly “biblical” calculations.
Perhaps as a result of all these mistakes the Witnesses appear to have given up on the dating game. The group says now that the “end is fluid,” which sounds more like “hedging a bet” than anything related to the bible.
However, an embarrassing fact still remains despite all the sect’s calculations, recalculations and subsequent spin.
Jehovah’s Witnesses historically bought a great deal of real estate over the years in what seems to be a very shrewd long-term investment effort.
But if they really expected the world to end so soon, why didn’t the Witnesses just lease?
Well, the reasoning for buying up so much property becomes quite clear when looking at the group’s recent penchant for selling off some of its valuable accumulated assets.
As CultNews previously reported the Witnesses religious devotion apparently includes developing real estate in New York.
And the controversial organization that some have called an End Times ”cult” has recently made millions selling off and/or developing its holdings in Brooklyn alone.
Where there was once a Watchtower magazine warehouse and distribution center near the East River, ”swanky condominiums”  are going up with a view of Manhattan.
And now the Witnesses have put more of their New York property up on the block reports Knowledge Plex.
For sale is a three-story residential building at 409 Central Park West between West 100th and 101st streets.
The Witnesses want $4.5 million for the “air rights” to this property and expect to stay on the first three floors, allowing a developer to build on top or adjacent to the property.
Jehovah’s Witnesses also own a building at 960 E. 174th St. in the Bronx, which is currently used for worship.
However, the faithful will have to meet somewhere else, as this property is currently listed at $1.35 million, for development as affordable housing.
Knowledge Plex points out that many nonprofit organizations and other tax-exempted religious groups in New York are also taking advantage of recent real estate appreciation to sell off their properties for record prices.
But the leaders of Jehovah’s Witnesses have always attempted to separate their organization from such worldly things.
Witnesses don’t vote, participate in clubs, organized team sports or the military because to do so would somehow represent involvement with an earthly “system,” which is ultimately influenced by Satan.
Witnesses claim that their organization is the only one today that is sanctioned by Jehovah on earth.
However, it seems when it comes to making money, Witness leaders can be very worldly indeed. And they have no problem cooperating with developers and making savvy business deals to work the worldly system for profit.
 

2006
Feb
08

Jehovah’s Witnesses sell out to cash in
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses 26 comments
 
Jehovah’s Witnesses historically have predicted the end of the world four times. Needless to say nothing happened and they now insist that no such specific prophecies were ever really made. Now the organization claims the “end is fluid,” whatever that means.
But for a group that seemed so sure that the end was near the Witnesses made some pretty savvy long-term investments.
Prime Witness property with Manhattan viewFor example, they bought up real estate in Brooklyn right on the East River opposite Manhattan, which has paid off quite handsomely.
Recently a huge windfall came to the controversial religion through the redevelopment of an old distribution center located in Brooklyn at 360 Furman Street. This building will be replaced by new luxury condos.
The Furman property will become 450 “swanky condominiums” called “One Brooklyn Bridge Park” reports the New York Daily News.
The developer says that it will have “exquisite waterfront views,” with a  ”lush 85-acre park setting, meditation room,” “refrigerated storage for grocery delivery” and that ”residents may purchase their own … private riverfront cabanas.”
Most Witnesses probably couldn’t afford a cabana, let alone a condo.
And these luxury digs will be a far cry from the humble dormitory-like existence Witness full-time workers known as “Bethelites” endure. These ”volunteer ministers” survive on a small monthly stipend and work for little more than room and board.
However, that low-cost labor force combined with the income from the publications they produce and of course donations, enabled Jehovah’s Witnesses to amass a real estate empire. The Brooklyn development deal is just one example of how the organization has cashed in on its member’s hard work.
Did the leadership of Jehovah’s Witnesses ever really believe the end of the world was so imminent?
If this was so, why didn’t they just lease?
It seems they did believe that the “end was near” for the hot real estate market, so they sold short.
Note: CultNews previously reported that Jehovah’s Witnesses “see Jesus as an angel rather than the Son of God.” For further clarification they specifically don’t acknowledge Jesus as the “only begotten Son of God.” At times Jehovah’s Witnesses may parse their language to obscure or avoid this point.
Postscript: CultNews correctly should have said that unlike Christians who believe that “Jesus is also God” included through the trinity, Jehovah’s Witnesses deny this historical Christian doctrine (see comments below).
 

2006
Jan
21

Web site in England exposes the writings of Jehovah’s Witnesses
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses 4 comments
 
Jehovah’s Witnesses successfully shut down a Canadian Web site that featured often-embarrassing quotes from their previously published materials, but now a new English Web site has popped up with even more.Witness headquarters in Brooklyn, New YorkThe Witnesses claimed that Toronto resident Peter Mosier, a long-standing, but unhappy member had unlawfully misappropriated and disclosed confidential information and damaged their copyright.
Interestingly, similar claims have been made by groups called “cults” such as Scientology and NXIVM that have seemingly used copyright and trade secret claims in an apparent effort to control information and stifle criticism.
Regarding Mosier the Witnesses claimed that the Canadian “defendant’s main purpose [was] not fair use but rather to try to embarrass [them]¦[and is] likely to cause confusion.”
Mosier responded that his “Web site [had] clear quotes that enable people to study.” And that the “Watchtower wants people to learn¦only on their own terms.”
But the Canadian eventually surrendered the legal battle rather than endure the onerous expense of probable protracted litigation.
Now comes a new Web site “Watchtower Quotes” recently launched from the United Kingdom, which features a collection of quotes from literature published by the “Watchtower Bible and Tract Society,” otherwise known as “Jehovah’s Witnesses.”
The site’s main page announces that it is a resource “for people who wish to study the changing doctrines of the Watchtower Society.”
Charles Taze Russell, founder of Jehovah's WitnessesFor example, Charles Taze Russell the founder of Jehovah’s Witnesses beleived that the Great Pyramid of Egypt contained “…an outline of the plan of God, past, present and future…”
Another portion of the Web site archive contains quotes regarding the teachings in Witness literature about aluminum published during the 1930s, which warned that “salts of aluminum¦[were] killing the whole country.”
Later there would be so-called “new light” supposedly from Jehovah channeled by the Watchtower leadership, which would allow Witnesses to wrap up leftovers with some handy aluminum foil.
“As there are so many doctrinal flip flops and silly quackery, all I can say is, they must have a very bad line with the Almighty,” the man who runs the new British Web site told CultNews.
During the 1960s many Witnesses died rather than accept organ transplants.
“Jehovah God did not grant permission for humans to try to perpetuate their lives by cannibalistically taking into their bodies human flesh, whether chewed or in the form of whole organs or body parts taken from others¦” concluded the Witness publication Awake in 1968.
This is another quote that can be found on the new English Web site, which has been carefully, organized through various topical categories.
“Richard Lloyd-Henderson,” the pen name used by the man that launched this new repository of historical Witness wisdom, says, “Jehovah’s Witnesses have paid the ultimate price with their lives after adhering to previously banned practices, such as vaccinations and blood fractions that are now perfectly acceptable.”
He concludes, “The Watchtower is blood guilty and their members need to know¦many Witnesses, who would probably still be alive today if the new light’ had arrived just a little bit sooner.”
“Lloyd-Henderson” is known to many on Internet discussion boards as “xjwRichard” and he is thankful for the pioneering efforts of Mosier.
“My thanks go to Peter Mosier for all his hard work in collating the quotes for the original site,” xjwRichard told CultNews.
So it seems that Jehovah’s Witnesses may have won one legal battle, but lost the war and actually only achieved focusing more attention upon their failed teachings.
 

2006
Jan
18

Can an alleged bigot learn tolerance from Jehovah’s Witnesses?
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses 2 comments
 
An alleged bigot convicted of disorderly conduct and accused of using racial slurs was sentenced to attend church instead of jail in Ohio reported The Enquirer of Cincinnati.
The man sentenced Brett Haines told the presiding judge Tuesday that he had attended services at a Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall.Alleged bigot Brett Haines stands up for his final judgement
The judge seemed pleased and apparently hopes that a religious experience will somehow broaden the man’s narrow mindedness, but how is this possible given the church he chose?
Jehovah’s Witnesses are one of the most intolerant, narrow-minded and ethnocentric religious organizations in the world today, not some ecumenical group of do-gooders.
Witnesses don’t celebrate Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter because they are labeled “pagan.”
They also eschew any involvement in other officially organized groups such as Boy Scouts and even exclude their children from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at school, because this would somehow demonstrate divided loyalties. Is this the example of inclusiveness and tolerance the judge had in mind?
According to Witnesses only their organization known as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and its so-called “Governing Body” is used by Jehovah to communicate with the world today.
Therefore in contrast, any other church or organization is essentially suspected of serving “Satan” and/or under some sort of “Satanic” influence. Maybe the judge should reconsider his sentence given his hope of reforming and rehabilitating Mr. Haines?
Why not be more specific and assign him to work at some urban program that serves the poor?
Perhaps a community project run by the NAACP?
Haines is unlikely to learn the ideal of tolerance from the Witnesses, who after all go door-to-door preaching that “Jehovah” will ultimately murder all those that don’t agree with their beliefs when the final judgement day comes.


 

2004
Apr
14

Is Prince following in the footsteps of Michael Jackson?
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses, Kabbalah Centre Add you comment
 
The Artist once again known as Prince is making something of a comeback. The singing sensation of the 1980s is in the midst of a 38-city tour bouncing off the buzz created by his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a recent performance at the Grammys.
But fans will find that Prince has changed, and it’s not only his music.
Joining a growing group of middle-aged stars seeking more “spirituality,” the 45-year-old former funk phenomenon has found religion.
However, unlike his contemporary Madonna who hooked up with a rather trendy rabbi/guru that sells “Kaballah water,” this 1980s pop icon has chosen Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Despite his past reputation as an innovator and trendsetter Prince has picked something old.
For more than a hundred years Jehovah’s Witnesses has thrived through its dark prophecies about an ever-imminent “final judgement.” The controversial religion is also known for its rejection of “worldly” things, from blood transfusions to birthdays.
Four years ago the funkster converted reportedly to satisfy his mother’s dying wish, but since then Prince has gone so far as to add religious lyrics to his theme song “Purple Rain.”
The new line in the song goes, “Say you can’t make up your mind? I think you better close it and open up the Bible.”
Close your mind?
Isn’t that like being “brainwashed“?
Prince may have even recast his old battles with record companies into something religious.
“I can tell you who made the System,” he told Newsweek cryptically (April 12, 2004). The “System,” according to Prince apparently includes the music recording business that he says once “enslaved” him.
But the word “System” has a darker connotation than slavery amongst Jehovah’s Witnesses. It encompasses everything “worldly” outside of the organization, which includes all world governments, businesses and any other religious organizations.
And “who made the System” and essentially controls it today?
According to the Witnesses its creator and guiding light is Satan.
This is why Witnesses shun such things as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, military service and political parties, because it’s all part of the “System” and therefore linked to “Satan.”
The “System” by definition also would certainly embrace such worldly things as the Grammys and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So why did Prince perform at these gatherings and become the willing “slave” of “worldly” Columbia Records?
Apparently there may be some other rulebook for famous Witnesses, who might easily make hefty gifts to “Jehovah’s Kingdom.”
This seemed to be the case for the “Gloved One” Michael Jackson during the 1980s, who was raised a Witness, but left the group after his hit album Thriller.
Following in the footsteps of the former “King of Pop,” Prince now proselytizes door- to-door.
Though when this five foot two androgynous performer promotes Jehovah’s Witnesses in Minneapolis he wears his trademark mascara and is “dressed in a tailor-made suit…stack heels” and driven to doorsteps in a “limo…surrounded by four bodyguards” says the London Mirror.
Well, Prince may still be “revolutionary” amongst Jehovah’s Witnesses.
 

2004
Jan
17

New York Times recasts cult compound as historic “hippie commune”
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses, Jonestown, Sai Baba Add you comment
 
The New York Times is often cited for its “politically correct” view of the news, but it seems like the “paper of record” has gone a bit too far and invented its own version of history.
In an article misleadingly titled “Commune to Close” a NY Times reporter describes a cult compound forced into liquidation by bankruptcy as “an enduring relic of the hippie commune explosion of the 1960′s” based upon the “principles of Christian love.”
Hardly.
Instead, the group known as “Love Israel” is one of the most notorious cults of the 1970s, as repeatedly exposed through numerous press accounts readily available to any serious researcher.
This information is largely glossed over and/or ignored by the Times reporter, who prefers to describe the group as a “commune,” rather than the much more obvious and historically accurate “c” word, “cult.”
The Times also allowed the group’s dictatorial leader Paul Erdman, who goes by the name “Love Israel,” to have the last word about everything.
Erdman brushed off any reports about sexual and financial exploitation within the group as merely “rumors” and “falsehoods” based upon “prejudice.”
Right.
The Times does not report the allegations of abuse about Love Israel in any meaningful depth, which ultimately led to the group’s bankruptcy. No cult victims or affected families are quoted, even though talk-show host Steve Allen discussed his son’s involvement publicly.
For an accurate portrayal of recent and past events surrounding the cult see the commentary of Rabbi James Rudin, a long-time expert observer of the group.
About 40 diehard followers still remain loyal to the 63-year-old Erdman. The cult leader told the Times, “Wherever we go we can do the same thing…we’ll just take that right with us.”
No doubt “Love Israel” will continue to control and manipulate his remaining followers in the same way he always has.
By the way, the New York Times calls such control being “like-minded.”
Does this mean that the Times reporter might view Jonestown through such a politically correct prism as simply a “commune” of “like-minded” people?
Perhaps, given this reporter’s seeming penchant for revisionist history.
CultNews previously reported that The New York Times declared the Jehovah’s Witnesses a “Christian denomination,” conferring a status upon the group that they have never possessed historically.
And once the Times lauded Sai Baba, a purported “cult leader” UN officials expressed concerns about due to “widely reported allegations of sexual abuse involving youth and children,” as “a friend of India and all the world.”
Isn’t it about time for the Times to tell its reporters to take more time researching their stories.
 

2003
Dec
18

Can Louis Farrakhan help Michael Jackson “beat it”?
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses, Nation of Islam Add you comment
 
Michael Jackson has joined Louis Farrakhan’s controversial Nation of Islam reports the New York Post.
Jermaine Jackson joined the group in 1989 and later began trying to recruit his brother Michael reported Fox News.
The Jackson family has a history of involvement with Jehovah’s Witnesses, another controversial religion with a troubled history, which does not allow its members to celebrate birthdays, holidays and discourages blood transfusions.
Michael Jackson disassociated himself from that faith not long after releasing his hit album Thriller. He has since said the religion was a source of sorrow in his life.
Now the former “King of Pop” has reportedly become “panicked” about the criminal charges he faces for child sexual abuse, but can Louis Farrakhan help him “beat it”?
The Nation of Islam didn’t prevent brother Jermaine from crashing into bankruptcy after his conversion.
Apparently some around the embattled “Jacko” are advising him to play the race card. And certainly Minister Farrakhan knows that game.
Farrakhan and Jackson seem to have little in common, other than taunting Jews.
Jackson once sang “Jew me, Sue me” and “Kick me, Kike me,” in his 1996 composition They Don’t Care About Us.
Farrakhan has derided Judaism, calling it a “gutter religion.”
Though the Nation of Islam leader would readily admit that according to his faith sexually molesting children might be somewhere beneath the “gutter.”
If Jackson is guilty will Farrakhan counsel him to confess and accept his punishment as the right thing to do?
The story of Malcolm X offers an example of a religious epiphany that led to higher moral ground.
However, Jackson is not unlike other celebrities that have fallen in with “cults” during times of distress and/or depression. He seems to be looking for a way out, a faith that can somehow deliver him from problems.
But given the seriousness of the star’s current situation, there may be no easy escape.
Note: Michael Jackson was charged today with nine criminal counts, seven for child molestation and two of administering an intoxicating agent for the purpose of a committing a felony. the complaint includes special allegations that could make Jackson ineligible for probation reports CNN.
 

2003
Sep
15

“Cult apologist” Dick Anthony making $3,500 a day in North Carolina?
DaAdmin Brainwashing, Cult Apologist?, Jehovah's Witnesses, Moonies / Unification Church, Scientology, Waco Davidians, Word of Faith Fellowship Add you comment
 
Psychologist and peripatetic professional “cult apologist” Dick Anthony is on the road again.
This time the man who often defends Scientology and considers Rev. Moon’s Unification Church and the Waco Davidians “non traditional religions” is plying his trade in Dixie.
Anthony charges $3,500 per day for his services and is now working for Jane Whaley, the leader of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale, North Carolina.
WOFF has often been called a “cult,” so it seems that would qualify Whaley as a client for Anthony.
Whaley and her followers are warring against a mother for custody of her four minor children. The alleged “cult leader” has apparently decided that some parents can’t leave her church with their family intact.
Former members say Whaley essentially controls her following through “brainwashing.”
However, Anthony is slated to submit an affidavit that will rebut such claims reports the Digital Courier.
Such a job is rather routine for the traveling professional apologist whose trade seems to be getting “cults” off the hook in legal situations.
“Have apologies, will travel,” must be Anthony’s motto in what appears to be a lucrative business.
And he certainly has his work cut out for him in the WOFF case.
The group is known for its bizarre behavior through such practices as “blasting.” This is when members are subjected to so-called “strong prayer” to deliver them from evil influences and/or sinfulness. Blasting basically amounts to surrounding and then screaming at someone designated as a likely “sinner.”
Not a pleasant experience according to some former members.
During recent court proceedings in Spindale Anthony was seen taking copious notes.
But at $3,500 per day is Whaley really getting her money’s worth?
Maybe the alleged “cult leader” should have checked out Anthony’s references first, case by case.
Dick has been on a bit of a losing streak lately.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Scientology, two of his most recent clients, each paid out substantial settlements despite Dick’s help.
The Witnesses alone opted to pay a plaintiff $1.5 million, the largest settlement in their history, rather than rely on Anthony as an expert in court.
Such settlements don’t really support the effectiveness and/or professional ability of this “cult apologist.”
Never mind. Anthony still seems to be laughing all the way to the bank and it looks like another good payday for him in Spindale.
 

2003
May
14

“The End” is near?
DaAdmin Aum Sect, End Times, Heaven's Gate, Japanese Sects, Jehovah's Witnesses, Millennial Madness, Pana Wave, Solar Temple, Ten Commandments, Y2K Add you comment
 
Tomorrow the world may end, or so says Yuko Chino, the 69-year-old leader of the bizarre wandering “Japanese cult” clad in white called Pana Wave, reports England’s The Independent .
However, a purported “cult” making doomsday predictions is nothing new.
Many groups before the turn of the century seemed enveloped in a kind of “millennial madness,” making dire predictions of coming catastrophe and calamity.
If it were not quite planetary extinction, then at least there would be a kind of technological meltdown due to the “Y2K” computer glitch.
Nothing happened.
Never mind. Cult leaders and/or prophets of doom simply came up with some savvy spin to satisfy their followers and moved on, with the tragic exception of the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments in Uganda.
Historically long-established groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses have learned that failed end times dates don’t mean “The End” for them and actually may increase baptisms, essentially becoming a useful recruitment tool.
People join up as if membership is the equivalent of an insurance policy against the event of Armageddon.
Yuko Chino seems to be carefully hedging her bets, by alternating between the claim that a lost seal in the news will somehow save humanity and/or that changes in outer space have already provided for a postponement, reports the New York Times.
One Pana Wave follower said, “I think it will be delayed till around May 22.”
But Japan’s Prime Minister just doesn’t get “why people believe in things said by such a group,” he asked plaintively.
After cult tragedies like “Heaven’s Gate,” the Solar Temple and most notably for the Japanese the doomsday cult called Aum, authorities in Japan are not taking any chances.
This week police raided Pana Wave locations just to make sure the group wasn’t concealing anything dangerous, like Aum once did, reports Mainichi Daily News.
However, one Japanese resident observed, “They’re not dangerous.” And added his main worry was “their…cars blocking…traffic.”
Yuko Chino has become a familiar figure in Japan through a series of such traffic jams. Perhaps that is what she always wanted.
Many cult leaders do seem to crave attention.
Despite Chino’s claims that she is suffering from terminal cancer and at death’s door, it appears the woman in white will be around for the foreseeable future.
Though judging from the reactions reported from several Japanese towns, Pana Wave is not a popular potential neighbor.
 
« Previous Entries
 
 




Twitter


Recent Posts
Who is Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha?
How do you deprogram a Scientologist?
Cult Watcher Steve Hassan’s links to fugitive sex offender
Notorious “cult” leader’s wife buried in Baltimore Jewish cemetery
“Cults Inside Out” — a new book by Rick Alan Ross

Recent Comments
The truth about TM compound that Oprah Winfrey failed to see: Course Participants or Captive Pandits on The truth about TM compound that Oprah Winfrey failed to see: Course Participants or Captive Pandits
Peter’s Site! on South Korean ‘cult’ JMS recruiting students at US universities
Some Notes on Cults | Sharp and Pointed on Have destructive cults declined?
Grossed_Out on “Order of Christ Sophia has become a dangerous and destructive organization”
Mollie on “Order of Christ Sophia has become a dangerous and destructive organization”

Categories
3HO
African cult
Al Qaeda
Amma
Amway
Ananda Church of Self-Realization
Animal Rights and Environmental Extremists
Annton Hein
Anti-Abortion Groups
Anton
Apologetics Index
Apostles of Infinite Love
Army of Mary
Aryan Nations
Assembly
Attleboro
Aum Sect
Benny Hinn
Beta Dominion Xenophilia
Black Hebrews
Brainwashing
Brethren
Brother Julius
Caritas of Birmingham
Charles Manson
Children of God
Chinese Sects
Ching Hai
Christian Broadcasting Network
Christian Identity
Christian Science
Chung
Church and State
Church of Bible Understanding
Church of God Restoration
Church of Israel
Church Universal and Triumphant
Clergy Abuse
Cult Apologist?
Cult Following
Deepak Chopra
Deprogramming
Elan Vital – Divine Light Mission
Elizabeth Smart Abduction
End Times
Endeavor Academy
Environmental Extremists
Equinox
Eric Rudolph
Evangelicals
Executive Success Programs (ESP)
Expert Witness
Faith healing
Faith Tabernacle Congregation
False Memories
Falun Gong
Fellowship of Friends
Forum
Four Winds Commune
Freemen
Friends Landing
Friends of the Eucharist
Fundamentalists
General Assembly Church of the First Born
God's Creation Outreach Ministry
Gordon Winrod
Greater Grace World Outreach
Hare Krishnas
Hate Groups
Heaven's Gate
His Community
House of Prayer
Immortal Consciousness
International Church of Christ
Irish Travelers
ISIS
Islamic Fundamentalists
Islamists
Japanese Sects
Jehovah's Witnesses
Jeong Myeong-seok JMS
Jewish Defense League
Jews for Jesus
Jonestown
Kabbalah Centre
Kashi Ashram
Ku Klux Klan
Landmark Education
Lifespring
Local Church
Love Family
Love Israel Family
Lyndon LaRouche and Executive Intelligence Report
Magnificat Meal Movement
Maranatha Ministries
Master Path
Messianic Jews
Militias
Millennial Madness
Miscellaneous
Moonies / Unification Church
Mormons
Multi-Level Marketing
Mungiki
Nation of Islam
National Alliance
Neo Nazis
New Alliance Party
New Cult Awareness Network
New Life Tabernacle
New Lighthouse Movement
New Mexico cult
North Korea
Nuwaubians
Oklahoma City Bombing, Timothy McVeigh, Terry Nichols
Opus Dei
Osho Rajneesh
Overcomers Ministry, R.G. Stair
Pana Wave
Paranormal
Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association
polygamists
Promise Keepers
Propaganda
Raelians
Ramtha School of Enlightenment
Rebirthing
Recovery
Rosicrucians
Russian Sects
Sai Baba
Salva Me of the Philippines
Satanism
Scientology
Siddha Meditation
Snake Handling Pentecostal Sects
Social Therapy
Soka Gakkai
Solar Temple
Sri Chinmoy
Sterling Institute of Relationships
Stong City
Swami Rama
Symbionese Liberation Army
Synanon
Teen Boot Camps
Teen Challenge
Ten Commandments
Terrorists
Transcendental Meditation
Trek Alliance
Trinity Broadcasting Network
True & Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the L
Tvind
Twelve Tribes
UFO Believers
Ultra-Orthodox Groups
Uncategorized
United Pentecostal Church International
Universal Church Kingdom of God
University Bible Fellowship
Voodoo
Waco Davidians
Walden House
Waldorf Schools
Wayne Bent
Wesson Family murders
Westboro Baptist Church
White Supremacists
Wicca
Word of Faith Fellowship
World Church of the Creator
World Ministries
Worldwide Church of God
Wright Family
Y2K
Yahweh Ben Yahweh
Yogaville

Meta
Log in
Entries RSS
Comments RSS
WordPress.org

Archives
April 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
April 2014
March 2014
August 2013
June 2013
April 2013
January 2013
November 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
May 2012
March 2012
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
March 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
May 2010
March 2010
February 2010
December 2009
August 2009
July 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
September 2008
August 2008
June 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
October 2007
September 2007
July 2007
April 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
August 2003
July 2003
June 2003
May 2003
April 2003
March 2003
February 2003
January 2003
December 2002
November 2002
October 2002
September 2002
August 2002
July 2002

Disclaimer
This news page is about groups, organizations or movements, which may have been called "cults" and/or "cult-like" in some way, shape or form. But not all groups called either "cults" or "cult-like" are harmful. Instead, they may be benign and generally defined as simply people intensely devoted to a person, place or thing. Therefore, the discussion or mention of a group, organization or person on this page, is not necessarily meant pejoratively.

Copyright
Unless otherwise noted, all material on this site is Copyright © Rick Ross.
 

Cult News · coogee theme · 2008
RSS Feed · WordPress · TOP
  



http://www.cultnews.com/category/jehovahswitnesses/














Cult News
Sponsored by the Cult Education Institute

Home


Getting Help  |   Mind Control  |   Contact  |   About  |   What's New  |   Headlines  |   Links  |   Books  |   Help Us  |   FAQ




2006
Aug
14

Is “religious scholar” J. Gordon Melton a “vampire” helper?
DaAdmin Cult Apologist?, Jehovah's Witnesses 2 comments
 
J. Gordon Melton 1994J. Gordon Melton has made a substantial income over the years by selling himself as a “cult apologist.” His list of clients has included the notorious “Children of God” (COG) known for its fund raising through prostitution and child sexual abuse.
As CultNews previously reported Melton received $10,000.00 from a charity controlled by COG members, now known as “The Family.”
He has also defended the existence of “Ramtha” — the 35,000-year-old spirit from the “Lost Continent of Atlantis” allegedly channeled by Judy Z. Knight for her follower’s edification in Yelm, Washington.
Melton was hired by Knight to “research” her claims and concluded that she is “not a fraud.”
It seems that no matter how bad or ridiculous a purported “cult” may be Gordon Melton can come up with an apology, for the right price.
This same “researcher” also traveled to Japan after the cult Aum gassed subways in Tokyo and surmised quickly that the group “was a victim of excessive police pressure.” Aum reportedly paid for all of his travel expenses.
Now Mr. Melton offers up his apologies for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In an article published by the Grand Rapids Press, largely skewed to the Witness point-of-view, the supposed ”religious scholar” and former UC Santa Barbara library worker claimed the controversial religious organization is “very benign.”
Melton apparently chose to ignore the many Witnesses that have died due to their religion’s rules regarding blood transfusion. And he likewise neglected mentioning the frequent court interventions ordered by judges around the world that have at times saved the lives of Witness children. Kids that needed blood who would have otherwise become a needless sacrifice made by Witness parents through medical neglect.
Melton also ignored the countless families that become estranged because of the undue influence exerted by Jehovah’s Witnesses and its leaders. A seemingly endless stream of child custody battles that trail in the wake of Witness divorces, when one spouse won’t follow another into conversion, prompted by the door-to-door proselytizers.
And then there is the Jehovah’s Witnesses sexual abuse scandal, a series of allegations concerning the church’s inadequate handling of reports regarding child molestation made by its members.
Never mind about all these very serious issues.
Mr. Melton says the Witnesses should be thanked for ”some of the basic rights we enjoy today [which] they won for us.” He means like the right to pester people at their homes repeatedly through unwanted visits with redundant prophecies of doom.
Mr. Melton is also reportedly fascinated with vampires.
Maybe there  is something about people dying over blood loss that makes Melton a fan of both Jehovah’s Witnesses and the mythical predators of the night?
Perhaps Gordon Melton sees himself as something like a familiar, the people who according to some stories guard the vampire’s lair during the day when they are confined to coffins. Protecting their “Master” while the sun shines, so that he can crawl out safely at night to prey upon humanity.
Dracula in his coffinIn much the same sense Melton the “scholar” can be seen as a protector providing cover for his ”cult” patrons that exploit others. He offers up apologies about how supposedly benevolent they are, thus shielding them from ”persecution” so that they can continue to recruit unsuspecting potential victims.
Sound a bit over the top?
Jim Jones was responsible for the cult mass murder-suicide of more than 900 people in Jonestown November 18, 1978. However, Mr. Melton said, “This wasn’t a cult. This was a respectable, mainline Christian group.”
Whether it’s Dracula or a murderous cult leader like Jim Jones, J. Gordon Melton apparently sees something ”respectable.”
 

2006
Jul
06

Jehovah’s Witness leaders work the worldly system for cash
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses 7 comments
 
Known for their persistent door-to-door missionary work and handout magazine called “The Watchtower,” ”Jehovah’s Witnesses” have repeatedly predicted the “end of the world” with a sense of urgency to anyone willing to listen.
The Watchtower in BrooklynHowever, the sect seems to repeatedly fail regarding its dates, including a purported final judgment set for 1925 and another that never came some fifty years later.
According to the ”Religious Tolerance” Web site, which is known for its frequent apologies rather than admonishments regarding groups called ”cults,” the Witnesses have actually made many more failed predictions. The theologically tolerant site without apology lists 1914, 1915, 1918, 1920 and 1994, as examples of additional Witness failures. 
Much more religiously conservative Christian Web sites have longer lists of apparent blunders, such as a “Watchman Expositor,” which examines the organization’s supposedly “biblical” calculations.
Perhaps as a result of all these mistakes the Witnesses appear to have given up on the dating game. The group says now that the “end is fluid,” which sounds more like “hedging a bet” than anything related to the bible.
However, an embarrassing fact still remains despite all the sect’s calculations, recalculations and subsequent spin.
Jehovah’s Witnesses historically bought a great deal of real estate over the years in what seems to be a very shrewd long-term investment effort.
But if they really expected the world to end so soon, why didn’t the Witnesses just lease?
Well, the reasoning for buying up so much property becomes quite clear when looking at the group’s recent penchant for selling off some of its valuable accumulated assets.
As CultNews previously reported the Witnesses religious devotion apparently includes developing real estate in New York.
And the controversial organization that some have called an End Times ”cult” has recently made millions selling off and/or developing its holdings in Brooklyn alone.
Where there was once a Watchtower magazine warehouse and distribution center near the East River, ”swanky condominiums”  are going up with a view of Manhattan.
And now the Witnesses have put more of their New York property up on the block reports Knowledge Plex.
For sale is a three-story residential building at 409 Central Park West between West 100th and 101st streets.
The Witnesses want $4.5 million for the “air rights” to this property and expect to stay on the first three floors, allowing a developer to build on top or adjacent to the property.
Jehovah’s Witnesses also own a building at 960 E. 174th St. in the Bronx, which is currently used for worship.
However, the faithful will have to meet somewhere else, as this property is currently listed at $1.35 million, for development as affordable housing.
Knowledge Plex points out that many nonprofit organizations and other tax-exempted religious groups in New York are also taking advantage of recent real estate appreciation to sell off their properties for record prices.
But the leaders of Jehovah’s Witnesses have always attempted to separate their organization from such worldly things.
Witnesses don’t vote, participate in clubs, organized team sports or the military because to do so would somehow represent involvement with an earthly “system,” which is ultimately influenced by Satan.
Witnesses claim that their organization is the only one today that is sanctioned by Jehovah on earth.
However, it seems when it comes to making money, Witness leaders can be very worldly indeed. And they have no problem cooperating with developers and making savvy business deals to work the worldly system for profit.
 

2006
Feb
08

Jehovah’s Witnesses sell out to cash in
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses 26 comments
 
Jehovah’s Witnesses historically have predicted the end of the world four times. Needless to say nothing happened and they now insist that no such specific prophecies were ever really made. Now the organization claims the “end is fluid,” whatever that means.
But for a group that seemed so sure that the end was near the Witnesses made some pretty savvy long-term investments.
Prime Witness property with Manhattan viewFor example, they bought up real estate in Brooklyn right on the East River opposite Manhattan, which has paid off quite handsomely.
Recently a huge windfall came to the controversial religion through the redevelopment of an old distribution center located in Brooklyn at 360 Furman Street. This building will be replaced by new luxury condos.
The Furman property will become 450 “swanky condominiums” called “One Brooklyn Bridge Park” reports the New York Daily News.
The developer says that it will have “exquisite waterfront views,” with a  ”lush 85-acre park setting, meditation room,” “refrigerated storage for grocery delivery” and that ”residents may purchase their own … private riverfront cabanas.”
Most Witnesses probably couldn’t afford a cabana, let alone a condo.
And these luxury digs will be a far cry from the humble dormitory-like existence Witness full-time workers known as “Bethelites” endure. These ”volunteer ministers” survive on a small monthly stipend and work for little more than room and board.
However, that low-cost labor force combined with the income from the publications they produce and of course donations, enabled Jehovah’s Witnesses to amass a real estate empire. The Brooklyn development deal is just one example of how the organization has cashed in on its member’s hard work.
Did the leadership of Jehovah’s Witnesses ever really believe the end of the world was so imminent?
If this was so, why didn’t they just lease?
It seems they did believe that the “end was near” for the hot real estate market, so they sold short.
Note: CultNews previously reported that Jehovah’s Witnesses “see Jesus as an angel rather than the Son of God.” For further clarification they specifically don’t acknowledge Jesus as the “only begotten Son of God.” At times Jehovah’s Witnesses may parse their language to obscure or avoid this point.
Postscript: CultNews correctly should have said that unlike Christians who believe that “Jesus is also God” included through the trinity, Jehovah’s Witnesses deny this historical Christian doctrine (see comments below).
 

2006
Jan
21

Web site in England exposes the writings of Jehovah’s Witnesses
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses 4 comments
 
Jehovah’s Witnesses successfully shut down a Canadian Web site that featured often-embarrassing quotes from their previously published materials, but now a new English Web site has popped up with even more.Witness headquarters in Brooklyn, New YorkThe Witnesses claimed that Toronto resident Peter Mosier, a long-standing, but unhappy member had unlawfully misappropriated and disclosed confidential information and damaged their copyright.
Interestingly, similar claims have been made by groups called “cults” such as Scientology and NXIVM that have seemingly used copyright and trade secret claims in an apparent effort to control information and stifle criticism.
Regarding Mosier the Witnesses claimed that the Canadian “defendant’s main purpose [was] not fair use but rather to try to embarrass [them]¦[and is] likely to cause confusion.”
Mosier responded that his “Web site [had] clear quotes that enable people to study.” And that the “Watchtower wants people to learn¦only on their own terms.”
But the Canadian eventually surrendered the legal battle rather than endure the onerous expense of probable protracted litigation.
Now comes a new Web site “Watchtower Quotes” recently launched from the United Kingdom, which features a collection of quotes from literature published by the “Watchtower Bible and Tract Society,” otherwise known as “Jehovah’s Witnesses.”
The site’s main page announces that it is a resource “for people who wish to study the changing doctrines of the Watchtower Society.”
Charles Taze Russell, founder of Jehovah's WitnessesFor example, Charles Taze Russell the founder of Jehovah’s Witnesses beleived that the Great Pyramid of Egypt contained “…an outline of the plan of God, past, present and future…”
Another portion of the Web site archive contains quotes regarding the teachings in Witness literature about aluminum published during the 1930s, which warned that “salts of aluminum¦[were] killing the whole country.”
Later there would be so-called “new light” supposedly from Jehovah channeled by the Watchtower leadership, which would allow Witnesses to wrap up leftovers with some handy aluminum foil.
“As there are so many doctrinal flip flops and silly quackery, all I can say is, they must have a very bad line with the Almighty,” the man who runs the new British Web site told CultNews.
During the 1960s many Witnesses died rather than accept organ transplants.
“Jehovah God did not grant permission for humans to try to perpetuate their lives by cannibalistically taking into their bodies human flesh, whether chewed or in the form of whole organs or body parts taken from others¦” concluded the Witness publication Awake in 1968.
This is another quote that can be found on the new English Web site, which has been carefully, organized through various topical categories.
“Richard Lloyd-Henderson,” the pen name used by the man that launched this new repository of historical Witness wisdom, says, “Jehovah’s Witnesses have paid the ultimate price with their lives after adhering to previously banned practices, such as vaccinations and blood fractions that are now perfectly acceptable.”
He concludes, “The Watchtower is blood guilty and their members need to know¦many Witnesses, who would probably still be alive today if the new light’ had arrived just a little bit sooner.”
“Lloyd-Henderson” is known to many on Internet discussion boards as “xjwRichard” and he is thankful for the pioneering efforts of Mosier.
“My thanks go to Peter Mosier for all his hard work in collating the quotes for the original site,” xjwRichard told CultNews.
So it seems that Jehovah’s Witnesses may have won one legal battle, but lost the war and actually only achieved focusing more attention upon their failed teachings.
 

2006
Jan
18

Can an alleged bigot learn tolerance from Jehovah’s Witnesses?
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses 2 comments
 
An alleged bigot convicted of disorderly conduct and accused of using racial slurs was sentenced to attend church instead of jail in Ohio reported The Enquirer of Cincinnati.
The man sentenced Brett Haines told the presiding judge Tuesday that he had attended services at a Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall.Alleged bigot Brett Haines stands up for his final judgement
The judge seemed pleased and apparently hopes that a religious experience will somehow broaden the man’s narrow mindedness, but how is this possible given the church he chose?
Jehovah’s Witnesses are one of the most intolerant, narrow-minded and ethnocentric religious organizations in the world today, not some ecumenical group of do-gooders.
Witnesses don’t celebrate Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter because they are labeled “pagan.”
They also eschew any involvement in other officially organized groups such as Boy Scouts and even exclude their children from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at school, because this would somehow demonstrate divided loyalties. Is this the example of inclusiveness and tolerance the judge had in mind?
According to Witnesses only their organization known as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and its so-called “Governing Body” is used by Jehovah to communicate with the world today.
Therefore in contrast, any other church or organization is essentially suspected of serving “Satan” and/or under some sort of “Satanic” influence. Maybe the judge should reconsider his sentence given his hope of reforming and rehabilitating Mr. Haines?
Why not be more specific and assign him to work at some urban program that serves the poor?
Perhaps a community project run by the NAACP?
Haines is unlikely to learn the ideal of tolerance from the Witnesses, who after all go door-to-door preaching that “Jehovah” will ultimately murder all those that don’t agree with their beliefs when the final judgement day comes.


 

2004
Apr
14

Is Prince following in the footsteps of Michael Jackson?
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses, Kabbalah Centre Add you comment
 
The Artist once again known as Prince is making something of a comeback. The singing sensation of the 1980s is in the midst of a 38-city tour bouncing off the buzz created by his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a recent performance at the Grammys.
But fans will find that Prince has changed, and it’s not only his music.
Joining a growing group of middle-aged stars seeking more “spirituality,” the 45-year-old former funk phenomenon has found religion.
However, unlike his contemporary Madonna who hooked up with a rather trendy rabbi/guru that sells “Kaballah water,” this 1980s pop icon has chosen Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Despite his past reputation as an innovator and trendsetter Prince has picked something old.
For more than a hundred years Jehovah’s Witnesses has thrived through its dark prophecies about an ever-imminent “final judgement.” The controversial religion is also known for its rejection of “worldly” things, from blood transfusions to birthdays.
Four years ago the funkster converted reportedly to satisfy his mother’s dying wish, but since then Prince has gone so far as to add religious lyrics to his theme song “Purple Rain.”
The new line in the song goes, “Say you can’t make up your mind? I think you better close it and open up the Bible.”
Close your mind?
Isn’t that like being “brainwashed“?
Prince may have even recast his old battles with record companies into something religious.
“I can tell you who made the System,” he told Newsweek cryptically (April 12, 2004). The “System,” according to Prince apparently includes the music recording business that he says once “enslaved” him.
But the word “System” has a darker connotation than slavery amongst Jehovah’s Witnesses. It encompasses everything “worldly” outside of the organization, which includes all world governments, businesses and any other religious organizations.
And “who made the System” and essentially controls it today?
According to the Witnesses its creator and guiding light is Satan.
This is why Witnesses shun such things as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, military service and political parties, because it’s all part of the “System” and therefore linked to “Satan.”
The “System” by definition also would certainly embrace such worldly things as the Grammys and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So why did Prince perform at these gatherings and become the willing “slave” of “worldly” Columbia Records?
Apparently there may be some other rulebook for famous Witnesses, who might easily make hefty gifts to “Jehovah’s Kingdom.”
This seemed to be the case for the “Gloved One” Michael Jackson during the 1980s, who was raised a Witness, but left the group after his hit album Thriller.
Following in the footsteps of the former “King of Pop,” Prince now proselytizes door- to-door.
Though when this five foot two androgynous performer promotes Jehovah’s Witnesses in Minneapolis he wears his trademark mascara and is “dressed in a tailor-made suit…stack heels” and driven to doorsteps in a “limo…surrounded by four bodyguards” says the London Mirror.
Well, Prince may still be “revolutionary” amongst Jehovah’s Witnesses.
 

2004
Jan
17

New York Times recasts cult compound as historic “hippie commune”
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses, Jonestown, Sai Baba Add you comment
 
The New York Times is often cited for its “politically correct” view of the news, but it seems like the “paper of record” has gone a bit too far and invented its own version of history.
In an article misleadingly titled “Commune to Close” a NY Times reporter describes a cult compound forced into liquidation by bankruptcy as “an enduring relic of the hippie commune explosion of the 1960′s” based upon the “principles of Christian love.”
Hardly.
Instead, the group known as “Love Israel” is one of the most notorious cults of the 1970s, as repeatedly exposed through numerous press accounts readily available to any serious researcher.
This information is largely glossed over and/or ignored by the Times reporter, who prefers to describe the group as a “commune,” rather than the much more obvious and historically accurate “c” word, “cult.”
The Times also allowed the group’s dictatorial leader Paul Erdman, who goes by the name “Love Israel,” to have the last word about everything.
Erdman brushed off any reports about sexual and financial exploitation within the group as merely “rumors” and “falsehoods” based upon “prejudice.”
Right.
The Times does not report the allegations of abuse about Love Israel in any meaningful depth, which ultimately led to the group’s bankruptcy. No cult victims or affected families are quoted, even though talk-show host Steve Allen discussed his son’s involvement publicly.
For an accurate portrayal of recent and past events surrounding the cult see the commentary of Rabbi James Rudin, a long-time expert observer of the group.
About 40 diehard followers still remain loyal to the 63-year-old Erdman. The cult leader told the Times, “Wherever we go we can do the same thing…we’ll just take that right with us.”
No doubt “Love Israel” will continue to control and manipulate his remaining followers in the same way he always has.
By the way, the New York Times calls such control being “like-minded.”
Does this mean that the Times reporter might view Jonestown through such a politically correct prism as simply a “commune” of “like-minded” people?
Perhaps, given this reporter’s seeming penchant for revisionist history.
CultNews previously reported that The New York Times declared the Jehovah’s Witnesses a “Christian denomination,” conferring a status upon the group that they have never possessed historically.
And once the Times lauded Sai Baba, a purported “cult leader” UN officials expressed concerns about due to “widely reported allegations of sexual abuse involving youth and children,” as “a friend of India and all the world.”
Isn’t it about time for the Times to tell its reporters to take more time researching their stories.
 

2003
Dec
18

Can Louis Farrakhan help Michael Jackson “beat it”?
DaAdmin Jehovah's Witnesses, Nation of Islam Add you comment
 
Michael Jackson has joined Louis Farrakhan’s controversial Nation of Islam reports the New York Post.
Jermaine Jackson joined the group in 1989 and later began trying to recruit his brother Michael reported Fox News.
The Jackson family has a history of involvement with Jehovah’s Witnesses, another controversial religion with a troubled history, which does not allow its members to celebrate birthdays, holidays and discourages blood transfusions.
Michael Jackson disassociated himself from that faith not long after releasing his hit album Thriller. He has since said the religion was a source of sorrow in his life.
Now the former “King of Pop” has reportedly become “panicked” about the criminal charges he faces for child sexual abuse, but can Louis Farrakhan help him “beat it”?
The Nation of Islam didn’t prevent brother Jermaine from crashing into bankruptcy after his conversion.
Apparently some around the embattled “Jacko” are advising him to play the race card. And certainly Minister Farrakhan knows that game.
Farrakhan and Jackson seem to have little in common, other than taunting Jews.
Jackson once sang “Jew me, Sue me” and “Kick me, Kike me,” in his 1996 composition They Don’t Care About Us.
Farrakhan has derided Judaism, calling it a “gutter religion.”
Though the Nation of Islam leader would readily admit that according to his faith sexually molesting children might be somewhere beneath the “gutter.”
If Jackson is guilty will Farrakhan counsel him to confess and accept his punishment as the right thing to do?
The story of Malcolm X offers an example of a religious epiphany that led to higher moral ground.
However, Jackson is not unlike other celebrities that have fallen in with “cults” during times of distress and/or depression. He seems to be looking for a way out, a faith that can somehow deliver him from problems.
But given the seriousness of the star’s current situation, there may be no easy escape.
Note: Michael Jackson was charged today with nine criminal counts, seven for child molestation and two of administering an intoxicating agent for the purpose of a committing a felony. the complaint includes special allegations that could make Jackson ineligible for probation reports CNN.
 

2003
Sep
15

“Cult apologist” Dick Anthony making $3,500 a day in North Carolina?
DaAdmin Brainwashing, Cult Apologist?, Jehovah's Witnesses, Moonies / Unification Church, Scientology, Waco Davidians, Word of Faith Fellowship Add you comment
 
Psychologist and peripatetic professional “cult apologist” Dick Anthony is on the road again.
This time the man who often defends Scientology and considers Rev. Moon’s Unification Church and the Waco Davidians “non traditional religions” is plying his trade in Dixie.
Anthony charges $3,500 per day for his services and is now working for Jane Whaley, the leader of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale, North Carolina.
WOFF has often been called a “cult,” so it seems that would qualify Whaley as a client for Anthony.
Whaley and her followers are warring against a mother for custody of her four minor children. The alleged “cult leader” has apparently decided that some parents can’t leave her church with their family intact.
Former members say Whaley essentially controls her following through “brainwashing.”
However, Anthony is slated to submit an affidavit that will rebut such claims reports the Digital Courier.
Such a job is rather routine for the traveling professional apologist whose trade seems to be getting “cults” off the hook in legal situations.
“Have apologies, will travel,” must be Anthony’s motto in what appears to be a lucrative business.
And he certainly has his work cut out for him in the WOFF case.
The group is known for its bizarre behavior through such practices as “blasting.” This is when members are subjected to so-called “strong prayer” to deliver them from evil influences and/or sinfulness. Blasting basically amounts to surrounding and then screaming at someone designated as a likely “sinner.”
Not a pleasant experience according to some former members.
During recent court proceedings in Spindale Anthony was seen taking copious notes.
But at $3,500 per day is Whaley really getting her money’s worth?
Maybe the alleged “cult leader” should have checked out Anthony’s references first, case by case.
Dick has been on a bit of a losing streak lately.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Scientology, two of his most recent clients, each paid out substantial settlements despite Dick’s help.
The Witnesses alone opted to pay a plaintiff $1.5 million, the largest settlement in their history, rather than rely on Anthony as an expert in court.
Such settlements don’t really support the effectiveness and/or professional ability of this “cult apologist.”
Never mind. Anthony still seems to be laughing all the way to the bank and it looks like another good payday for him in Spindale.
 

2003
May
14

“The End” is near?
DaAdmin Aum Sect, End Times, Heaven's Gate, Japanese Sects, Jehovah's Witnesses, Millennial Madness, Pana Wave, Solar Temple, Ten Commandments, Y2K Add you comment
 
Tomorrow the world may end, or so says Yuko Chino, the 69-year-old leader of the bizarre wandering “Japanese cult” clad in white called Pana Wave, reports England’s The Independent .
However, a purported “cult” making doomsday predictions is nothing new.
Many groups before the turn of the century seemed enveloped in a kind of “millennial madness,” making dire predictions of coming catastrophe and calamity.
If it were not quite planetary extinction, then at least there would be a kind of technological meltdown due to the “Y2K” computer glitch.
Nothing happened.
Never mind. Cult leaders and/or prophets of doom simply came up with some savvy spin to satisfy their followers and moved on, with the tragic exception of the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments in Uganda.
Historically long-established groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses have learned that failed end times dates don’t mean “The End” for them and actually may increase baptisms, essentially becoming a useful recruitment tool.
People join up as if membership is the equivalent of an insurance policy against the event of Armageddon.
Yuko Chino seems to be carefully hedging her bets, by alternating between the claim that a lost seal in the news will somehow save humanity and/or that changes in outer space have already provided for a postponement, reports the New York Times.
One Pana Wave follower said, “I think it will be delayed till around May 22.”
But Japan’s Prime Minister just doesn’t get “why people believe in things said by such a group,” he asked plaintively.
After cult tragedies like “Heaven’s Gate,” the Solar Temple and most notably for the Japanese the doomsday cult called Aum, authorities in Japan are not taking any chances.
This week police raided Pana Wave locations just to make sure the group wasn’t concealing anything dangerous, like Aum once did, reports Mainichi Daily News.
However, one Japanese resident observed, “They’re not dangerous.” And added his main worry was “their…cars blocking…traffic.”
Yuko Chino has become a familiar figure in Japan through a series of such traffic jams. Perhaps that is what she always wanted.
Many cult leaders do seem to crave attention.
Despite Chino’s claims that she is suffering from terminal cancer and at death’s door, it appears the woman in white will be around for the foreseeable future.
Though judging from the reactions reported from several Japanese towns, Pana Wave is not a popular potential neighbor.
 
« Previous Entries
 
 




Twitter


Recent Posts
Who is Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha?
How do you deprogram a Scientologist?
Cult Watcher Steve Hassan’s links to fugitive sex offender
Notorious “cult” leader’s wife buried in Baltimore Jewish cemetery
“Cults Inside Out” — a new book by Rick Alan Ross

Recent Comments
The truth about TM compound that Oprah Winfrey failed to see: Course Participants or Captive Pandits on The truth about TM compound that Oprah Winfrey failed to see: Course Participants or Captive Pandits
Peter’s Site! on South Korean ‘cult’ JMS recruiting students at US universities
Some Notes on Cults | Sharp and Pointed on Have destructive cults declined?
Grossed_Out on “Order of Christ Sophia has become a dangerous and destructive organization”
Mollie on “Order of Christ Sophia has become a dangerous and destructive organization”

Categories
3HO
African cult
Al Qaeda
Amma
Amway
Ananda Church of Self-Realization
Animal Rights and Environmental Extremists
Annton Hein
Anti-Abortion Groups
Anton
Apologetics Index
Apostles of Infinite Love
Army of Mary
Aryan Nations
Assembly
Attleboro
Aum Sect
Benny Hinn
Beta Dominion Xenophilia
Black Hebrews
Brainwashing
Brethren
Brother Julius
Caritas of Birmingham
Charles Manson
Children of God
Chinese Sects
Ching Hai
Christian Broadcasting Network
Christian Identity
Christian Science
Chung
Church and State
Church of Bible Understanding
Church of God Restoration
Church of Israel
Church Universal and Triumphant
Clergy Abuse
Cult Apologist?
Cult Following
Deepak Chopra
Deprogramming
Elan Vital – Divine Light Mission
Elizabeth Smart Abduction
End Times
Endeavor Academy
Environmental Extremists
Equinox
Eric Rudolph
Evangelicals
Executive Success Programs (ESP)
Expert Witness
Faith healing
Faith Tabernacle Congregation
False Memories
Falun Gong
Fellowship of Friends
Forum
Four Winds Commune
Freemen
Friends Landing
Friends of the Eucharist
Fundamentalists
General Assembly Church of the First Born
God's Creation Outreach Ministry
Gordon Winrod
Greater Grace World Outreach
Hare Krishnas
Hate Groups
Heaven's Gate
His Community
House of Prayer
Immortal Consciousness
International Church of Christ
Irish Travelers
ISIS
Islamic Fundamentalists
Islamists
Japanese Sects
Jehovah's Witnesses
Jeong Myeong-seok JMS
Jewish Defense League
Jews for Jesus
Jonestown
Kabbalah Centre
Kashi Ashram
Ku Klux Klan
Landmark Education
Lifespring
Local Church
Love Family
Love Israel Family
Lyndon LaRouche and Executive Intelligence Report
Magnificat Meal Movement
Maranatha Ministries
Master Path
Messianic Jews
Militias
Millennial Madness
Miscellaneous
Moonies / Unification Church
Mormons
Multi-Level Marketing
Mungiki
Nation of Islam
National Alliance
Neo Nazis
New Alliance Party
New Cult Awareness Network
New Life Tabernacle
New Lighthouse Movement
New Mexico cult
North Korea
Nuwaubians
Oklahoma City Bombing, Timothy McVeigh, Terry Nichols
Opus Dei
Osho Rajneesh
Overcomers Ministry, R.G. Stair
Pana Wave
Paranormal
Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association
polygamists
Promise Keepers
Propaganda
Raelians
Ramtha School of Enlightenment
Rebirthing
Recovery
Rosicrucians
Russian Sects
Sai Baba
Salva Me of the Philippines
Satanism
Scientology
Siddha Meditation
Snake Handling Pentecostal Sects
Social Therapy
Soka Gakkai
Solar Temple
Sri Chinmoy
Sterling Institute of Relationships
Stong City
Swami Rama
Symbionese Liberation Army
Synanon
Teen Boot Camps
Teen Challenge
Ten Commandments
Terrorists
Transcendental Meditation
Trek Alliance
Trinity Broadcasting Network
True & Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the L
Tvind
Twelve Tribes
UFO Believers
Ultra-Orthodox Groups
Uncategorized
United Pentecostal Church International
Universal Church Kingdom of God
University Bible Fellowship
Voodoo
Waco Davidians
Walden House
Waldorf Schools
Wayne Bent
Wesson Family murders
Westboro Baptist Church
White Supremacists
Wicca
Word of Faith Fellowship
World Church of the Creator
World Ministries
Worldwide Church of God
Wright Family
Y2K
Yahweh Ben Yahweh
Yogaville

Meta
Log in
Entries RSS
Comments RSS
WordPress.org

Archives
April 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
April 2014
March 2014
August 2013
June 2013
April 2013
January 2013
November 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
May 2012
March 2012
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
March 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
May 2010
March 2010
February 2010
December 2009
August 2009
July 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
September 2008
August 2008
June 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
October 2007
September 2007
July 2007
April 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
August 2003
July 2003
June 2003
May 2003
April 2003
March 2003
February 2003
January 2003
December 2002
November 2002
October 2002
September 2002
August 2002
July 2002

Disclaimer
This news page is about groups, organizations or movements, which may have been called "cults" and/or "cult-like" in some way, shape or form. But not all groups called either "cults" or "cult-like" are harmful. Instead, they may be benign and generally defined as simply people intensely devoted to a person, place or thing. Therefore, the discussion or mention of a group, organization or person on this page, is not necessarily meant pejoratively.

Copyright
Unless otherwise noted, all material on this site is Copyright © Rick Ross.
 

Cult News · coogee theme · 2008
RSS Feed · WordPress · TOP
  



http://www.cultnews.com/category/jehovahswitnesses/













Cult News
Sponsored by the Cult Education Institute

Home


Getting Help  |   Mind Control  |   Contact  |   About  |   What's New  |   Headlines  |   Links  |   Books  |   Help Us  |   FAQ




2015
Apr
07

Who is Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha?
Rick Ross Faith healing Add you comment
 
Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha claims, “The purpose of life is to serve. I have committed my life to this purpose. Service is my life mission” (Zhi Gang Sha, Soul Mind Body Science System, Preface xiii, 2014).
But Sha’s critics say he “uses brainwashing” and bilks people out of money through his books and other paid services, “expensive karma cleansing” and through pricey retreats they call “brainwashing camps.”
What is the truth about Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha?
Medical Doctor
At his website Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha claims that he is “an M.D. in conventional modern medicine…” However, nowhere on the website is there any mention of what school he specifically attended, where he graduated and from which he received a medical degree.
This in sharp contrast to three well-known medical doctors that combine conventional modern medicine with alternative healing methods.
Dr. Andrew Weil, an advocate of holistic medicine, received his A.B. degree in biology from Harvard, an M.D. from Harvard Medical School and did his medical internship at Mt. Zion Hospital in San Francisco, later working for the National Institute of Mental Health.
Often controversial, but popular Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Oz, TV host and health guru, is a board certified Thoracic Cardiovascular surgeon.
Dr. Deepak Chopra, who was once closely associated with a purported “cult leader” Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is a cardiologist with an interest in alternative medicine that graduated from All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi and moved on to become chief of medicine at New England Memorial Hospital (now called the Boston Regional Medical Center).
All three of these doctors have medical degrees that can be easily be verified, but not “Dr. Sha.”
The Source
Sha bookIn his book “Soul Mind Body Science System” Master Sha explains his beliefs, theories and practices in great detail. He claims that he can “create “The Source Field,” which he says is capable of healing people. Sha claims (see Preface xviii), “I am the servant, vehicle, and channel of The Source. The Source has given me the honor and authority to connect with The Source in order to create The Source Field.”
Master Sha further claims (see Preface xxiii) that he has been “chosen” to offer “Divine and Tao Soul Downloads.” Sha says (see Preface xxii), “A preprogrammed Tao Soul Download is permanently stored within this book.”
Such exclusive seemingly self-aggrandizing claims are often associated with people called “cult leaders.”
For example, cult leader David Koresh claimed that an angel from heaven explained to him the meaning of the Seven Seals in the Book of Revelation. And that he alone knew how to open the seals, which would usher in the Day of Judgment. Koresh died with many of his followers in a fire, at the conclusion of a 51-day standoff with federal law enforcement. In the end there was no day of judgment for anyone other than Koresh, who was later proven to be guilty of sexually abusing children.
The single most salient feature of many destructive cults is their authoritarian and personality-driven nature. That is, usually a single individual dictates over a group of followers and makes special claims about his or her authority. Whatever the leader says is right is right and what whatever the leader says is wrong is wrong. The leader becomes the master, while followers in large part are urged to essentially abdicate their ability to make independent value judgements of their own.
Heavenly team
Master Sha has released many books and he states (see page 67), “All eleven of [his] books share profound soul secrets, wisdom, knowledge, and practical techniques to transform all life.” But Master Sha doesn’t simply write a book like other authors, he flows a book. Sha explains, “When I flow a book, a Heaven’s Team is also above me to guide and assist me.” His team supposedly includes (see page 68), “Gautama Buddha,” “Maitreya (the buddha of the future’),” “Yuan Shi Tian Zun (one of the three top saints in the traditional Taoist pantheon),” “Jesus,” “Mother Mary,” “St. Germaine,” “Albert Einstein,” “Sir Isaac Newton” and “Eight other renowned scientists in history are also above [his] head.”
How can anyone that believes in Master Sha question his authority? Questioning Sha, according to him, would be tantamount to questioning Buddha, Jesus or Albert Einstein, not to mention the other unnamed scientists who guide him.
Similarly, purported “cult” leader Rev. Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Unification Church, also invoked heavenly authority. According to Moon no less than 36 late presidents — “from the vantage point of heaven” endorsed him as “the Messiah.” However, Moon was convicted of tax fraud, served prison time and was apparently a sinful messiah.
Sha claims that every sentence in his book is divinely handed down. He states (see page 69), “We [Sha and his followers] can hear Heaven’s writing team, as well as guidance from the saints, the Divine and Tao. After flowing one sentence, the next sentence is ready for us. Sentence after sentence flows out. When one paragraph is done, we can then hear the next paragraph clearly. Then, that next paragraph flows out.”
Beware critics, before you review a book by Master Sha, consider the karmic consequences, and don’t anger “Heaven’s writing team.”
Sha also has received from The Source “profound inspiration” to create special “I Ching practices for healing, rejuvenation, longevity, and immortality.” According to Sha (see page 100) making yet another exclusive claim, “This is the first time in history that I Ching power has been brought for these applications.” Sha says (see pages 108, 112) that he is engaged in a dialog with “the Divine.” He asks and the Divine tells him “immediately,” seemingly no matter how cosmically complicated the question might be. And not unlike the leaders of groups called “cults” Sha claims that his teachings are the best. He concludes (see page 116), “I cannot emphasize enough my deepest insight in my spiritual awareness, which is the highest sacred wisdom, knowledge, philosophy, principle, and practice in the Wu World and You World.”
Secret to immortality
Sha also claims to “know one sentence secrets.” He says (see page 75), “How do I know one-sentence secrets? Remember, there is a Heaven’s Team above my head. I also have a Jin Dan download…They then borrow my mouth and flow out a new one-sentence secret.” Sha thus serves as the mouthpiece for Heaven.
How important are Sha’s secrets. He claims (see page 126) to have a “one-sentence secret for the cause of all sickness and the solution for healing all sicknesses…”
What is the essence of his big secret?
Sha summarizes (see page 156), “If you are searching for rejuvenation, longevity, and, most especially, immortality, you have to remove desires for fame, money, power, control and much more, because these desires will dramatically affect your rejuvenation and longevity journey.”
Again, this is not unlike a purported “cult” leader named Charles Brown, founder of the Eternal Flame, later known as “People Forever” and “People Unlimited.” Brown claimed that he had discovered the secret for eternal life and could literally stop aging through something he called “cellular awakening.” Like Sha, Brown said he had received revelation and that only through him and his process could others receive the gift of immortality. However, Brown aged and died, despite his fantastic claims.
Money
Sha says the key to immortality is to give up striving for status and wealth. He states (see page 156), “If you are searching for rejuvenation, longevity, and, most especially, immortality, you have to remove desires for fame, money, power, control and much more, because these desires will dramatically affect your rejuvenation and longevity journey. There is no way you can reach immortality if you hold these kinds of desires, dreams, and attachments.”
No way?
Then why does Master Sha have a “business team” (see page 259) and appear to be so concerned about money?
Benbella Books Inc. of Dallas, Texas is the publisher of Sha’s latest book.  Benbella promotes Sha as the author of a “USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller.”
But is Sha really a legitimate best-selling author or does he manipulate his followers to artificially inflate his book sales?
It has been alleged that Zhi Gang Sha stages “book campaigns” to conflate his book sales by obtaining individual commitments from his followers to make large purchases, for example one follower might make a commitment to spend $1,500 to $2,000 on books during a specified period of time either through an online bookseller or through some other retail outlet.
The Cult Education Institute maintains an online public message board, which is a source of complaints about the business practices and behavior of Master Sha.
One critic explains, “A book release is timed usually to coincide with one of his retreats. At the retreat, besides charging exorbitant fees for useless downloads, in exchange for some of the highest priced downloads he gets his followers to buy large numbers of the book to primarily give away to others. In this way, Sha manipulates the best seller list to try to convince book buyers that he’s on the level. It’s dishonest, to say the least – he is lying to his followers as well as the public” (Cult Education Institute public message board January 28, 2013).
Apparently Sha is quite adroit at organizing such book campaigns amongst his followers. “Master Sha is a best seller because he is the best at getting his followers to spend money they don’t have on books that no one wants, so he can have the stature of a best-selling author,” says one critic (Cult Education Institute public message board Jun 8, 2008). Another critic adds, “All those who have talked about the book campaigns and reviews are telling the truth” (Cult Education Institute public message board Mar 6, 2009).
The net effect of Sha’s financial demands can be devastating. One critic concludes, “The book campaigns are 100% true, the expensive karma clearings, the downloads, the endless marketing. I could go on and on. I didn’t leave the cult until I was bankrupt, lost my business and home and was cut off from my family. I lost everything” (Cult Education Institute public message board Jul 31, 2011).
One critic further explains some of Sha’s money schemes, “All of the downloads were very expensive, and after a while it was clear that what cost $1,000 yesterday was now available for $100 today, because, after all, the Divine was now downloading a newer and higher version of it. There were a number of people I knew personally who hid from their spouses the thousands of dollars they spent on downloads” (Cult Education Institute public message board January 28, 2009).
“I went to a seminar with Master Sha in Europe. And I was totally shocked. He is so greedy and manipulative. Scares the s… out of people by telling them that they will die if they don´t clear karma with him! I spent almost 3,000 Euros on Karma Cleansing that weekend and other Downloads and when I think of that now I also feel a little bit embarrassed,” says one European critic (Cult Education Institute public message board October 23, 2012).
There is also special divine calligraphy made available through Sha for a price to his followers. One follower explains (see page 240), “This calligraphy will be everywhere. It is accelerating Mother Earth’s transition. People have to get this fast. Everything is speeding up. This is the plan. There is no other answer.” Another says (see page. 243), “I also felt that the calligraphies created by Master Sha are all holy doctrines, created one by one on by one, and they have a bigger message.”
Chanting and visualization
But what is it exactly that Sha does to help people?
Can he actually heal anyone?
One critic states, “During the time that I was part of the cult, I did not see any healing that could be documented and I did not heal from the aliments that I suffered from. Master Sha would tell us of his healings, some of his students would attest to the healings, but there was never any documented evidence” (Cult Education Institute public message board January 28, 2009).
Sha claims (see Preface xxv), “Where you put your mind, using creative visualization, is where you receive benefits for healing, rejuvenation, and transformation of relationships and finances.” He calls this “Mind Power,” which is dependent upon “Sound Power,” summarized as “what you chant is what you become.”
Master Sha repeats this over and over and over again throughout his book. “What you chant is what you become” and “Practice, Practice, Practices” to “Transform, Transform, Transform.”
This transformation is apparently accomplished through endless hours of chanting and meditation. Sha prescribes such chants (see p. 22-25) that must be repeated aloud and/or recited silently.
Practitioners are also told to visualize a “golden light ball.” The origin of the golden light ball is interesting. Sha explains (see page 67), “I received a Jin Dan, a golden light ball [original emphasis] from The Source.”
This technique of visualization has been called “guided imagery” by experts and can be seen as psychological manipulation to assist in trance induction for the purpose of making someone more suggestible. Psychologist Margaret Singer wrote, “A considerable number of different guided-imagery techniques are used by cult leaders and trainers to remove followers from their normal frames of reference.” And that this can be seen as “trance” or “hypnosis” and “When this method is used in a cultic environment, it becomes a form of psychological manipulation and coercion because the cult leader implants suggestions aimed at his own agenda while the person is in a vulnerable state.”
Sha explains how his visualization and chanting techniques become a cure-all for virtually anything. If there is a specific ailment, for example a bad back, Sha’s devotees are instructed (see page 28) to “chant repeatedly: Soul Order heal my back” for certain time periods. This chanting can last for hours or more. Sha repeatedly throughout his book incessantly instructs his followers to chant (see pages 79, 120, 121, 123, 127-129, 133,-137,  144-151,  160-164, 174-184, 188, 190, 202-208, 214-229, 246-247, 251, 253-254) daily.
Sha says (see page 79), “I emphasize again: practice, practice, practice. We cannot practice enough.” Chanting appears to be Sha’s solution for virtually everything. Sha states (page 169) concerning one of his many formulas, “We cannot chant this mantra enough.” And then advises to “chant nonstop” and that “the more you chant the Grand Scientific Formula, the more benefits you can receive.”
Chanting is the solution according to Sha. One example (see page 201), “To chant this Divine Soul Song is to self-clear negative karma.” Sha says (see page 209), “You cannot chant it enough.”
Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman describe in their book Snapping: America’s Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change:
“Almost every major cult and cult-like group we came upon teaches some form of not thinking or ‘mind control’ as part of its regular program of activity. The process may take the form of repetitive prayer, chanting, speaking in tongues, self-hypnosis or diverse methods of meditation. Such techniques, when practiced in moderation, may yield real physical and mental health benefits¦. Prolonged stilling of the mind, however, may wear on the brain physically until it readjusts, suddenly and sharply, to its new condition of not thinking. When that happens, we have found, the brain’s information-processing capacities may be disrupted or enter a state of complete suspension, disorientation, detachment, hallucinations, delusions and, in extreme instances, total withdrawal.”
Psychologist Margaret Singer who counseled many former cult members warned about the negative consequences of excessive meditation. Singer said this might include a range of impairments, some of which remain after many years out of the cultic group such as anxiety attacks, memory difficulties, long term emotional flatness and visual hallucinations. Singer explained, “Meditation, in itself, is not good or bad. But when a venal person wants to sell you courses and persuade you to turn over your life to him, you must beware.”
A seminal and excellent documentary, Directed by Pierre Lasry, Montreal: National Film Board of Canada, 1983  “Captive Minds: Hypnosis and Beyond,” can now be seen online. The film examines the vulnerability, malleable nature and suggestibility of the human mind. The documentary looks at various examples of trance induction through religious rituals, chanting, meditation, training and hypnosis, as seen within an array of situations, venues and groups.
Mind control
There seems to be a pattern of manipulation within Sha’s teachings that can be seen as form of mind control to gain undue influence. For example, there are thoughts, which are labeled “wrong thoughts” Sha suggests (See pages 80-82), “That unpleasant though is not from your mind. It is another soul that affected you.” And he offers a “formula,” which consists of chanting and visualization, to purge wrong thoughts from the mind.
Sha elaborates (see page 209) on the net results of the incessant chanting he insists upon. “Many people want to chant. Many people want to meditate. Many people cannot do it for a long period of time. Some people chant for a few minutes and stop. Some people could lose hope and think chanting and meditation are not for them. Some people want to empty their minds. They may have difficulty emptying their minds in meditation. They could become frustrated.”
Sha seems to be urging his devotees to exceed the limits of what Conway, Siegelman and Singer might consider reasonable, to reach his stated goal, which is apparently the “emptying [of] their minds.”
What is the effect of all this emptying?
How does it ultimately affect the thinking of Master Sha’s devoted followers?
One says (see page 189), “As we were chanting it seemed as if all of our bodies were doing a cultivation process. As we were pulling the light and energy from the planets, stars, galaxies, and universe…My body turned into golden light.” And all this light is attributed directly to Master Sha. Another devotee tells Sha (see page 189), “When you started to chant with us, it was amazing. When you opened your mouth, the words became golden, went out into the universe, and came back to us. We received blessings beyond words.”
This would seem to parallel and reflect the net result of excessive chanting and meditation, which is the delusions and hallucinations described by Conway, Siegelman and Singer.
There is also evidently an element of emotional control as well in Master Sha’s teachings. He says (see page 36), “The heart is more crucial than the mind in determining the degree of consciousness one has…Reality depends on one’s soul, heart, mind and body.”
Here Sha seems to be referring to the “heart” as the figurative center of emotion and feeling. In their book Holy Terror Conway and Siegelman explain how ritualized instructions tied to specific beliefs, writings and images can be manipulated to suppress a person’s bedrock emotional responses and everyday feelings in a systematic effort to promote obedience and compliance.
One of Sha’s critics says, “Dr Sha uses brainwashing methods to keep those attending retreats constantly busy from early morning to late at night with little or no time to eat and little time to sleep. There is no real time for them to contact family members or the outside world,” says one critic (Cult Education Institute public message board November 07, 2008). Another critic elaborates, “His retreats are run like a brainwashing camp. The participants get up early, run all day with little food, time to do anything, but attend meetings and go till late at night…People who attend these Soul Enlightenment Retreats come home totally brainwashed in the dialogue of the cult, Sha’s divine nature and stories of amazing healings” (Cult Education Institute public message board November 05, 2009).
Sleep deprivation and control over the environment and communication are the hallmarks of cultic manipulation and thought reform. Robert Jay Lifton, who wrote the book Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism, describes this as “milieu control.”  Lifton wrote, “The most basic feature of the thought reform environment, the psychological current upon which all else depends, is the control of human communication. Through this milieu control the totalist environment seeks to establish domain over not only the individual’s communication with the outside (all that he sees and hears, reads or writes, experiences, and expresses), but also – in its penetration of his inner life – over what we may speak of as his communication with himself. It creates an atmosphere uncomfortably reminiscent of George Orwell’s 1984.”
Charismatic leader
3dKqs_E9
Zhi Gang Sha
Lifton also wrote about the three most basic principle characteristics of a destructive cult in his paper “Cult Formation,” published at Harvard University. He explains that perhaps the most pivotal feature of a cult is “a charismatic leader who increasingly becomes an object of worship…”
The central importance and significance of Master Sha is emphasized in his book and echoed within it by follower after follower. One participant at a retreat states (see page 191), “The first thing I saw was that Master Sha was creating a Jin Dan for the readers of this book. He started by calling the light of Mother Earth.Then Master Sha called Heaven’s light. I saw Heaven opening. I saw the golden light from Heaven coming…Next, Master Sha called the Tao light. Tao light came and enveloped the [Jing Qi Shen] of Mother Earth’s golden light and Heaven’s golden light.”
Sha apprarently is not only heaven’s mouth, he is also the chosen vessel and vehicle of The Sourc. He seems to be the impetus for everything.
Has Master Sha created a personality-driven “cult”?
One devoted follower seems (see page 231) to have found the ultimate chant, which is simply chanting the name “Master Sha,” which is recommended by Sha. The devotee says, “I said I needed a tool to break through. Master Sha said, ‘Chant Master Sha.’ The mortar started to crumble away. The more I chanted, the more it started to recede above me…Master Sha and the golden light all around…what Master Sha has created today…”
The key ingredient always seems to be Master Sha as the essential element required for everything.
Another follower exclaims (see page 231), “Thank you Master Sha for this priceless treasure…” Another states (see page 234), “We are in a time warp with Master Sha. There is no time, no space–just this incredible place.”
Master Sha is rather specific about his singular status and special importance. Sha states (see page 65), “In July 2003 I (Master Sha) was chosen as a divine servant, vehicle, and channel. I was given the divine honor and authority to offer Karma Cleansing. I have created more than thirty Divine Channels who offer Divine Karma Cleansing services. Together, my Divine Channels and I have created nearly six thousand Divine Healing Hands Soul Healers around the world.”
Sha appears to be the sole means of validation. Only through him the “divine servant, vehicle and channel” can his followers become “Divine Channels.”
One critic states, “His meetings are like a tent revival with people claiming miraculous [healing]. Members swoon and clap.” “Supposedly he sends blessings through the air. Cult members have jars of water that are energized with healing power for physical or psychological benefit,” says the same critic. But, “There is no [meaningful] follow up to see if the healing [is] genuine” (Cult Education Institute public message board November 07, 2008).
People are healed because they subjectively feel they are through their group experience and because Sha says so, speaking as a dive authority.
“If you have an ailment, Dr. Sha may ‘download’ a new organ for you by grasping the top of your head with his hand and putting on quite a show as he grunts and shakes, although he also does this remotely to [thousands] at a time, without having to touch anyone at all. Some days he may download a whole system like ‘Divine Digestive System,’ other days it may be just an organ like ‘Divine Liver,’” says another critic (Cult Education Institute public message board February 21, 2009).
“He’s here for one thing: to make money from others suffering. He’s very skilled at mind control and has a number of people, his followers, under the delusion that he’s a being more powerful than God,” summarizes a critic (Cult Education Institute public message board January 27, 2013). While another critic warns, “It just seems to me that they are frauds not only morally but also under civil law – Practicing Medicine Without a License – you cannot claim medical cures” (Cult Education Institute public message board March 05, 2009).
But sadly it seems Sha’s influence can potentially produce negative changes in his followers.
One critic observed, “What I personally experienced was the transformation of good people into competitive, lying, and hurtful fanatical members who would do anything to be special and gain Sha’s favor…even if that meant lying or slandering another student to block or harm their soul journey. The issues regarding money are well documented in previous postings. I saw many spend their life savings and deny their families so that they could progress on their soul journey with expensive downloads, webcasts, and retreats,” says one critic (Cult Education Institute public message board July 31, 2011). The same critic concludes, “There is a fanatical air that seems to be promoted with great zeal.”
Who and what is “Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha?
Is Zhi Gang Sha a real medical doctor with an M.D. from an accredited and well recognized institution, or merely a poser and charlatan?
Is he a “faith healer” following in the footsteps of controversial Pentecostal preacher Benny Hinn? Or is Sha a sinister “cult leader” manipulating people through “brainwashing” so he can financially bilk them?
Is Zhi Gang Sha a legitimate “best-selling” author or a master of manipulation?
Notes:
Zhi Gang, Sha, Soul Mind Body Science System: Grand Unification Theory and Practice for Healing, Rejuvenation, Longevity, and Immortality. BenBella Books, 2014.
Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha official website, www.drsha.com, (accessed April 7, 2015).
About Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha, Dr. Zhi Gang Sha official website, www.drsha.com/dr-master-zhi-gang-sha, (accessed April 7, 2015)
Weil, Andrew, Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona website, http://integrativemedicine.arizona.edu/about/directors/weil, (accessed April 7, 2015).
Mehmet C. Oz, MD, FACS, Physicians Profile, Columbia University Medical Center official website, http://columbiasurgery.org/mehmet-c-oz-md-facs, (accessed April 7, 2015).
Chopra, Deepak, Biography.com website, http://www.biography.com/people/deepak-chopra-9542257, (accessed April 7, 2015).
Moreton, Cole, “Waco siege 20 years on: the survivor’s tale,” The Telegraph, March 24, 2013.
Kurtz, Howard, “High Level Endorsements,” The Washington Post, September 7, 2003.
Fletcher, Betty, “Rev. Moon to serve jail time,” The Pantagraph, May 14, 1984.
Van Velzer, Ryan, “Immortality eludes People Unlimited founder,” The Arizona Republic, November 16, 2014.
Zhi Gang Sha, “Soul Healing Miracles,” Benbella Books Inc. official website, http://shop.benbellabooks.com/Soul-Healing-Miracles.html, (accessed April 7, 2015)
Forum, public message board, Cult Education Institute, Trenton, New Jersey,  June 07, 2008 — February 25, 2013.
Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman, Snapping: America’s Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change, 2nd ed. (New York: Stillpoint Press, 2005).
Singer, Margaret, Cults in Our Midst (San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1996).
“Captive Minds: Hypnosis and Beyond,” Documentary, Directed by Pierre Lasry, Montreal: National Film Board of Canada, 1983, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnloSvB2pCY, (accessed April 7, 2015).
Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman, Holy Terror: The Fundamentalist War on America’s Freedoms in Religion, Politics, and Our Private Lives (New York: Doubleday, 1982).
Robert Jay Lifton, Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism, (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2012).
Robert Jay Lifton, “Cult Formation,” Harvard Metal Health Letter, February 1981.
About the Author: Rick Alan Ross is the author of the book Cults Inside Out: How People Get In and Can Get Out and executive director of the Cult Education Institute of New Jersey. Ross has been qualified as an expert and testified in numerous court proceedings across the United States, including United States Federal Court.
author, Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha, spritual healer, Zhi Gang Sha  

2015
Jan
28

How do you deprogram a Scientologist?
Rick Ross Uncategorized Add you comment
 
As people become more aware of the bad behavior of Scientology through press reports, books and documentaries, some families and individuals directly affected by the organization may be asking, “How do I get someone out?”
Moreover, former members of Scientology struggling to unravel what they perceive as its embedded programming may be wondering, “How do I get rid of that leftover stuff?”
The answer can be summed up in one word — EDUCATION.
Rather than simply dismissing Scientologists as examples of “blind faith,” it’s far more useful understanding how they were blinded.
One of the largest online archives with a trove of historical articles, reports and documents about Scientology is the Cult Education Institute.
Psychologist Margaret Singer was stalked and harassed for decades by Scientology and other groups called “cults” due to her expertise and understanding of cultic manipulation. She wrote about an educational process proven to be quite helpful to current and former cult members. Singer explained, “Deprogramming is, providing members with information about the cult and showing them how their own decision making power had been taken away from them.”
An illustration of the process of deprogramming can be pictured by the action of the little dog Toto in the movie “Wizard of Oz.” In the climactic scene of the film classic Toto pulls back the curtain and exposes the man and machinations, behind the facade that is the mystical “Great Oz.” It is through this exposure that Dorothy and her companions realize they have been tricked and manipulated. They are then freed from their former fears about Oz.
ToTo pulls the curtain
Toto pulls the curtain
Today people can pull back the curtain on groups called “cults” like Scientology through research and study, which is made easier by the Web and information technology.
My recently published book “Cults Inside Out: How People Get In and Can Get Out” is a synthesis of this specific research from the fields of sociology and psychology that includes substantial historical information. All of this material is carefully footnoted and attributed.  There is also a very detailed, up-to-date and precise explanation of how deprogramming actually works illustrated vividly through case vignettes used as working examples. This book is based upon my more than 30 years of experience exploring the world of cults and facilitating hundreds of interventions to get people out of destructive cults. The book is being published in Mandarin for the Chinese market. The English version is now available on Amazon.com. Included are two chapters about Scientology. One about Scientology itself and another specifically detailing the deprogramming of a man who spent 27 years in the organization, but left through a family intervention.
Could Tom Cruise or John Travolta be successfully deprogrammed?
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise
Sadly this seems unlikely, because both of these movie stars have no one to get them out.
Deprogramming a current member of Scientology would depend upon the concern and support of family and friends.
Tom Cruise’s three ex-wives, Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes, apparently have left Scientology. But it’s doubtful that any of them or Cruise’s family, who are Scientologists, would help to get him out.
John Travolta is a pitiful example of someone that seems too afraid to leave. It appears that Scientology knows most if not all of his secrets, which they accumulated by providing him with spiritual counseling services called “auditing.” Kelly Preston, Travolta’s wife, is a deeply devoted Scientologist. And John Travolta’s extended family seems unwilling and/or unable to do anything about his involvement with the group no matter how much bad press the purported “cult” receives.
Scientology can be very nasty when it comes to its treatment of ex-members, even Hollywood’s elite, just ask Paul Haggis, who was ostracized by his Scientology friends when he left.
John Travolta
John Travolta
But if John Travolta and Tom Cruise genuinely wanted to unravel the Scientology programming instilled in them through endless courses, training routines and auditing sessions, it could be done through the educational process known as deprogramming.
Cult interventions are done with the help of family of friends, much like an intervention to address concerns about drug or alcohol abuse.
What occurs in such an intervention is essentially a dialog or discussion. During this discussion those present offer their sincere impressions, first-hand observations and opinions about the group or leader that has drawn concern. My role during such an intervention is to facilitate and often lead the discussion to focus attention on specific points.
There are four basic blocks or areas of discussion essential for the completion of a potentially successful intervention.
The four blocks are:
1.What is the nucleus for the definition of a destructive cult?
2.How does the process of coercive persuasion or thought reform used to gain undue influence really work?
3.What is the frequently hidden history of the group and/or leader that has drawn concern?
4.What are the concerns of family or friends?
The nucleus for the definition of a destructive cult was identified by psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton in a paper published at Harvard University titled “Cult Formation.”
Lifton says that cults can be identified by three primary characteristics:
1.a charismatic leader who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the general principles that may have originally sustained the group lose their power;
2.a process [Lifton calls] coercive persuasion or thought reform;
3.economic, sexual, and other exploitation of group members by the leader and the ruling coterie.
Rather than focusing on what the group believes an effective intervention instead must focus on how the group is structured and behaves.
That is, if it is structured like a destructive cult and behaves like a destructive cult, it may be a destructive cult.
For example, does Scientology acknowledge that its charismatic founder L. Ron Hubbard made mistakes? Do Scientologists today feel free to discuss the mistakes made by their current leader David Miscavige? If so, what mistakes specifically made by these men do Scientologists feel free to discuss?  Did Hubbard become an object of worship? Does David Miscavige today occupy the position of an absolute dictator? If this is not true what are the limits of Miscavige’s power over Scientology staff and what boundaries exist to limit his authority within Scientology?
Does Scientology practice thought reform or coercive persuasion to gain undue influence over its members?
This can be seen by comparing Scientology training, polices, practices, behavior and group dynamics to eight criteria that define a thought reform program as outlined by Robert Jay Lifton in his seminal book “Thought Reform and Psychology of Totalism.” Essentially, Lifton explained that if a group can substantially control whatever information and impressions enter into a person’s mind the group can largely control the individual. This includes the control of information, group behavior, emotional manipulation and ultimately the restriction of critical thinking.
How does Scientology do that?
This can be seen in part through the auditing process, which solicits confession, encourages suggestibility and engenders dependency upon the auditor and the organization to make value judgments, either directly or indirectly.  It is also evident in the control over personal associations accomplished by declaring someone a “Suppressive Person” (SP) and the practice of disconnection, which is cutting people off that Scientology has labeled as an SP. The label of SP itself can be seen as what Lifton calls “loaded language” used to inhibit critical thinking and restrict reflection?
Finally, does Scientology hurt people? The evidence mounting through personal injury lawsuits, bad press and now documentaries, is that Scientology has apparently hurt many people.
In a Scientology intervention it is important to examine the mythology that revolves around L. Ron Hubbard.
L. Ron Hubbard
L. Ron Hubbard
Hubbard often greatly exaggerated his accomplishments and Scientology has a penchant for spinning fanciful stories about him. In fact, Hubbard had a deeply troubled life filled with family turmoil and it seems mental illness. Reportedly he took an anti-anxiety drug Hydroxyzine (Vistaril); his assistants reportedly said that this was “only one of many psychiatric and pain medications Hubbard ingested over the years.”
This can be a curtain puller or reality check for many Scientologists. That is, the historical facts about the wizard of Scientology. According to a coroner’s report, Hubbard ingested drugs prohibited by the religion he created.
Would Tom Cruise take Vistaril? Would he recommend it to a friend suffering from stress and/or anxiety?
If the pseudo-science of Scientology calls its “technology” couldn’t clear its founder’s mind and save him from seeming insanity how can Scientology (per its mantra) “clear the planet”?
Wizard of Oz
Wizard of Oz
The book “Cults Inside Out” goes into all of this in far greater depth and detail chapter after chapter, explaining how groups called “cults” use deception and mind games to manipulate and control people.  The book can serve as an educational self-help guide to pull back the curtain on any cult scheme. It can assist concerned families to help loved ones out of a cultic situation. And it can also help cult victims sort through and clear the residue of cult involvement, which often can impede recovery from cults.
To my critics who have often called me a “dog feeding on my own vomit,” my hope is to be a dog like Toto. That is, by sharing the relevant research and my many years of experience through the book I might pull back the curtain a bit and contribute to the growing awareness about destructive cults. Margaret Singer once told me that the principle difference between a cult leader and a con man is that a con man typically runs his scam and moves on, but a cult leader may essentially run the same scam on many of the same people indefinitely.
Knowledge through specific education about destructive cults and how they work is the key to freedom from their undue influence and exploitation.
(Written by Rick Alan Ross)
Note: At the time I wrote the book Cults Inside Out: How People Get In and Can Get Out I had facilitated approximately 500 cult interventions. More than 70% on an average annually left the cult at the conclusion such intervention efforts. My book is the product of more than three decades of experience. I have also been qualified and testified as an expert witness regarding groups called “cults” (e.g. Scientology) in about 20 court proceedings across the United States, including United States Federal Court after a Daubert hearing.
deprogramming, John Travolta, Scientology, Tom Cruise  

2015
Jan
13

Cult Watcher Steve Hassan’s links to fugitive sex offender
Rick Ross Annton Hein, Apologetics Index, Uncategorized Add you comment
 
Cult watcher Steve Hassan is specifically recommending and promoting a fugitive sex offender through his Freedom of Mind website. Hassan recommends through numerous links, the website of convicted pedophile and wanted fugitive Anton Hein.
CultNews has previously reported about Anton Hein, who is a self-proclaimed expert and supposed lay minister. Hein runs a website called “Apologetics Index.”
Anton Hein pleaded guilty to sex charges in the United States that involved lewd behavior with his niece, a 13-year-old child. He served jail time in California before he was released on extended supervised probation. Hein violated his probation by leaving the US. He now lives in Amsterdam. A fugitive warrant has been issued and remains currently in effect for the immediate arrest of Anton Hein.
Hein now apparently makes a living from a combination of Dutch welfare benefits and revenue from online Google ads featured at his “counter-cult” website. Steve Hassan helps him by including numerous links to Hein’s site and apparent endorsements naming Hein as a credible resource.
Hein reciprocates by endorsing and promoting Hassan.
Anton Hein runs a group of websites including www.cultexperts.org, www.cultfaq, and he also controls religion news Twitter feed.
220px-steven_hassan_headshot_02Steve Hassan (photo left) says he is opposed to sexual abuse and is a supporter of the Child-Friendly Faith Project. Hassan states at his website that this is “focused on ending child abuse and neglect within religion affiliated groups by educating the public.” Hassan also is currently involved in an effort to end sexual exploitation through human trafficking.
However, Steve Hassan states, “I recommend subscribing to the free Religion News report, compiled by Anton Hein Apologetics Index.” And at the top of one page Hassan posts, “Click here to read a review of Releasing the Bonds on the Apologetics Index!”
Hassan literally linked to Hein
antonhein2How can Hassan on one hand be opposed to sexual abuse and exploitation and then on the other hand recommend a sexual predator convicted for abusing a child?
Hassan features links to Anton Hein’s website Apologetics Index at numerous pages within his site Freedom of Mind concerning various groups of interest such as the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God, where he recommends Hein (1996 photo right) as a resource.
Steve Hassan features links to Hein’s website on no less than 38 pages at Freedom of Mind.
There is a connection bettween Hassan and Hein. That is, they each promote the others interests. Hassan promotes Hein by recommending him as a resource and providing links to his site, while Hein reciprocates by promoting Hassan through CultExperts.org and Apologetics Index.
It is understandable that someone like Anton Hein, seeking recognition and validation, would want to associate himself with professionals. This might appear to imbue him with an aura of credibility.
Hein also apparently attempts to somehow validate himself by recommending and linking to the International Cult Studies Association (ICSA), an educational nonprofit.
However, ICSA, unlike Steve Hassan, has no link or mention whatsoever at its website about Anton Hein or Apologetics Index.
How can Steve Hassan credibly be fighting against the sexual abuse of children and the victims of human trafficking, while simultaneously promoting a convicted sexual predator?
Isn’t this just a bit inconsistent, hypocritical and/or unethical?
CultNews contacted Steve Hassan’s office by email and phone for comment. His office advised that Mr. Hassan was not immediately available to comment on this article.
Note: Some years ago upon discovering the fugitive status and detailed criminal record of Anton Hein the Cult Education Institute (CEI), formerly known as the Ross Institute of New Jersey, purged any links to Anton Hein’s website from its database. Since that time CEI and CultNews has endeavored to make Hein’s background more publicly known. This has been done through the CEI archives and CultNews reports. Anyone involved in cultic studies can readily discover Hein’s criminal history of child sexual abuse and know about his current fugitive status.
Anton hein, Apologetics Index, Freedom of Mind, Steve Hassan  

2014
Dec
19

Notorious “cult” leader’s wife buried in Baltimore Jewish cemetery
Rick Ross Uncategorized Add you comment
 
Julaine Semanta Roy 85, the wife of Rama Behera later known as Rama Samanta Roy and then Avraham Cohen, died May 5th of this year. But her death was not reported until this month by The Shawano Leader.
Julaine Semanta Roy’s husband Rama Behera has historically been reported about by investigative journalists for many years. Behera has often been called a “cult” leader. He and his followers have been the subject of numerous media reports in Wisconsin and nationally. It seems that Rama Behera sought to escape his bad reputation by changing his name to Avraham Cohen and identifying himself as “Jewish.” Rama Behera moved to Maryland, where he became a member of Beth El Congregation in Baltimore.
The curious religious transformation of Rama Behera, who is of Indian descent, was the focus of a previous CultNews report some time ago. At that time Behera/Cohen was affiliated with Yeshivat Rambam, a Jewish day school in Baltimore, which has since closed.
The Shawano Leader reported that Behera/Cohen’s wife, like her husband, apparently went through a similar metamorphosis concerning her own identity. Born Julaine Smith, she became Julaine Semanta Roy and later was reportedly known as Sarah Steinberg and/or Sarah Cohen.
CultNews contacted Beth El Memorial Park cemetery in Randallstown, Maryland. Staff responding to the call confirmed that Behera/Cohen is a member of the Beth El Congregation and explained that though there is an Inter-faith section at the Beth El cemetery where non-Jews are buried, Julaine Semanta Roy was laid to rest in the Jewish portion of the graveyard.
rama3Behera/Cohen’s claim that he is somehow a Jew seems quite bizarre. The group Behera/Cohen led for decades was once called “The Disciples of the Lord Jesus,” which appears to make him a Christian. Past members of Behera/Cohen’s group say that he has a penchant for inconsistency. One former devotee told the press, “It doesn’t have to be logical, it doesn’t have to make sense; Rama [now known as Avraham Cohen] says so and that’s it.”
The choice of the names Avraham and Sarah Cohen by Rama Behera (photo left) the long-time “cult” leader is interesting. Apparently, continuing to see himself in grandiose terms, Behera chose the name Avraham (Abraham) the founder of Judaism and the corresponding name of Sarah the patriarch’s biblical spouse as the name for his own wife. The choice of the last name Cohen also has special significance. Cohen indicates a claim that a family are supposedly descendents of Aaron, the high priest and brother of Moses.
But is being a Jew just a claim anyone can make? Is it based upon name changes? Is this somehow enough to become officially recognized as Jewish? Maybe it’s enough for an old “cult” leader, but is it enough for Beth El Congregation and its cemetery?
CultNews contacted Senior Rabbi Steven Schwartz at Beth El to ask him how it is that Julaine Semanta Roy (aka Sarah Cohen) was allowed to be buried in the Jewish portion of the Beth El cemetery. CultNews asked Rabbi Schwartz very specifically that if to the best of his knowledge, Julaine Semanta Roy had undergone a ritual conversion per Jewish traditional law before being buried in the Beth El cemetery.
CultNews has received no response from Rabbi Schwartz.
Rama Behera, Rama Semanta Roy  

2014
Nov
17

“Cults Inside Out” — a new book by Rick Alan Ross
Rick Ross Brainwashing, Deprogramming Add you comment
 
You have seen them in movies and on TV, but cults are more prevalent than you think and they are armed with strategies that can “brainwash” and gain undue influence over even the most unlikely of candidates.
But how do individuals get involved with destructive cults in the first place, and what steps can be taken for those concerned to intervene “deprogram” and heal those who have been drawn into these damaging groups?
These questions and more are addressed in Cults Inside Out: How People Get In and Can Get Out, written with the help of current and former cult members, Ross demonstrates many of the tactics destructive cults use for control and manipulation—and, more importantly, some of the most effective methods he and other experts have used to reverse that programming.
As a result, readers will find themselves armed with a greater understanding of the nature of destructive cults and an improved ability to assess and deal with similar situations—either in their own lives or the lives of friends and family members.
From the Manson family to Heaven’s Gate, to multilevel marketing schemes, there are as many types of cults as there are leaders looking to control and manipulate.
Luckily the more people know and understand about these damaging groups, the less influential they will be–and Cults Inside Out exposes the inner workings of cults of all shapes and sizes.
About the author
For more than three decades, Rick Alan Ross has worked with current and former cult members, including participation in more than five hundred interventions. Along the way, he has learned the methods of these groups use to deceive and “brainwash” even the most unlikely individuals. Using real-life examples and first-hand accounts, this informative look at the world of destructive cults will arm readers with a greater understanding of the dangers of such cults–as well as providing valuable information about the intervention or “deprogramming” process.
Ross has consulted with the FBI, the BATF and other law enforcement agencies, as well as the governments of Israel and China on the topic of cults. Ross is a private consultant, lecturer and cult intervention specialist. He has been qualified and accepted as an expert court witness in eleven different states, including United States federal court. He has also worked as a professional analyst for CBS News, CBC of Canada, and Nippon and Asahi of Japan. He has appeared in thirteen documentaries and numerous network television interviews. Ross has been quoted by the media all over the world.
Rick Alan Ross is the founder of the Cult Education Institute, an online library and member of the American Library Association, whose database is one of the largest sources of information regarding cults on the Internet.
Comments about the book
“For any parent or family member searching for information about how to get a loved one out of a destructive cult, this book puts it all together — from the real nature of cults, to the right way to prepare for an intervention, to the actual experiences of a cult-buster who’s been at the head of his field for decades.”
–Tony Ortega, journalist and former Village Voice editor
index“Experts agree that thought reform is one of the greatest dangers to society and that the best defense is education. No person has done more to educate the public about its dangers then Rick Ross. When the media has needed explanations it has been Rick Ross providing the answers in simple easy to understand language. Now he has put it all into a book. Knowledge can be the best protection. And that’s the best reason to read this book.”
–Paul Morantz, author of “Escape: My Life Long War Against Cults”
“Rick Ross has provided us with a wealth of information in Cults Inside Out, which bears the fruits of his extensive knowledge and decades of experience in working with those who have been impacted by a destructive cult. His comprehensive review of the history from the 1970s to the present is much needed, given that many young people today are unaware of events that were headlines when they occurred, such as Jonestown and how they came about. There are many audiences for this book: people with loved ones in cults, former cult members, helping professionals looking to educate themselves, people working in the legal system, educators and others. This book also provides excellent guidelines for people who have decided to intervene with a cult-involved loved one and are seeking help. Ross presents his own approach in great detail, which is honest, educational, non-forcible and non-coercive – the opposite of what destructive cults do. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning more about cults and how to help others or themselves to become or remain free of undue influence.”
–Monica Pignotti, PhD
“In his masterful new book, Cults Inside Out, Rick Ross has delivered an exceptional and critically needed resource. He has gathered together in one comprehensive volume detailed, documented information about the diverse and growing number of controlling persons and groups preying on individuals, families and communities in the United States and worldwide. He brings to this impressive body of information his own expertise and first-hand experience spanning three decades helping victimized families. If you want to educate yourself, inoculate your family, and equip your loved ones with understanding and awareness about how predatory people and groups can steal their minds, their hearts, and their lives, read Cults Inside Out. Then make a gift of it to a friend.”
—Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman, authors of
Snapping: America’s Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change

 

2014
Oct
13

ISIS “death cult” and “Internet brainwashing”?
Rick Ross Brainwashing, ISIS, Islamists, Terrorists Add you comment
 
By Rick Alan Ross
A Jordanian online publication Al Bawaba recently ran an article titled “UK girl’s family fears Internet brainwashing.” The report proposed that “powerful jihadists are ‘brainwashing’ British teenagers through the internet.”
The aunt of one such teenage recruit said that her niece “was [radicalized] online after spending increasing amounts of time on her laptop and smart phone” communicating with ISIS members. She claims, “They can brainwash these children or 15 or 19-year-olds to leave their own home…it can happen to anyone.” Her niece may have been recruited through a so-called “jihadi dating site.”
The Mirror reported that in response to such recruitment efforts the British “Home Office has closed down 30,000 terrorist-linked websites in just nine months.” Through such websites “the internet is increasingly being hijacked by terrorist [organizations] to seduce Britons into going to war.”
yusra-hussienDestructive cults were pioneers on the World Wide Web and have used it effectively for promotional and recruitment purposes. An early example was the group known as “Heaven’s Gate,” which launched its own now notorious website almost twenty years ago. Other cults have learned to use the Internet as an effective tool. It is not surprising that ISIS likewise sees the Internet as a useful resource, which can now potentially reach virtually anyone anywhere through the access provided by an array of various electronic devices.
According to a report featured by Singapore’s Today, “Many of the youngest girls are lured with promises of humanitarian work. It is only once in Syria that they discover their fate: forced marriage to a fighter, strict adherence to Islamic law, a life under surveillance and little hope of returning home, say parents, relatives and radicalization experts.”
Again, this is not unlike the process of recruitment used by destructive cults, which frequently rely upon the old ploy of “bait and switch” to lure new members. Cults typically appeal to the naive idealism of potential recruits, wrapping themselves in the guise of positive social change, civic betterment, environmental awareness and most commonly some supposed religious or spiritual purpose.
Reportedly, “many women being radicalized hail from moderate Muslim households. But volunteers have also come from atheist, Catholic and Jewish households, both rich and poor, urban and rural.” Dounia Bouzar, a French anthropologist charged with the task of de-radicalizing such jihadists explained, “Recruiters have refined their methods to such a degree where they can take in people who are doing fine.” Bouzar stated, “Some are contacted on Facebook, others were chatted up on dating sites. Others met a friend who became a sort of guru.” Additionally, “Some of the women ‘thought they were in love’ after being groomed by men over the web or telephone.”
Destructive cults have been able to recruit almost anyone regardless of education, family background, religion or social status. ISIS follows a familiar pattern well-established by destructive cults who frequently target unaware and vulnerable young people, often on college campuses. Some cultists have also been drawn in through a romantic interest. Like jihadists, well-known cults use the social media to contact, influence and mentor potential new members.
According to news reports the guru of ISIS is Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who assumed power over the group in early 2007. Whether or not ISIS fits the personality-driven terrorist model of al-Qaeda remains to be seen. The influence and control exerted over the group by al-Baghdadi as a cultlike charismatic leader, has not been firmly established.
Hans-Georg Maassen, head of Germany’s domestic intelligence, says “The romance of jihad is very pronounced in propaganda and used by women to recruit other women. According to authorities recent radicalized recruits included 400 from Germany, 1,000 from France and 85 from Sweden. Magnus Ranstorp, a terrorism expert at Sweden’s National Defence College observed, “There is almost an obsession with paradise and the afterlife, which makes it like a death cult. Death matters more than life.” In the United States FBI Director James Comey reported to CBS’ “60 Minutes” he is monitoring “dozens of Americans” that have left the US to join ISIS or other terrorist groups.
After being mentored by their Internet gurus the new recruits are embedded and isolated within training camps, which are totally controlled environments. Communication is limited and when members do communicate with their families it may be scripted or coached. In a BBC News online video interview the father of one young ISIS recruit said, “‘my son believes it because it is brainwashing.” The father advised that “other people” could be heard controlling his son’s conversation and coaching him during Skype calls. Again, the control of communication seemingly mandated by ISIS is eerily similar to destructive cults.
Bad behavior by ISIS, not unlike excuses offered by destructive cults, is often rationalized  by the apology that essentially the “end justifies the means.”
A former member of ISIS interviewed by CNN discussed the process of her recruitment into the organization. A college educated teacher she reportedly was “drawn to the eloquence of a Tunisian whom she met online. Taken with his manners, she grew to trust him over time and he gradually lured her” with assurances “that the group was not what people thought, that it was not a terrorist organization.” The former ISIS member said the recruiter told her “‘we are going to properly implement Islam. Right now we are in a state of war, a phase where we need to control the country, so we have to be harsh.’”
Once fully embedded within the group the new recruit was told by her female commander, “‘Wake up, take care of yourself. You are walking, but you don’t know where you are going.’” Within this strange new environment the former school teacher turned ISIS member told CNN, “At the start, I was happy with my job. I felt that I had authority in the streets. But then I started to get scared, scared of my situation. I even started to be afraid of myself.”
Much like a cult member the teacher’s true personality came into conflict with the pseudo-personality imposed upon her by ISIS. She said, “I am not like this. I have a degree in education. I shouldn’t be like this. What happened to me? What happened in my mind that brought me here?” Ultimately the daily brutality of her new life shocked the young woman into again thinking independently for herself. She reflected, “The foreign fighters are very brutal with women, even the ones they marry,” she said. “There were cases where the wife had to be taken to the emergency ward because of the violence, the sexual violence.” She reacted honestly to the horror with reason, “I said enough. After all that I had already seen and all the times I stayed silent, telling myself, ‘We’re at war, then it will all be rectified.’” Finally she decided, “I have to leave.”
Once outside the confines of the “death cult” the young woman was more fully able to analyze her former situation. No longer was she subjected to the stern authoritarian discipline and stringent controls exercised over her daily life. This type of milieu control is historically the hallmark of destructive cults.
Today the former ISIS devotee is still trying to sort through her experience. “How did we allow them to come in? How did we allow them to rule us?” She claims, “There is a weakness in us.” but warns, “I don’t want anyone else to be duped by them. Too many girls think they are the right Islam.” Working through what seems like a cult recovery the former school teacher says, “It has to be gradual, so that I don’t become someone else. I am afraid of becoming someone else. Someone who swings, as a reaction in the other direction, after I was so entrenched in religion, that I reject religion completely.”
Monica Uriarte proposed her own prescription to immunize the public regarding jihadist recruiters online at Carbonated. She explains  “How to Stop Disillusioned Teens from Joining ISIS.” Uriarte says, “The answer lies in education. Muslim American and European Muslim communities need to educate their youth.”
But educate them about what?
In my opinion the key to such useful education is a better understanding of the dynamics of destructive cults, their recruitment tactics and how they employ a synthesis of coercive persuasion and influence techniques to trick and control people.
Thought provoking analysis is also offered by journalist Tom Gaisford writing for The Independent. In an article titled, “How should we respond to the murder of Alan Henning at the hands of Isis?” Gaisford says, “Extremists operate in a vacuum, free from self-criticism. Proof of this is their self-portrayal as anything but: they see themselves as enlightened moderates, driven to violence by necessity – heroes, effectively. This, it would seems, is how they are able to justify their conduct to themselves (whatever it is and whomsoever it affects).”
Again, this is not unlike historical cult leaders such as Charles Manson, Jim Jones, David Koresh, Shoko Asahara or notably Osama bin Laden. All apparent psychopaths who saw themselves in heroic terms as global game changers. The idea that they could be wrong was unthinkable to them and their followers. Whatever they did could somehow be justified within the framework of their grandiose game of global enlightenment, revelation, purification and/or annihilation.
Gaisford calls the philosophy of such leaders “circular nonsense.” He further observes, that “the language of [dehumanization] and destruction [within Jihadis groups like ISIS] is alarmingly reminiscent of the very darkest chapters in our world history.” Again, this seems to allude to cultic environments, such as Hitler’s Germany, Stalin’s Russia and the authoritarian dynasty that now dominates North Korea.
Gaisford elaborates, “The key to [neutralizing] extremism is more likely to lie in harnessing and disseminating information about the how it takes hold in the first place. The process is known colloquially as ‘[radicalization]‘ or “brainwashing” (depending on the context), though a more helpful term for it is ‘mind control’.”
Gaisford then explains what can be seen as the first step in cult recruitment. “Essentially, it relies on our inherent tendency to interpret information in a way that confirms our biases: its practitioners play to what we want to hear, to lead us unwittingly away from reality, simultaneously undermining the confidence and critical capacity we require to ‘return home’.” He concludes that jihadist recruiters, “though potentially deluded themselves, the likelihood is that controllers deceive their controlees knowingly, for their own personal benefit. To that extent, they are not in fact extremists but deeply cynical, critically attuned egoists.”
Again, just like destructive cults and their leaders have proven to be over and over again.
 

2014
Oct
02

Have destructive cults declined?
Rick Ross Al Qaeda, Brainwashing, Deepak Chopra, Elan Vital - Divine Light Mission, Falun Gong, Forum, Hare Krishnas, International Church of Christ, Moonies / Unification Church, Scientology, Terrorists, Waco Davidians 1 comment
 
By Rick Ross
In a recent opinion/editorial New York Times piece titled “The Cult Deficit” columnist Ross Douthat stated, “the cult phenomenon feels increasingly antique, like lava lamps and bell bottoms.” He concluded, “Spiritual gurus still flourish in our era, of course, but they are generally comforting, vapid, safe — a Joel Osteen rather than a Jim Jones, a Deepak Chopra rather than a David Koresh.”
Interestingly, Deepak Chopra was a disciple of Indian guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who was often called a “cult leader.” Maharishi was the founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM), a group frequently included on cult lists and still quite active amidst allegations of abuse.
Douthat doesn’t seem to care much about destructive cults or the damage they do. He laments that the Branch Davidians were “mistreated and misjudged.” Apparently the columnist hasn’t bothered to do much research as he has ignored the facts reported in the press about the Davidians and as established through the congressional record, the Danforth Report and submitted through court proceedings. Suffice to say that despite anti-government conspiracy theories David Koresh was one of the most vicious cult leaders in modern history. He was a deeply disturbed man that sexually preyed upon children and stockpiled weapons for the purpose of a violent end.
Journalist Tony Ortega at Raw Story points out that “The same week the US goes to war with one, NYT’s Douthat asks, where are the cults?” Ortega recognizes that many terrorist groups today are little more than personality-driven cults, such as al-Qaeda once was under the influence of Osama bin Laden. History is strewn with examples of the destruction wrought by totalitarian cults from the Nazis led by Adolf Hitler to the family dynasty that continues to dominate and control North Korea.
Not surprisingly following up Douthat doesn’t quote Ortega’s response, but instead prefers “Reason Magazine,” a Libertarian leaning publication that essentially agrees with him. Calling a column written by Peter Suderman a “very interesting response” Dauthat again ignores the facts and reiterates his opinion, as supposedly supported by a “religious historian” and venture capitalist. Suderman doesn’t dispute Douthat’s claim that cults are in decline, but rather uses it as a hook for his own spin about the “rise of subcultures.”
However, despite all the liberal or Libertarian posturing performed by these pundits the cult phenomenon has actually expanded around the world.
Unlike the United States, other countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East have taken steps to respond to cults both through regulation and law enforcement. For example, in Japan and Germany cults have been closely monitored and in China some have been outlawed. Recently in Israel cult leader Goel Ratzon was convicted of sex crimes. Ratzon’s criminal conviction followed a lengthy government investigation and raid by law enforcement.
In addition to malevolent cult movements that have captivated nations the old familiar groups called “cults” that Douthat thinks have faded away actually are still around such as Scientology, the Unification Church, Hare Krishnas, Divine Light Mission, International Church of Christ, and Est (the Forum), although they may now use new names to avoid easy recognition.
In fact the United States has become something of a destination point and haven for groups called “cults.”
Dahn Yoga, led by Ilchee Lee, which started in South Korea, later set up shop in Arizona and now has a following across America.
Another recent arrival is the World Mission Society Church of God led by Zhang Gil-Jah, known to her devotees as “Mother God.” Not long ago Zhang opened her first church in New Jersey. Since then the group has grown rapidly across the US and Canada. Mother has even rented space in Manhattan not far from the New York Times.
Exiled “evil cult” leader Li Hongzhi, founder of Falun Gong, had to leave China, but found refuge in New York. According to researchers Li now has a flock of about !0,000 followers in North America. He claims to channel miraculous healing powers, which has allegedly led to medical neglect and death. The group has regular parades and demonstrations in NYC, Apparently Mr. Dauthat missed that.
Just as there will always be con men running schemes to take people’s money, there will always be destructive cult leaders exploiting the vulnerabilities of humanity. For con men and cult leaders it’s a business and it seems to be quite profitable. When Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard died in 1986 his estate totaled hundreds of millions of dollars. Today, Scientology reportedly has a billion dollars in cash and vast real estate holdings. When Maharishi Mahesh Yogi died he left behind a spiritual empire valued in billions. Rev. Moon, the founder of the Unification Church, likewise left behind a hefty financial legacy, which is now managed by his children. Whenever there is cash and assets someone will step in to take over. And in the United States cults can operate with relative impunity as an unregulated industry.
No one knows exactly how many cult members there are in the United States. But almost every day I learn of a new group or organization that seems to fit the core criteria, which forms the nucleus for most definitions of a destructive cult. These core criteria were established by Robert Jay Lifton back in the 1980s. Rather than focusing on what a group believes Lifton’s criteria focus on the structure, dynamics and behavior of a group.
First, the single and most salient feature of a destructive cult is that it is personality-driven and animated by a living, charismatic and totalitarian leader. It is that leader who is the defining element and driving force of the group. Whatever the leader says is right is right and whatever the leader says is wrong is wrong. He or she determines the relative morality of the group and its core identity.
Second, the group engages in a process of thought reform to break people down and then redevelop them according to a predetermined mindset, which includes a diminished ability to think critically and/or independently. This is accomplished through a synthesis of coercive persuasion and influence techniques, relentlessly focused on individuals subjected to the group process.
Finally, the third criteria, is that the group does harm. This may vary from group to group as some groups are more harmful than others. One groups may simply exploit its members financially or through free labor, while others may make much more intense demands such as sexual favors, medical neglect or even criminal acts.
Whatever the group may present as its facade, be it religion, politics, exercise, martial arts, business scheme or philosophy, it is the structure, dynamics and behavior of the group that sets it apart and aligns it with the core criteria, which forms the nucleus for a definition of a destructive cult.
For those who would attempt to diminish the power of persuasion used by cults we have only to look at the pattern of behavior within such groups. Why would people act against their own interests, but instead consistently behave in the best interest of the cult leader? Why would cult members allow their children to die due to medical neglect or surrender them for sexual abuse? The most compelling explanation for such otherwise improbable behavior is that cult victims are under undue influence and therefore unable to think for themselves independently.
The dirty little secret about cults and their bag of tricks, is that we are all vulnerable to coercive persuasion and influence techniques. And this is particularly true when we are at a vulnerable time in our lives. This might include a period of grief, financial instability, isolation or some other personal setback. It is at these times that cults can more easily and deceptively recruit people. No one intentionally joins a cult. Instead, people are tricked by cults, through deceptive recruitment practices and a gradual indoctrination process that doesn’t immediately fully disclose the group’s expectations and agenda.
If people were not vulnerable to persuasion and influence techniques there would be no advertising or political propaganda. Every person approached isn’t taken in by cult recruitment tactics, just as everyone doesn’t buy a product promoted by slick advertising. The question is not why don’t cults recruit everyone, but rather how do they recruit people and why do those people often stay to their determent.
Instead of denial and fanciful claims about the decline of cults our best response regarding such groups is education and increased awareness. Understanding the basic warning signs of a potentially unsafe group is a good start. And utilizing the Web to find information about specific groups before becoming more deeply involved is always a good idea. More information helps people make more informed choices. Ignorance may lead to devastating consequences.
As Tony Ortega concluded, “As long as the media remains in the dark about destructive cults and the way they work, we’ll continue to get bewildering statements about ISIS, and ignorant columns from the New York Times.”
 

2014
Apr
08

South Korean ‘cult’ JMS recruiting students at US universities
Rick Ross Jeong Myeong-seok JMS 1 comment
 
By Mallory Miller


Austin, Texas — Sophomore college student Sabrina Smith was recruited at University of Texas to join a Korean Christian group often called a “cult” under the impression it was just an innocent bible study. Stephanie Hsu, a member of the group, ‘Jesus Morning Star,’ grabbed Smith’s attention as she was walking across campus to class in April 2013. Hsu asked her if she’d be interested in doing a one-on-one bible study.
“I was already a part of a group bible study, but I thought it would be cool to learn the bible more closely one-on-one,” said Smith. “She got my information, emailed me and then we got started.”
Smith, who joined the bible study in April 2013, was simply trying to find a new way to seek God. However, she quit five months later after discovering she was being indoctrinated to believe that ex-fugitive criminal Jeong Myung-seok (aka Joshua Jung, Joshua Lee and Pastor Joshua), who’s also portrayed in the media as “heaven’s rapist,” is the second living messiah on Earth.
Jeong Myeong-seok is the founder of Jesus Morning Star religious organization, also known as Global Association of Culture and Peace, JMS, Setsuri, the Bright Smile Movement, and Providence Gospel. His followers call him “Seonseng Nim,” the Korean word for “teacher.” Jesus Morning Star has spread globally, predominantly through university recruitment at campuses such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, and National Taiwan University. There are 240 branches of the church in Korea alone with over 150,000 followers.
Myeong-seok, a former member of the Unification Church founded by now deceased Rev. Sun Myung Moon, started the JMS group in the 1970s based upon some of the teachings of the Unification Church, such as its purification rituals. However, in JMS the purification rituals require women to have sex with the “second messiah,” whom Myeong-seok claims to be, in order to enter heaven and to purify themselves from the original sin which cast Eve out from the Garden of Paradise
“They don’t make those teachings public of course, but the signs are all there,” said Peter Daley, a cult watcher, who spends time spreading awareness about JMS and other controversial Asian groups called “cults” through the Internet.
Myeong-seok was officially charged with rape in 2001, after leaving South Korea in 1999. He left South Korea after it was broadcast on national television that he had committed the crime of rape. This was also reported by newspapers in Asia. He was arrested in Hong Kong in 2003, but fled again after an extradition hearing. Myeong-seok was finally caught and jailed with a 10-year sentence in February 2009. He is still serving his sentence currently in South Korea. Since his arrest was publicized more than 100 women have claimed they were raped or sexually abused by Myeong-seok during purification rituals.
JMS was particularly mindful of the way they lured Smith into the bible study. They started it out by teaching her interpretations of parables in the bible.
“It was something I was used to because I am a member of a Christian nondenominational church,” said Smith. “Each bible lesson was really insightful. They explained parables with logical interpretations.”
In Texas as Sabrina Smith advanced deeper into the bible study, her JMS teacher Stephanie Hsu discretely introduced the JMS peculiar practices to Smith. She convinced Smith to wake up to pray and listen to proverbs written by Myeong-seok every morning at 4:00 AM, referred to as the “spiritual hour.” Hsu also used guilt as a tool to get Smith to follow JMS. According to Smith, Hsu would say things like, “God will not listen to you if you don’t pray at this hour.”
Smith did wake up and pray as Hsu instructed, but she didn’t stay with the practice long because “towards the end it all started getting really fishy,” she said.
There were indicators that convinced Smith that JMS was a “cult” organization. Hsu instructed Smith that she must keep the early Morning Prayer practice a secret. Hsu invited Smith to model in JMS fashion shows, also telling the young woman that she could write personal letters to their “teacher” and offered to bring Smith to Asia as long as she didn’t tell her parents.
Smith’s gut instinct told her something wasn’t right, so she began to research on the organization. Soon she came across Daley’s website jmscult.com and contacted him for more information about the cult. Shortly after finding that site, she told Hsu she would not continue the bible study.
Daley recalled his first introduction to the JMS cult when he was living in South Korea. One of his friends invited him to go hiking in Wolmyong Dong, the “spiritual” base of the JMS cult.
Daley accepted the invitation only to find himself stuck at an all-night festival at Wolmyong Dong.
“I remember being struck by the fact that well over 80 percent of the 2,000 strong crowd were female university students,” said Daley. “Furthermore, the leader’s brother was constantly surrounded by an entourage of women that looked like they had just stepped out of a fashion magazine.”
Followers at the festival asked Daley throughout the night if he was studying the bible and if he knew “Seonseng Nim.” Daley, assuming this character would be present at the festival, asked around to get more information about him. He received replies like “he’s evangelizing in America” and “God called him to preach to the world and he’s in Asia spreading the Gospel.”
“The Beatlemania-like response from all those young girls and models when the face of the absent Jeong was shown on a giant screen at 1:00 AM was proof enough to me that this was at the very least some kind of personality cult,” said Daley.
Many followers to this day refuse to admit Myeong-seok committed the crimes he is in jail for or try to somehow justify his conviction and incarceration.
“Jesus was persecuted too,” said Karen Liu, a current member of the JMS cult who has been seen recruiting at Santa Clara University campus.
“If Jeong isn’t a serial rapist who is using religion as a tool and cloak to rape, then he sure created an organization that makes him look like one,” says Peter Daley.
With Myeong-seok in jail, female members are safe for now from potential rape by “the teacher;” however, “the emotional damage involvement in such a high-pressure group even for a short time should not be ignored or underestimated,” Daley said.
Update: SBS2 Australia recently broadcast a report about the Jeong group featuring former members, which is now online at YouTube.
Jeong Myeong-seok JMS  

2014
Mar
17

Pandit Protest or Freedom Cry
Rick Ross Transcendental Meditation Add you comment
 
By Gina Catena


ABC’s KTVO-TV in Iowa March 11, 2014 reported on a “Pandit Riot” that took place at the gate to Vedic City’s pandit compound after TM officials arrived with sheriff support at 0600. They planned to remove one of the compound’s leaders for unspecified disciplinary action and possible return to India.
According to the televised report, dozens of the Indian men who receive $50 monthly stipend (with $150 presumably sent to families in India) surrounded the sheriff’s vehicle, threw rocks and broke a squad car light. The sheriff called for other law reinforcements from Wapello County for support.
The Global Country of World Peace or Vedic City authorities must have suspected some unrest to justify requesting sheriff support to escort this pandit leader away.
The pandits protested their leader’s departure. Law enforcement officials could not understand words that were shouted in Hindi. News reports do not mention any attempt by law enforcement to understand the pandits.
News reports do not address (lack of) a Hindi interpreter. There is no mention if the shouting men were later provided an objective interpreter or offered impartial legal representation.
Credit goes to the sheriff who avoided escalating an altercation by successfully backing his vehicle away through the unarmed crowd. The sheriff’s office did not press charges since no one knows who assaulted the vehicle. Vedic City agreed to cover costs for the sheriff’s auto repairs.
The sheriff expressed incredulity that these men “held no respect for the law” when they mobbed his vehicle.
The pandits were escorted back inside their square mile of fenced compound.
TMFree previously posted concerns about the pandits’ captivity in a previous three part series that can be read by clicking here.
The recent “riot” might be a desperate attempt by these caged men to communicate to the outside world.
One woman interviewed for the televised report stated that these pandits WANT to stay impounded together, rather than return to their family squalor in India. However, if the pandits want to stay impounded, why did 163 of them escape within the last year? Their absence was not reported by the sponsoring TM organization that holds their passports.
Al Jazeera’s review of January 27, 2104 “Indian Vedic students go ‘missing’ in the US” can be read by clicking here.
Vedi City’s pandit situation resembles this animated United Nations’ video about modern human slavery.
These young pandits receive slave wages of room and board plus $50 / month. $150 per pandit is supposedly sent to their families in India. They may spend their $50 at small store in their compound. They rarely leave the compound. Their “job” is to inspire donations from TM True Believers for mystical chants that TM leaders promise will assure good weather, economic prosperity and world peace. For video clips, click here.
If these men want greater rights, they could be desperate enough to vie for attention from law enforcement.
Raja John Hagelin, Maharishi’s Raja of North America (aka Dr. John Hagelin in the films “What the Bleep Do We Know” and “The Secret”) Bill Goldstein, spokesman of The Global Country of World Peace, and John Revolinski, an administrator for the pandit campus, said the majority of these pandits began living in TM’s pandit compounds as children. This sounds suspiciously like child trafficking.  See “Students inquire about pandits during forum” by clicking here.
Revolinski referred to the pandits’ group dynamics. He did not discuss the group dynamics of the larger community which colluded to keep these men inside a fenced compound.
Some reports state the pandits have R-1 Visas. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Web Site defines R-1 visas here.  A key excerpt below:
“An R-1 is a foreign national who is coming to the United States temporarily to be employed at least part time (average of at least 20 hours per week) by a non-profit religious organization in the United States (or an organization which is affiliated with the religious denomination in the United States) to work as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation…To qualify, the foreign national must have been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States for at least 2 years immediately before the filing of the petition.”
Forgive our confusion. For decades the TM Movement stated they are a non-religious organization. The TM Movement used this non-religious argument to infiltrate public schools and the American Veteran’s administration through the David Lynch Foundation.
Yet, the pandits received visas to work for an “organization which is affiliated with the religious denomination in the United States.”
TMFree addressed religious aspects of TM many times, for example “Is it a religion, or a dessert topping?”  and “Still “not a religion”: Video of puja, the religious ritual central to TM Initiation”.
Vedic City issued a TM-speak statement on March 11, 2014 which can be read here, and stated that :
“A very harmonious meeting was held with the entire Pandit group immediately after the incident to discuss what transpired. An internal review of the situation is being conducted with an aim to avoid any such repeat incidents in the future.”
No investigator had contact with the pandits. Will an outsider speak directly to these men?
How can law enforcement assist the containment of voiceless innocents inside an isolated compound?
Some reports said these men were promised an education and job training. Does chanting for a net of $50 monthly equal a career?
Pandits are human beings whose concerns should be heard. These are not the mute Orca whales whose captivity in San Diego SeaWorld garners press attention through animal activists.
An objective legal investigation into this should be initiated by people outside of Jefferson County, Iowa. Authorities of southeast Iowa already demonstrated both lack of objectivity and collusion with Vedic City through seven years of silence about these men confined to one square mile in a cornfield.
The pandits may have learned that drama attracts attention after fire fighters responded to a small fire in a pandit mobile home on November 8 2013, as reported here.
Another fire on March 3, 2014 was reported here.
If these men are desperately calling for help, they might be succeeding.
 

2014
Mar
10

Cult Education Institute new online database and redesigned sites launched
Rick Ross Uncategorized Add you comment
 
The Cult Education Institute (CEI) formerly known as the Ross Institute of New Jersey, has launched a completely redeveloped modern database.
The CEI archives includes more than 36,000 articles and documents in an online library organized through hundreds of subsections by group or topic of interest. There is also a virtual library listing relevant books in association with Amazon.com and one of the largest link collections now online about groups called “cults.”
The CEI site was first launched in 1996 and has grown from a modest website to one of the largest archives about destructive cults, controversial groups and movements accessible through the Internet.
There are also other sites online included under the CEI umbrella such as the Cult News Network, Cult News and the CEI message board. Taken together the CEI Web presence offers the general public a free interactive resource for research and study, which broadly encourages the sharing and networking of information for those concerned about cults and related topics of interest.
CEI is a nonprofit educational charity and a member of both the American Library Association and the New Jersey Library Association.

 
« Previous Entries
 
 




Twitter


Recent Posts
Who is Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha?
How do you deprogram a Scientologist?
Cult Watcher Steve Hassan’s links to fugitive sex offender
Notorious “cult” leader’s wife buried in Baltimore Jewish cemetery
“Cults Inside Out” — a new book by Rick Alan Ross

Recent Comments
The truth about TM compound that Oprah Winfrey failed to see: Course Participants or Captive Pandits on The truth about TM compound that Oprah Winfrey failed to see: Course Participants or Captive Pandits
Peter’s Site! on South Korean ‘cult’ JMS recruiting students at US universities
Some Notes on Cults | Sharp and Pointed on Have destructive cults declined?
Grossed_Out on “Order of Christ Sophia has become a dangerous and destructive organization”
Mollie on “Order of Christ Sophia has become a dangerous and destructive organization”

Categories
3HO
African cult
Al Qaeda
Amma
Amway
Ananda Church of Self-Realization
Animal Rights and Environmental Extremists
Annton Hein
Anti-Abortion Groups
Anton
Apologetics Index
Apostles of Infinite Love
Army of Mary
Aryan Nations
Assembly
Attleboro
Aum Sect
Benny Hinn
Beta Dominion Xenophilia
Black Hebrews
Brainwashing
Brethren
Brother Julius
Caritas of Birmingham
Charles Manson
Children of God
Chinese Sects
Ching Hai
Christian Broadcasting Network
Christian Identity
Christian Science
Chung
Church and State
Church of Bible Understanding
Church of God Restoration
Church of Israel
Church Universal and Triumphant
Clergy Abuse
Cult Apologist?
Cult Following
Deepak Chopra
Deprogramming
Elan Vital – Divine Light Mission
Elizabeth Smart Abduction
End Times
Endeavor Academy
Environmental Extremists
Equinox
Eric Rudolph
Evangelicals
Executive Success Programs (ESP)
Expert Witness
Faith healing
Faith Tabernacle Congregation
False Memories
Falun Gong
Fellowship of Friends
Forum
Four Winds Commune
Freemen
Friends Landing
Friends of the Eucharist
Fundamentalists
General Assembly Church of the First Born
God's Creation Outreach Ministry
Gordon Winrod
Greater Grace World Outreach
Hare Krishnas
Hate Groups
Heaven's Gate
His Community
House of Prayer
Immortal Consciousness
International Church of Christ
Irish Travelers
ISIS
Islamic Fundamentalists
Islamists
Japanese Sects
Jehovah's Witnesses
Jeong Myeong-seok JMS
Jewish Defense League
Jews for Jesus
Jonestown
Kabbalah Centre
Kashi Ashram
Ku Klux Klan
Landmark Education
Lifespring
Local Church
Love Family
Love Israel Family
Lyndon LaRouche and Executive Intelligence Report
Magnificat Meal Movement
Maranatha Ministries
Master Path
Messianic Jews
Militias
Millennial Madness
Miscellaneous
Moonies / Unification Church
Mormons
Multi-Level Marketing
Mungiki
Nation of Islam
National Alliance
Neo Nazis
New Alliance Party
New Cult Awareness Network
New Life Tabernacle
New Lighthouse Movement
New Mexico cult
North Korea
Nuwaubians
Oklahoma City Bombing, Timothy McVeigh, Terry Nichols
Opus Dei
Osho Rajneesh
Overcomers Ministry, R.G. Stair
Pana Wave
Paranormal
Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association
polygamists
Promise Keepers
Propaganda
Raelians
Ramtha School of Enlightenment
Rebirthing
Recovery
Rosicrucians
Russian Sects
Sai Baba
Salva Me of the Philippines
Satanism
Scientology
Siddha Meditation
Snake Handling Pentecostal Sects
Social Therapy
Soka Gakkai
Solar Temple
Sri Chinmoy
Sterling Institute of Relationships
Stong City
Swami Rama
Symbionese Liberation Army
Synanon
Teen Boot Camps
Teen Challenge
Ten Commandments
Terrorists
Transcendental Meditation
Trek Alliance
Trinity Broadcasting Network
True & Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the L
Tvind
Twelve Tribes
UFO Believers
Ultra-Orthodox Groups
Uncategorized
United Pentecostal Church International
Universal Church Kingdom of God
University Bible Fellowship
Voodoo
Waco Davidians
Walden House
Waldorf Schools
Wayne Bent
Wesson Family murders
Westboro Baptist Church
White Supremacists
Wicca
Word of Faith Fellowship
World Church of the Creator
World Ministries
Worldwide Church of God
Wright Family
Y2K
Yahweh Ben Yahweh
Yogaville

Meta
Log in
Entries RSS
Comments RSS
WordPress.org

Archives
April 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
April 2014
March 2014
August 2013
June 2013
April 2013
January 2013
November 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
May 2012
March 2012
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
March 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
May 2010
March 2010
February 2010
December 2009
August 2009
July 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
September 2008
August 2008
June 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
October 2007
September 2007
July 2007
April 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
August 2003
July 2003
June 2003
May 2003
April 2003
March 2003
February 2003
January 2003
December 2002
November 2002
October 2002
September 2002
August 2002
July 2002

Disclaimer
This news page is about groups, organizations or movements, which may have been called "cults" and/or "cult-like" in some way, shape or form. But not all groups called either "cults" or "cult-like" are harmful. Instead, they may be benign and generally defined as simply people intensely devoted to a person, place or thing. Therefore, the discussion or mention of a group, organization or person on this page, is not necessarily meant pejoratively.

Copyright
Unless otherwise noted, all material on this site is Copyright © Rick Ross.
 

Cult News · coogee theme · 2008
RSS Feed · WordPress · TOP
  
http://www.cultnews.com/
























Cult News
Sponsored by the Cult Education Institute

Home


Getting Help  |   Mind Control  |   Contact  |   About  |   What's New  |   Headlines  |   Links  |   Books  |   Help Us  |   FAQ




2015
Apr
07

Who is Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha?
Rick Ross Faith healing Add you comment
 
Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha claims, “The purpose of life is to serve. I have committed my life to this purpose. Service is my life mission” (Zhi Gang Sha, Soul Mind Body Science System, Preface xiii, 2014).
But Sha’s critics say he “uses brainwashing” and bilks people out of money through his books and other paid services, “expensive karma cleansing” and through pricey retreats they call “brainwashing camps.”
What is the truth about Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha?
Medical Doctor
At his website Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha claims that he is “an M.D. in conventional modern medicine…” However, nowhere on the website is there any mention of what school he specifically attended, where he graduated and from which he received a medical degree.
This in sharp contrast to three well-known medical doctors that combine conventional modern medicine with alternative healing methods.
Dr. Andrew Weil, an advocate of holistic medicine, received his A.B. degree in biology from Harvard, an M.D. from Harvard Medical School and did his medical internship at Mt. Zion Hospital in San Francisco, later working for the National Institute of Mental Health.
Often controversial, but popular Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Oz, TV host and health guru, is a board certified Thoracic Cardiovascular surgeon.
Dr. Deepak Chopra, who was once closely associated with a purported “cult leader” Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is a cardiologist with an interest in alternative medicine that graduated from All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi and moved on to become chief of medicine at New England Memorial Hospital (now called the Boston Regional Medical Center).
All three of these doctors have medical degrees that can be easily be verified, but not “Dr. Sha.”
The Source
Sha bookIn his book “Soul Mind Body Science System” Master Sha explains his beliefs, theories and practices in great detail. He claims that he can “create “The Source Field,” which he says is capable of healing people. Sha claims (see Preface xviii), “I am the servant, vehicle, and channel of The Source. The Source has given me the honor and authority to connect with The Source in order to create The Source Field.”
Master Sha further claims (see Preface xxiii) that he has been “chosen” to offer “Divine and Tao Soul Downloads.” Sha says (see Preface xxii), “A preprogrammed Tao Soul Download is permanently stored within this book.”
Such exclusive seemingly self-aggrandizing claims are often associated with people called “cult leaders.”
For example, cult leader David Koresh claimed that an angel from heaven explained to him the meaning of the Seven Seals in the Book of Revelation. And that he alone knew how to open the seals, which would usher in the Day of Judgment. Koresh died with many of his followers in a fire, at the conclusion of a 51-day standoff with federal law enforcement. In the end there was no day of judgment for anyone other than Koresh, who was later proven to be guilty of sexually abusing children.
The single most salient feature of many destructive cults is their authoritarian and personality-driven nature. That is, usually a single individual dictates over a group of followers and makes special claims about his or her authority. Whatever the leader says is right is right and what whatever the leader says is wrong is wrong. The leader becomes the master, while followers in large part are urged to essentially abdicate their ability to make independent value judgements of their own.
Heavenly team
Master Sha has released many books and he states (see page 67), “All eleven of [his] books share profound soul secrets, wisdom, knowledge, and practical techniques to transform all life.” But Master Sha doesn’t simply write a book like other authors, he flows a book. Sha explains, “When I flow a book, a Heaven’s Team is also above me to guide and assist me.” His team supposedly includes (see page 68), “Gautama Buddha,” “Maitreya (the buddha of the future’),” “Yuan Shi Tian Zun (one of the three top saints in the traditional Taoist pantheon),” “Jesus,” “Mother Mary,” “St. Germaine,” “Albert Einstein,” “Sir Isaac Newton” and “Eight other renowned scientists in history are also above [his] head.”
How can anyone that believes in Master Sha question his authority? Questioning Sha, according to him, would be tantamount to questioning Buddha, Jesus or Albert Einstein, not to mention the other unnamed scientists who guide him.
Similarly, purported “cult” leader Rev. Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Unification Church, also invoked heavenly authority. According to Moon no less than 36 late presidents — “from the vantage point of heaven” endorsed him as “the Messiah.” However, Moon was convicted of tax fraud, served prison time and was apparently a sinful messiah.
Sha claims that every sentence in his book is divinely handed down. He states (see page 69), “We [Sha and his followers] can hear Heaven’s writing team, as well as guidance from the saints, the Divine and Tao. After flowing one sentence, the next sentence is ready for us. Sentence after sentence flows out. When one paragraph is done, we can then hear the next paragraph clearly. Then, that next paragraph flows out.”
Beware critics, before you review a book by Master Sha, consider the karmic consequences, and don’t anger “Heaven’s writing team.”
Sha also has received from The Source “profound inspiration” to create special “I Ching practices for healing, rejuvenation, longevity, and immortality.” According to Sha (see page 100) making yet another exclusive claim, “This is the first time in history that I Ching power has been brought for these applications.” Sha says (see pages 108, 112) that he is engaged in a dialog with “the Divine.” He asks and the Divine tells him “immediately,” seemingly no matter how cosmically complicated the question might be. And not unlike the leaders of groups called “cults” Sha claims that his teachings are the best. He concludes (see page 116), “I cannot emphasize enough my deepest insight in my spiritual awareness, which is the highest sacred wisdom, knowledge, philosophy, principle, and practice in the Wu World and You World.”
Secret to immortality
Sha also claims to “know one sentence secrets.” He says (see page 75), “How do I know one-sentence secrets? Remember, there is a Heaven’s Team above my head. I also have a Jin Dan download…They then borrow my mouth and flow out a new one-sentence secret.” Sha thus serves as the mouthpiece for Heaven.
How important are Sha’s secrets. He claims (see page 126) to have a “one-sentence secret for the cause of all sickness and the solution for healing all sicknesses…”
What is the essence of his big secret?
Sha summarizes (see page 156), “If you are searching for rejuvenation, longevity, and, most especially, immortality, you have to remove desires for fame, money, power, control and much more, because these desires will dramatically affect your rejuvenation and longevity journey.”
Again, this is not unlike a purported “cult” leader named Charles Brown, founder of the Eternal Flame, later known as “People Forever” and “People Unlimited.” Brown claimed that he had discovered the secret for eternal life and could literally stop aging through something he called “cellular awakening.” Like Sha, Brown said he had received revelation and that only through him and his process could others receive the gift of immortality. However, Brown aged and died, despite his fantastic claims.
Money
Sha says the key to immortality is to give up striving for status and wealth. He states (see page 156), “If you are searching for rejuvenation, longevity, and, most especially, immortality, you have to remove desires for fame, money, power, control and much more, because these desires will dramatically affect your rejuvenation and longevity journey. There is no way you can reach immortality if you hold these kinds of desires, dreams, and attachments.”
No way?
Then why does Master Sha have a “business team” (see page 259) and appear to be so concerned about money?
Benbella Books Inc. of Dallas, Texas is the publisher of Sha’s latest book.  Benbella promotes Sha as the author of a “USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller.”
But is Sha really a legitimate best-selling author or does he manipulate his followers to artificially inflate his book sales?
It has been alleged that Zhi Gang Sha stages “book campaigns” to conflate his book sales by obtaining individual commitments from his followers to make large purchases, for example one follower might make a commitment to spend $1,500 to $2,000 on books during a specified period of time either through an online bookseller or through some other retail outlet.
The Cult Education Institute maintains an online public message board, which is a source of complaints about the business practices and behavior of Master Sha.
One critic explains, “A book release is timed usually to coincide with one of his retreats. At the retreat, besides charging exorbitant fees for useless downloads, in exchange for some of the highest priced downloads he gets his followers to buy large numbers of the book to primarily give away to others. In this way, Sha manipulates the best seller list to try to convince book buyers that he’s on the level. It’s dishonest, to say the least – he is lying to his followers as well as the public” (Cult Education Institute public message board January 28, 2013).
Apparently Sha is quite adroit at organizing such book campaigns amongst his followers. “Master Sha is a best seller because he is the best at getting his followers to spend money they don’t have on books that no one wants, so he can have the stature of a best-selling author,” says one critic (Cult Education Institute public message board Jun 8, 2008). Another critic adds, “All those who have talked about the book campaigns and reviews are telling the truth” (Cult Education Institute public message board Mar 6, 2009).
The net effect of Sha’s financial demands can be devastating. One critic concludes, “The book campaigns are 100% true, the expensive karma clearings, the downloads, the endless marketing. I could go on and on. I didn’t leave the cult until I was bankrupt, lost my business and home and was cut off from my family. I lost everything” (Cult Education Institute public message board Jul 31, 2011).
One critic further explains some of Sha’s money schemes, “All of the downloads were very expensive, and after a while it was clear that what cost $1,000 yesterday was now available for $100 today, because, after all, the Divine was now downloading a newer and higher version of it. There were a number of people I knew personally who hid from their spouses the thousands of dollars they spent on downloads” (Cult Education Institute public message board January 28, 2009).
“I went to a seminar with Master Sha in Europe. And I was totally shocked. He is so greedy and manipulative. Scares the s… out of people by telling them that they will die if they don´t clear karma with him! I spent almost 3,000 Euros on Karma Cleansing that weekend and other Downloads and when I think of that now I also feel a little bit embarrassed,” says one European critic (Cult Education Institute public message board October 23, 2012).
There is also special divine calligraphy made available through Sha for a price to his followers. One follower explains (see page 240), “This calligraphy will be everywhere. It is accelerating Mother Earth’s transition. People have to get this fast. Everything is speeding up. This is the plan. There is no other answer.” Another says (see page. 243), “I also felt that the calligraphies created by Master Sha are all holy doctrines, created one by one on by one, and they have a bigger message.”
Chanting and visualization
But what is it exactly that Sha does to help people?
Can he actually heal anyone?
One critic states, “During the time that I was part of the cult, I did not see any healing that could be documented and I did not heal from the aliments that I suffered from. Master Sha would tell us of his healings, some of his students would attest to the healings, but there was never any documented evidence” (Cult Education Institute public message board January 28, 2009).
Sha claims (see Preface xxv), “Where you put your mind, using creative visualization, is where you receive benefits for healing, rejuvenation, and transformation of relationships and finances.” He calls this “Mind Power,” which is dependent upon “Sound Power,” summarized as “what you chant is what you become.”
Master Sha repeats this over and over and over again throughout his book. “What you chant is what you become” and “Practice, Practice, Practices” to “Transform, Transform, Transform.”
This transformation is apparently accomplished through endless hours of chanting and meditation. Sha prescribes such chants (see p. 22-25) that must be repeated aloud and/or recited silently.
Practitioners are also told to visualize a “golden light ball.” The origin of the golden light ball is interesting. Sha explains (see page 67), “I received a Jin Dan, a golden light ball [original emphasis] from The Source.”
This technique of visualization has been called “guided imagery” by experts and can be seen as psychological manipulation to assist in trance induction for the purpose of making someone more suggestible. Psychologist Margaret Singer wrote, “A considerable number of different guided-imagery techniques are used by cult leaders and trainers to remove followers from their normal frames of reference.” And that this can be seen as “trance” or “hypnosis” and “When this method is used in a cultic environment, it becomes a form of psychological manipulation and coercion because the cult leader implants suggestions aimed at his own agenda while the person is in a vulnerable state.”
Sha explains how his visualization and chanting techniques become a cure-all for virtually anything. If there is a specific ailment, for example a bad back, Sha’s devotees are instructed (see page 28) to “chant repeatedly: Soul Order heal my back” for certain time periods. This chanting can last for hours or more. Sha repeatedly throughout his book incessantly instructs his followers to chant (see pages 79, 120, 121, 123, 127-129, 133,-137,  144-151,  160-164, 174-184, 188, 190, 202-208, 214-229, 246-247, 251, 253-254) daily.
Sha says (see page 79), “I emphasize again: practice, practice, practice. We cannot practice enough.” Chanting appears to be Sha’s solution for virtually everything. Sha states (page 169) concerning one of his many formulas, “We cannot chant this mantra enough.” And then advises to “chant nonstop” and that “the more you chant the Grand Scientific Formula, the more benefits you can receive.”
Chanting is the solution according to Sha. One example (see page 201), “To chant this Divine Soul Song is to self-clear negative karma.” Sha says (see page 209), “You cannot chant it enough.”
Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman describe in their book Snapping: America’s Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change:
“Almost every major cult and cult-like group we came upon teaches some form of not thinking or ‘mind control’ as part of its regular program of activity. The process may take the form of repetitive prayer, chanting, speaking in tongues, self-hypnosis or diverse methods of meditation. Such techniques, when practiced in moderation, may yield real physical and mental health benefits¦. Prolonged stilling of the mind, however, may wear on the brain physically until it readjusts, suddenly and sharply, to its new condition of not thinking. When that happens, we have found, the brain’s information-processing capacities may be disrupted or enter a state of complete suspension, disorientation, detachment, hallucinations, delusions and, in extreme instances, total withdrawal.”
Psychologist Margaret Singer who counseled many former cult members warned about the negative consequences of excessive meditation. Singer said this might include a range of impairments, some of which remain after many years out of the cultic group such as anxiety attacks, memory difficulties, long term emotional flatness and visual hallucinations. Singer explained, “Meditation, in itself, is not good or bad. But when a venal person wants to sell you courses and persuade you to turn over your life to him, you must beware.”
A seminal and excellent documentary, Directed by Pierre Lasry, Montreal: National Film Board of Canada, 1983  “Captive Minds: Hypnosis and Beyond,” can now be seen online. The film examines the vulnerability, malleable nature and suggestibility of the human mind. The documentary looks at various examples of trance induction through religious rituals, chanting, meditation, training and hypnosis, as seen within an array of situations, venues and groups.
Mind control
There seems to be a pattern of manipulation within Sha’s teachings that can be seen as form of mind control to gain undue influence. For example, there are thoughts, which are labeled “wrong thoughts” Sha suggests (See pages 80-82), “That unpleasant though is not from your mind. It is another soul that affected you.” And he offers a “formula,” which consists of chanting and visualization, to purge wrong thoughts from the mind.
Sha elaborates (see page 209) on the net results of the incessant chanting he insists upon. “Many people want to chant. Many people want to meditate. Many people cannot do it for a long period of time. Some people chant for a few minutes and stop. Some people could lose hope and think chanting and meditation are not for them. Some people want to empty their minds. They may have difficulty emptying their minds in meditation. They could become frustrated.”
Sha seems to be urging his devotees to exceed the limits of what Conway, Siegelman and Singer might consider reasonable, to reach his stated goal, which is apparently the “emptying [of] their minds.”
What is the effect of all this emptying?
How does it ultimately affect the thinking of Master Sha’s devoted followers?
One says (see page 189), “As we were chanting it seemed as if all of our bodies were doing a cultivation process. As we were pulling the light and energy from the planets, stars, galaxies, and universe…My body turned into golden light.” And all this light is attributed directly to Master Sha. Another devotee tells Sha (see page 189), “When you started to chant with us, it was amazing. When you opened your mouth, the words became golden, went out into the universe, and came back to us. We received blessings beyond words.”
This would seem to parallel and reflect the net result of excessive chanting and meditation, which is the delusions and hallucinations described by Conway, Siegelman and Singer.
There is also evidently an element of emotional control as well in Master Sha’s teachings. He says (see page 36), “The heart is more crucial than the mind in determining the degree of consciousness one has…Reality depends on one’s soul, heart, mind and body.”
Here Sha seems to be referring to the “heart” as the figurative center of emotion and feeling. In their book Holy Terror Conway and Siegelman explain how ritualized instructions tied to specific beliefs, writings and images can be manipulated to suppress a person’s bedrock emotional responses and everyday feelings in a systematic effort to promote obedience and compliance.
One of Sha’s critics says, “Dr Sha uses brainwashing methods to keep those attending retreats constantly busy from early morning to late at night with little or no time to eat and little time to sleep. There is no real time for them to contact family members or the outside world,” says one critic (Cult Education Institute public message board November 07, 2008). Another critic elaborates, “His retreats are run like a brainwashing camp. The participants get up early, run all day with little food, time to do anything, but attend meetings and go till late at night…People who attend these Soul Enlightenment Retreats come home totally brainwashed in the dialogue of the cult, Sha’s divine nature and stories of amazing healings” (Cult Education Institute public message board November 05, 2009).
Sleep deprivation and control over the environment and communication are the hallmarks of cultic manipulation and thought reform. Robert Jay Lifton, who wrote the book Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism, describes this as “milieu control.”  Lifton wrote, “The most basic feature of the thought reform environment, the psychological current upon which all else depends, is the control of human communication. Through this milieu control the totalist environment seeks to establish domain over not only the individual’s communication with the outside (all that he sees and hears, reads or writes, experiences, and expresses), but also – in its penetration of his inner life – over what we may speak of as his communication with himself. It creates an atmosphere uncomfortably reminiscent of George Orwell’s 1984.”
Charismatic leader
3dKqs_E9
Zhi Gang Sha
Lifton also wrote about the three most basic principle characteristics of a destructive cult in his paper “Cult Formation,” published at Harvard University. He explains that perhaps the most pivotal feature of a cult is “a charismatic leader who increasingly becomes an object of worship…”
The central importance and significance of Master Sha is emphasized in his book and echoed within it by follower after follower. One participant at a retreat states (see page 191), “The first thing I saw was that Master Sha was creating a Jin Dan for the readers of this book. He started by calling the light of Mother Earth.Then Master Sha called Heaven’s light. I saw Heaven opening. I saw the golden light from Heaven coming…Next, Master Sha called the Tao light. Tao light came and enveloped the [Jing Qi Shen] of Mother Earth’s golden light and Heaven’s golden light.”
Sha apprarently is not only heaven’s mouth, he is also the chosen vessel and vehicle of The Sourc. He seems to be the impetus for everything.
Has Master Sha created a personality-driven “cult”?
One devoted follower seems (see page 231) to have found the ultimate chant, which is simply chanting the name “Master Sha,” which is recommended by Sha. The devotee says, “I said I needed a tool to break through. Master Sha said, ‘Chant Master Sha.’ The mortar started to crumble away. The more I chanted, the more it started to recede above me…Master Sha and the golden light all around…what Master Sha has created today…”
The key ingredient always seems to be Master Sha as the essential element required for everything.
Another follower exclaims (see page 231), “Thank you Master Sha for this priceless treasure…” Another states (see page 234), “We are in a time warp with Master Sha. There is no time, no space–just this incredible place.”
Master Sha is rather specific about his singular status and special importance. Sha states (see page 65), “In July 2003 I (Master Sha) was chosen as a divine servant, vehicle, and channel. I was given the divine honor and authority to offer Karma Cleansing. I have created more than thirty Divine Channels who offer Divine Karma Cleansing services. Together, my Divine Channels and I have created nearly six thousand Divine Healing Hands Soul Healers around the world.”
Sha appears to be the sole means of validation. Only through him the “divine servant, vehicle and channel” can his followers become “Divine Channels.”
One critic states, “His meetings are like a tent revival with people claiming miraculous [healing]. Members swoon and clap.” “Supposedly he sends blessings through the air. Cult members have jars of water that are energized with healing power for physical or psychological benefit,” says the same critic. But, “There is no [meaningful] follow up to see if the healing [is] genuine” (Cult Education Institute public message board November 07, 2008).
People are healed because they subjectively feel they are through their group experience and because Sha says so, speaking as a dive authority.
“If you have an ailment, Dr. Sha may ‘download’ a new organ for you by grasping the top of your head with his hand and putting on quite a show as he grunts and shakes, although he also does this remotely to [thousands] at a time, without having to touch anyone at all. Some days he may download a whole system like ‘Divine Digestive System,’ other days it may be just an organ like ‘Divine Liver,’” says another critic (Cult Education Institute public message board February 21, 2009).
“He’s here for one thing: to make money from others suffering. He’s very skilled at mind control and has a number of people, his followers, under the delusion that he’s a being more powerful than God,” summarizes a critic (Cult Education Institute public message board January 27, 2013). While another critic warns, “It just seems to me that they are frauds not only morally but also under civil law – Practicing Medicine Without a License – you cannot claim medical cures” (Cult Education Institute public message board March 05, 2009).
But sadly it seems Sha’s influence can potentially produce negative changes in his followers.
One critic observed, “What I personally experienced was the transformation of good people into competitive, lying, and hurtful fanatical members who would do anything to be special and gain Sha’s favor…even if that meant lying or slandering another student to block or harm their soul journey. The issues regarding money are well documented in previous postings. I saw many spend their life savings and deny their families so that they could progress on their soul journey with expensive downloads, webcasts, and retreats,” says one critic (Cult Education Institute public message board July 31, 2011). The same critic concludes, “There is a fanatical air that seems to be promoted with great zeal.”
Who and what is “Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha?
Is Zhi Gang Sha a real medical doctor with an M.D. from an accredited and well recognized institution, or merely a poser and charlatan?
Is he a “faith healer” following in the footsteps of controversial Pentecostal preacher Benny Hinn? Or is Sha a sinister “cult leader” manipulating people through “brainwashing” so he can financially bilk them?
Is Zhi Gang Sha a legitimate “best-selling” author or a master of manipulation?
Notes:
Zhi Gang, Sha, Soul Mind Body Science System: Grand Unification Theory and Practice for Healing, Rejuvenation, Longevity, and Immortality. BenBella Books, 2014.
Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha official website, www.drsha.com, (accessed April 7, 2015).
About Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha, Dr. Zhi Gang Sha official website, www.drsha.com/dr-master-zhi-gang-sha, (accessed April 7, 2015)
Weil, Andrew, Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona website, http://integrativemedicine.arizona.edu/about/directors/weil, (accessed April 7, 2015).
Mehmet C. Oz, MD, FACS, Physicians Profile, Columbia University Medical Center official website, http://columbiasurgery.org/mehmet-c-oz-md-facs, (accessed April 7, 2015).
Chopra, Deepak, Biography.com website, http://www.biography.com/people/deepak-chopra-9542257, (accessed April 7, 2015).
Moreton, Cole, “Waco siege 20 years on: the survivor’s tale,” The Telegraph, March 24, 2013.
Kurtz, Howard, “High Level Endorsements,” The Washington Post, September 7, 2003.
Fletcher, Betty, “Rev. Moon to serve jail time,” The Pantagraph, May 14, 1984.
Van Velzer, Ryan, “Immortality eludes People Unlimited founder,” The Arizona Republic, November 16, 2014.
Zhi Gang Sha, “Soul Healing Miracles,” Benbella Books Inc. official website, http://shop.benbellabooks.com/Soul-Healing-Miracles.html, (accessed April 7, 2015)
Forum, public message board, Cult Education Institute, Trenton, New Jersey,  June 07, 2008 — February 25, 2013.
Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman, Snapping: America’s Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change, 2nd ed. (New York: Stillpoint Press, 2005).
Singer, Margaret, Cults in Our Midst (San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1996).
“Captive Minds: Hypnosis and Beyond,” Documentary, Directed by Pierre Lasry, Montreal: National Film Board of Canada, 1983, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnloSvB2pCY, (accessed April 7, 2015).
Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman, Holy Terror: The Fundamentalist War on America’s Freedoms in Religion, Politics, and Our Private Lives (New York: Doubleday, 1982).
Robert Jay Lifton, Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism, (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2012).
Robert Jay Lifton, “Cult Formation,” Harvard Metal Health Letter, February 1981.
About the Author: Rick Alan Ross is the author of the book Cults Inside Out: How People Get In and Can Get Out and executive director of the Cult Education Institute of New Jersey. Ross has been qualified as an expert and testified in numerous court proceedings across the United States, including United States Federal Court.
author, Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha, spritual healer, Zhi Gang Sha  

2015
Jan
28

How do you deprogram a Scientologist?
Rick Ross Uncategorized Add you comment
 
As people become more aware of the bad behavior of Scientology through press reports, books and documentaries, some families and individuals directly affected by the organization may be asking, “How do I get someone out?”
Moreover, former members of Scientology struggling to unravel what they perceive as its embedded programming may be wondering, “How do I get rid of that leftover stuff?”
The answer can be summed up in one word — EDUCATION.
Rather than simply dismissing Scientologists as examples of “blind faith,” it’s far more useful understanding how they were blinded.
One of the largest online archives with a trove of historical articles, reports and documents about Scientology is the Cult Education Institute.
Psychologist Margaret Singer was stalked and harassed for decades by Scientology and other groups called “cults” due to her expertise and understanding of cultic manipulation. She wrote about an educational process proven to be quite helpful to current and former cult members. Singer explained, “Deprogramming is, providing members with information about the cult and showing them how their own decision making power had been taken away from them.”
An illustration of the process of deprogramming can be pictured by the action of the little dog Toto in the movie “Wizard of Oz.” In the climactic scene of the film classic Toto pulls back the curtain and exposes the man and machinations, behind the facade that is the mystical “Great Oz.” It is through this exposure that Dorothy and her companions realize they have been tricked and manipulated. They are then freed from their former fears about Oz.
ToTo pulls the curtain
Toto pulls the curtain
Today people can pull back the curtain on groups called “cults” like Scientology through research and study, which is made easier by the Web and information technology.
My recently published book “Cults Inside Out: How People Get In and Can Get Out” is a synthesis of this specific research from the fields of sociology and psychology that includes substantial historical information. All of this material is carefully footnoted and attributed.  There is also a very detailed, up-to-date and precise explanation of how deprogramming actually works illustrated vividly through case vignettes used as working examples. This book is based upon my more than 30 years of experience exploring the world of cults and facilitating hundreds of interventions to get people out of destructive cults. The book is being published in Mandarin for the Chinese market. The English version is now available on Amazon.com. Included are two chapters about Scientology. One about Scientology itself and another specifically detailing the deprogramming of a man who spent 27 years in the organization, but left through a family intervention.
Could Tom Cruise or John Travolta be successfully deprogrammed?
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise
Sadly this seems unlikely, because both of these movie stars have no one to get them out.
Deprogramming a current member of Scientology would depend upon the concern and support of family and friends.
Tom Cruise’s three ex-wives, Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes, apparently have left Scientology. But it’s doubtful that any of them or Cruise’s family, who are Scientologists, would help to get him out.
John Travolta is a pitiful example of someone that seems too afraid to leave. It appears that Scientology knows most if not all of his secrets, which they accumulated by providing him with spiritual counseling services called “auditing.” Kelly Preston, Travolta’s wife, is a deeply devoted Scientologist. And John Travolta’s extended family seems unwilling and/or unable to do anything about his involvement with the group no matter how much bad press the purported “cult” receives.
Scientology can be very nasty when it comes to its treatment of ex-members, even Hollywood’s elite, just ask Paul Haggis, who was ostracized by his Scientology friends when he left.
John Travolta
John Travolta
But if John Travolta and Tom Cruise genuinely wanted to unravel the Scientology programming instilled in them through endless courses, training routines and auditing sessions, it could be done through the educational process known as deprogramming.
Cult interventions are done with the help of family of friends, much like an intervention to address concerns about drug or alcohol abuse.
What occurs in such an intervention is essentially a dialog or discussion. During this discussion those present offer their sincere impressions, first-hand observations and opinions about the group or leader that has drawn concern. My role during such an intervention is to facilitate and often lead the discussion to focus attention on specific points.
There are four basic blocks or areas of discussion essential for the completion of a potentially successful intervention.
The four blocks are:
1.What is the nucleus for the definition of a destructive cult?
2.How does the process of coercive persuasion or thought reform used to gain undue influence really work?
3.What is the frequently hidden history of the group and/or leader that has drawn concern?
4.What are the concerns of family or friends?
The nucleus for the definition of a destructive cult was identified by psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton in a paper published at Harvard University titled “Cult Formation.”
Lifton says that cults can be identified by three primary characteristics:
1.a charismatic leader who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the general principles that may have originally sustained the group lose their power;
2.a process [Lifton calls] coercive persuasion or thought reform;
3.economic, sexual, and other exploitation of group members by the leader and the ruling coterie.
Rather than focusing on what the group believes an effective intervention instead must focus on how the group is structured and behaves.
That is, if it is structured like a destructive cult and behaves like a destructive cult, it may be a destructive cult.
For example, does Scientology acknowledge that its charismatic founder L. Ron Hubbard made mistakes? Do Scientologists today feel free to discuss the mistakes made by their current leader David Miscavige? If so, what mistakes specifically made by these men do Scientologists feel free to discuss?  Did Hubbard become an object of worship? Does David Miscavige today occupy the position of an absolute dictator? If this is not true what are the limits of Miscavige’s power over Scientology staff and what boundaries exist to limit his authority within Scientology?
Does Scientology practice thought reform or coercive persuasion to gain undue influence over its members?
This can be seen by comparing Scientology training, polices, practices, behavior and group dynamics to eight criteria that define a thought reform program as outlined by Robert Jay Lifton in his seminal book “Thought Reform and Psychology of Totalism.” Essentially, Lifton explained that if a group can substantially control whatever information and impressions enter into a person’s mind the group can largely control the individual. This includes the control of information, group behavior, emotional manipulation and ultimately the restriction of critical thinking.
How does Scientology do that?
This can be seen in part through the auditing process, which solicits confession, encourages suggestibility and engenders dependency upon the auditor and the organization to make value judgments, either directly or indirectly.  It is also evident in the control over personal associations accomplished by declaring someone a “Suppressive Person” (SP) and the practice of disconnection, which is cutting people off that Scientology has labeled as an SP. The label of SP itself can be seen as what Lifton calls “loaded language” used to inhibit critical thinking and restrict reflection?
Finally, does Scientology hurt people? The evidence mounting through personal injury lawsuits, bad press and now documentaries, is that Scientology has apparently hurt many people.
In a Scientology intervention it is important to examine the mythology that revolves around L. Ron Hubbard.
L. Ron Hubbard
L. Ron Hubbard
Hubbard often greatly exaggerated his accomplishments and Scientology has a penchant for spinning fanciful stories about him. In fact, Hubbard had a deeply troubled life filled with family turmoil and it seems mental illness. Reportedly he took an anti-anxiety drug Hydroxyzine (Vistaril); his assistants reportedly said that this was “only one of many psychiatric and pain medications Hubbard ingested over the years.”
This can be a curtain puller or reality check for many Scientologists. That is, the historical facts about the wizard of Scientology. According to a coroner’s report, Hubbard ingested drugs prohibited by the religion he created.
Would Tom Cruise take Vistaril? Would he recommend it to a friend suffering from stress and/or anxiety?
If the pseudo-science of Scientology calls its “technology” couldn’t clear its founder’s mind and save him from seeming insanity how can Scientology (per its mantra) “clear the planet”?
Wizard of Oz
Wizard of Oz
The book “Cults Inside Out” goes into all of this in far greater depth and detail chapter after chapter, explaining how groups called “cults” use deception and mind games to manipulate and control people.  The book can serve as an educational self-help guide to pull back the curtain on any cult scheme. It can assist concerned families to help loved ones out of a cultic situation. And it can also help cult victims sort through and clear the residue of cult involvement, which often can impede recovery from cults.
To my critics who have often called me a “dog feeding on my own vomit,” my hope is to be a dog like Toto. That is, by sharing the relevant research and my many years of experience through the book I might pull back the curtain a bit and contribute to the growing awareness about destructive cults. Margaret Singer once told me that the principle difference between a cult leader and a con man is that a con man typically runs his scam and moves on, but a cult leader may essentially run the same scam on many of the same people indefinitely.
Knowledge through specific education about destructive cults and how they work is the key to freedom from their undue influence and exploitation.
(Written by Rick Alan Ross)
Note: At the time I wrote the book Cults Inside Out: How People Get In and Can Get Out I had facilitated approximately 500 cult interventions. More than 70% on an average annually left the cult at the conclusion such intervention efforts. My book is the product of more than three decades of experience. I have also been qualified and testified as an expert witness regarding groups called “cults” (e.g. Scientology) in about 20 court proceedings across the United States, including United States Federal Court after a Daubert hearing.
deprogramming, John Travolta, Scientology, Tom Cruise  

2015
Jan
13

Cult Watcher Steve Hassan’s links to fugitive sex offender
Rick Ross Annton Hein, Apologetics Index, Uncategorized Add you comment
 
Cult watcher Steve Hassan is specifically recommending and promoting a fugitive sex offender through his Freedom of Mind website. Hassan recommends through numerous links, the website of convicted pedophile and wanted fugitive Anton Hein.
CultNews has previously reported about Anton Hein, who is a self-proclaimed expert and supposed lay minister. Hein runs a website called “Apologetics Index.”
Anton Hein pleaded guilty to sex charges in the United States that involved lewd behavior with his niece, a 13-year-old child. He served jail time in California before he was released on extended supervised probation. Hein violated his probation by leaving the US. He now lives in Amsterdam. A fugitive warrant has been issued and remains currently in effect for the immediate arrest of Anton Hein.
Hein now apparently makes a living from a combination of Dutch welfare benefits and revenue from online Google ads featured at his “counter-cult” website. Steve Hassan helps him by including numerous links to Hein’s site and apparent endorsements naming Hein as a credible resource.
Hein reciprocates by endorsing and promoting Hassan.
Anton Hein runs a group of websites including www.cultexperts.org, www.cultfaq, and he also controls religion news Twitter feed.
220px-steven_hassan_headshot_02Steve Hassan (photo left) says he is opposed to sexual abuse and is a supporter of the Child-Friendly Faith Project. Hassan states at his website that this is “focused on ending child abuse and neglect within religion affiliated groups by educating the public.” Hassan also is currently involved in an effort to end sexual exploitation through human trafficking.
However, Steve Hassan states, “I recommend subscribing to the free Religion News report, compiled by Anton Hein Apologetics Index.” And at the top of one page Hassan posts, “Click here to read a review of Releasing the Bonds on the Apologetics Index!”
Hassan literally linked to Hein
antonhein2How can Hassan on one hand be opposed to sexual abuse and exploitation and then on the other hand recommend a sexual predator convicted for abusing a child?
Hassan features links to Anton Hein’s website Apologetics Index at numerous pages within his site Freedom of Mind concerning various groups of interest such as the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God, where he recommends Hein (1996 photo right) as a resource.
Steve Hassan features links to Hein’s website on no less than 38 pages at Freedom of Mind.
There is a connection bettween Hassan and Hein. That is, they each promote the others interests. Hassan promotes Hein by recommending him as a resource and providing links to his site, while Hein reciprocates by promoting Hassan through CultExperts.org and Apologetics Index.
It is understandable that someone like Anton Hein, seeking recognition and validation, would want to associate himself with professionals. This might appear to imbue him with an aura of credibility.
Hein also apparently attempts to somehow validate himself by recommending and linking to the International Cult Studies Association (ICSA), an educational nonprofit.
However, ICSA, unlike Steve Hassan, has no link or mention whatsoever at its website about Anton Hein or Apologetics Index.
How can Steve Hassan credibly be fighting against the sexual abuse of children and the victims of human trafficking, while simultaneously promoting a convicted sexual predator?
Isn’t this just a bit inconsistent, hypocritical and/or unethical?
CultNews contacted Steve Hassan’s office by email and phone for comment. His office advised that Mr. Hassan was not immediately available to comment on this article.
Note: Some years ago upon discovering the fugitive status and detailed criminal record of Anton Hein the Cult Education Institute (CEI), formerly known as the Ross Institute of New Jersey, purged any links to Anton Hein’s website from its database. Since that time CEI and CultNews has endeavored to make Hein’s background more publicly known. This has been done through the CEI archives and CultNews reports. Anyone involved in cultic studies can readily discover Hein’s criminal history of child sexual abuse and know about his current fugitive status.
Anton hein, Apologetics Index, Freedom of Mind, Steve Hassan  

2014
Dec
19

Notorious “cult” leader’s wife buried in Baltimore Jewish cemetery
Rick Ross Uncategorized Add you comment
 
Julaine Semanta Roy 85, the wife of Rama Behera later known as Rama Samanta Roy and then Avraham Cohen, died May 5th of this year. But her death was not reported until this month by The Shawano Leader.
Julaine Semanta Roy’s husband Rama Behera has historically been reported about by investigative journalists for many years. Behera has often been called a “cult” leader. He and his followers have been the subject of numerous media reports in Wisconsin and nationally. It seems that Rama Behera sought to escape his bad reputation by changing his name to Avraham Cohen and identifying himself as “Jewish.” Rama Behera moved to Maryland, where he became a member of Beth El Congregation in Baltimore.
The curious religious transformation of Rama Behera, who is of Indian descent, was the focus of a previous CultNews report some time ago. At that time Behera/Cohen was affiliated with Yeshivat Rambam, a Jewish day school in Baltimore, which has since closed.
The Shawano Leader reported that Behera/Cohen’s wife, like her husband, apparently went through a similar metamorphosis concerning her own identity. Born Julaine Smith, she became Julaine Semanta Roy and later was reportedly known as Sarah Steinberg and/or Sarah Cohen.
CultNews contacted Beth El Memorial Park cemetery in Randallstown, Maryland. Staff responding to the call confirmed that Behera/Cohen is a member of the Beth El Congregation and explained that though there is an Inter-faith section at the Beth El cemetery where non-Jews are buried, Julaine Semanta Roy was laid to rest in the Jewish portion of the graveyard.
rama3Behera/Cohen’s claim that he is somehow a Jew seems quite bizarre. The group Behera/Cohen led for decades was once called “The Disciples of the Lord Jesus,” which appears to make him a Christian. Past members of Behera/Cohen’s group say that he has a penchant for inconsistency. One former devotee told the press, “It doesn’t have to be logical, it doesn’t have to make sense; Rama [now known as Avraham Cohen] says so and that’s it.”
The choice of the names Avraham and Sarah Cohen by Rama Behera (photo left) the long-time “cult” leader is interesting. Apparently, continuing to see himself in grandiose terms, Behera chose the name Avraham (Abraham) the founder of Judaism and the corresponding name of Sarah the patriarch’s biblical spouse as the name for his own wife. The choice of the last name Cohen also has special significance. Cohen indicates a claim that a family are supposedly descendents of Aaron, the high priest and brother of Moses.
But is being a Jew just a claim anyone can make? Is it based upon name changes? Is this somehow enough to become officially recognized as Jewish? Maybe it’s enough for an old “cult” leader, but is it enough for Beth El Congregation and its cemetery?
CultNews contacted Senior Rabbi Steven Schwartz at Beth El to ask him how it is that Julaine Semanta Roy (aka Sarah Cohen) was allowed to be buried in the Jewish portion of the Beth El cemetery. CultNews asked Rabbi Schwartz very specifically that if to the best of his knowledge, Julaine Semanta Roy had undergone a ritual conversion per Jewish traditional law before being buried in the Beth El cemetery.
CultNews has received no response from Rabbi Schwartz.
Rama Behera, Rama Semanta Roy  

2014
Nov
17

“Cults Inside Out” — a new book by Rick Alan Ross
Rick Ross Brainwashing, Deprogramming Add you comment
 
You have seen them in movies and on TV, but cults are more prevalent than you think and they are armed with strategies that can “brainwash” and gain undue influence over even the most unlikely of candidates.
But how do individuals get involved with destructive cults in the first place, and what steps can be taken for those concerned to intervene “deprogram” and heal those who have been drawn into these damaging groups?
These questions and more are addressed in Cults Inside Out: How People Get In and Can Get Out, written with the help of current and former cult members, Ross demonstrates many of the tactics destructive cults use for control and manipulation—and, more importantly, some of the most effective methods he and other experts have used to reverse that programming.
As a result, readers will find themselves armed with a greater understanding of the nature of destructive cults and an improved ability to assess and deal with similar situations—either in their own lives or the lives of friends and family members.
From the Manson family to Heaven’s Gate, to multilevel marketing schemes, there are as many types of cults as there are leaders looking to control and manipulate.
Luckily the more people know and understand about these damaging groups, the less influential they will be–and Cults Inside Out exposes the inner workings of cults of all shapes and sizes.
About the author
For more than three decades, Rick Alan Ross has worked with current and former cult members, including participation in more than five hundred interventions. Along the way, he has learned the methods of these groups use to deceive and “brainwash” even the most unlikely individuals. Using real-life examples and first-hand accounts, this informative look at the world of destructive cults will arm readers with a greater understanding of the dangers of such cults–as well as providing valuable information about the intervention or “deprogramming” process.
Ross has consulted with the FBI, the BATF and other law enforcement agencies, as well as the governments of Israel and China on the topic of cults. Ross is a private consultant, lecturer and cult intervention specialist. He has been qualified and accepted as an expert court witness in eleven different states, including United States federal court. He has also worked as a professional analyst for CBS News, CBC of Canada, and Nippon and Asahi of Japan. He has appeared in thirteen documentaries and numerous network television interviews. Ross has been quoted by the media all over the world.
Rick Alan Ross is the founder of the Cult Education Institute, an online library and member of the American Library Association, whose database is one of the largest sources of information regarding cults on the Internet.
Comments about the book
“For any parent or family member searching for information about how to get a loved one out of a destructive cult, this book puts it all together — from the real nature of cults, to the right way to prepare for an intervention, to the actual experiences of a cult-buster who’s been at the head of his field for decades.”
–Tony Ortega, journalist and former Village Voice editor
index“Experts agree that thought reform is one of the greatest dangers to society and that the best defense is education. No person has done more to educate the public about its dangers then Rick Ross. When the media has needed explanations it has been Rick Ross providing the answers in simple easy to understand language. Now he has put it all into a book. Knowledge can be the best protection. And that’s the best reason to read this book.”
–Paul Morantz, author of “Escape: My Life Long War Against Cults”
“Rick Ross has provided us with a wealth of information in Cults Inside Out, which bears the fruits of his extensive knowledge and decades of experience in working with those who have been impacted by a destructive cult. His comprehensive review of the history from the 1970s to the present is much needed, given that many young people today are unaware of events that were headlines when they occurred, such as Jonestown and how they came about. There are many audiences for this book: people with loved ones in cults, former cult members, helping professionals looking to educate themselves, people working in the legal system, educators and others. This book also provides excellent guidelines for people who have decided to intervene with a cult-involved loved one and are seeking help. Ross presents his own approach in great detail, which is honest, educational, non-forcible and non-coercive – the opposite of what destructive cults do. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning more about cults and how to help others or themselves to become or remain free of undue influence.”
–Monica Pignotti, PhD
“In his masterful new book, Cults Inside Out, Rick Ross has delivered an exceptional and critically needed resource. He has gathered together in one comprehensive volume detailed, documented information about the diverse and growing number of controlling persons and groups preying on individuals, families and communities in the United States and worldwide. He brings to this impressive body of information his own expertise and first-hand experience spanning three decades helping victimized families. If you want to educate yourself, inoculate your family, and equip your loved ones with understanding and awareness about how predatory people and groups can steal their minds, their hearts, and their lives, read Cults Inside Out. Then make a gift of it to a friend.”
—Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman, authors of
Snapping: America’s Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change

 

2014
Oct
13

ISIS “death cult” and “Internet brainwashing”?
Rick Ross Brainwashing, ISIS, Islamists, Terrorists Add you comment
 
By Rick Alan Ross
A Jordanian online publication Al Bawaba recently ran an article titled “UK girl’s family fears Internet brainwashing.” The report proposed that “powerful jihadists are ‘brainwashing’ British teenagers through the internet.”
The aunt of one such teenage recruit said that her niece “was [radicalized] online after spending increasing amounts of time on her laptop and smart phone” communicating with ISIS members. She claims, “They can brainwash these children or 15 or 19-year-olds to leave their own home…it can happen to anyone.” Her niece may have been recruited through a so-called “jihadi dating site.”
The Mirror reported that in response to such recruitment efforts the British “Home Office has closed down 30,000 terrorist-linked websites in just nine months.” Through such websites “the internet is increasingly being hijacked by terrorist [organizations] to seduce Britons into going to war.”
yusra-hussienDestructive cults were pioneers on the World Wide Web and have used it effectively for promotional and recruitment purposes. An early example was the group known as “Heaven’s Gate,” which launched its own now notorious website almost twenty years ago. Other cults have learned to use the Internet as an effective tool. It is not surprising that ISIS likewise sees the Internet as a useful resource, which can now potentially reach virtually anyone anywhere through the access provided by an array of various electronic devices.
According to a report featured by Singapore’s Today, “Many of the youngest girls are lured with promises of humanitarian work. It is only once in Syria that they discover their fate: forced marriage to a fighter, strict adherence to Islamic law, a life under surveillance and little hope of returning home, say parents, relatives and radicalization experts.”
Again, this is not unlike the process of recruitment used by destructive cults, which frequently rely upon the old ploy of “bait and switch” to lure new members. Cults typically appeal to the naive idealism of potential recruits, wrapping themselves in the guise of positive social change, civic betterment, environmental awareness and most commonly some supposed religious or spiritual purpose.
Reportedly, “many women being radicalized hail from moderate Muslim households. But volunteers have also come from atheist, Catholic and Jewish households, both rich and poor, urban and rural.” Dounia Bouzar, a French anthropologist charged with the task of de-radicalizing such jihadists explained, “Recruiters have refined their methods to such a degree where they can take in people who are doing fine.” Bouzar stated, “Some are contacted on Facebook, others were chatted up on dating sites. Others met a friend who became a sort of guru.” Additionally, “Some of the women ‘thought they were in love’ after being groomed by men over the web or telephone.”
Destructive cults have been able to recruit almost anyone regardless of education, family background, religion or social status. ISIS follows a familiar pattern well-established by destructive cults who frequently target unaware and vulnerable young people, often on college campuses. Some cultists have also been drawn in through a romantic interest. Like jihadists, well-known cults use the social media to contact, influence and mentor potential new members.
According to news reports the guru of ISIS is Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who assumed power over the group in early 2007. Whether or not ISIS fits the personality-driven terrorist model of al-Qaeda remains to be seen. The influence and control exerted over the group by al-Baghdadi as a cultlike charismatic leader, has not been firmly established.
Hans-Georg Maassen, head of Germany’s domestic intelligence, says “The romance of jihad is very pronounced in propaganda and used by women to recruit other women. According to authorities recent radicalized recruits included 400 from Germany, 1,000 from France and 85 from Sweden. Magnus Ranstorp, a terrorism expert at Sweden’s National Defence College observed, “There is almost an obsession with paradise and the afterlife, which makes it like a death cult. Death matters more than life.” In the United States FBI Director James Comey reported to CBS’ “60 Minutes” he is monitoring “dozens of Americans” that have left the US to join ISIS or other terrorist groups.
After being mentored by their Internet gurus the new recruits are embedded and isolated within training camps, which are totally controlled environments. Communication is limited and when members do communicate with their families it may be scripted or coached. In a BBC News online video interview the father of one young ISIS recruit said, “‘my son believes it because it is brainwashing.” The father advised that “other people” could be heard controlling his son’s conversation and coaching him during Skype calls. Again, the control of communication seemingly mandated by ISIS is eerily similar to destructive cults.
Bad behavior by ISIS, not unlike excuses offered by destructive cults, is often rationalized  by the apology that essentially the “end justifies the means.”
A former member of ISIS interviewed by CNN discussed the process of her recruitment into the organization. A college educated teacher she reportedly was “drawn to the eloquence of a Tunisian whom she met online. Taken with his manners, she grew to trust him over time and he gradually lured her” with assurances “that the group was not what people thought, that it was not a terrorist organization.” The former ISIS member said the recruiter told her “‘we are going to properly implement Islam. Right now we are in a state of war, a phase where we need to control the country, so we have to be harsh.’”
Once fully embedded within the group the new recruit was told by her female commander, “‘Wake up, take care of yourself. You are walking, but you don’t know where you are going.’” Within this strange new environment the former school teacher turned ISIS member told CNN, “At the start, I was happy with my job. I felt that I had authority in the streets. But then I started to get scared, scared of my situation. I even started to be afraid of myself.”
Much like a cult member the teacher’s true personality came into conflict with the pseudo-personality imposed upon her by ISIS. She said, “I am not like this. I have a degree in education. I shouldn’t be like this. What happened to me? What happened in my mind that brought me here?” Ultimately the daily brutality of her new life shocked the young woman into again thinking independently for herself. She reflected, “The foreign fighters are very brutal with women, even the ones they marry,” she said. “There were cases where the wife had to be taken to the emergency ward because of the violence, the sexual violence.” She reacted honestly to the horror with reason, “I said enough. After all that I had already seen and all the times I stayed silent, telling myself, ‘We’re at war, then it will all be rectified.’” Finally she decided, “I have to leave.”
Once outside the confines of the “death cult” the young woman was more fully able to analyze her former situation. No longer was she subjected to the stern authoritarian discipline and stringent controls exercised over her daily life. This type of milieu control is historically the hallmark of destructive cults.
Today the former ISIS devotee is still trying to sort through her experience. “How did we allow them to come in? How did we allow them to rule us?” She claims, “There is a weakness in us.” but warns, “I don’t want anyone else to be duped by them. Too many girls think they are the right Islam.” Working through what seems like a cult recovery the former school teacher says, “It has to be gradual, so that I don’t become someone else. I am afraid of becoming someone else. Someone who swings, as a reaction in the other direction, after I was so entrenched in religion, that I reject religion completely.”
Monica Uriarte proposed her own prescription to immunize the public regarding jihadist recruiters online at Carbonated. She explains  “How to Stop Disillusioned Teens from Joining ISIS.” Uriarte says, “The answer lies in education. Muslim American and European Muslim communities need to educate their youth.”
But educate them about what?
In my opinion the key to such useful education is a better understanding of the dynamics of destructive cults, their recruitment tactics and how they employ a synthesis of coercive persuasion and influence techniques to trick and control people.
Thought provoking analysis is also offered by journalist Tom Gaisford writing for The Independent. In an article titled, “How should we respond to the murder of Alan Henning at the hands of Isis?” Gaisford says, “Extremists operate in a vacuum, free from self-criticism. Proof of this is their self-portrayal as anything but: they see themselves as enlightened moderates, driven to violence by necessity – heroes, effectively. This, it would seems, is how they are able to justify their conduct to themselves (whatever it is and whomsoever it affects).”
Again, this is not unlike historical cult leaders such as Charles Manson, Jim Jones, David Koresh, Shoko Asahara or notably Osama bin Laden. All apparent psychopaths who saw themselves in heroic terms as global game changers. The idea that they could be wrong was unthinkable to them and their followers. Whatever they did could somehow be justified within the framework of their grandiose game of global enlightenment, revelation, purification and/or annihilation.
Gaisford calls the philosophy of such leaders “circular nonsense.” He further observes, that “the language of [dehumanization] and destruction [within Jihadis groups like ISIS] is alarmingly reminiscent of the very darkest chapters in our world history.” Again, this seems to allude to cultic environments, such as Hitler’s Germany, Stalin’s Russia and the authoritarian dynasty that now dominates North Korea.
Gaisford elaborates, “The key to [neutralizing] extremism is more likely to lie in harnessing and disseminating information about the how it takes hold in the first place. The process is known colloquially as ‘[radicalization]‘ or “brainwashing” (depending on the context), though a more helpful term for it is ‘mind control’.”
Gaisford then explains what can be seen as the first step in cult recruitment. “Essentially, it relies on our inherent tendency to interpret information in a way that confirms our biases: its practitioners play to what we want to hear, to lead us unwittingly away from reality, simultaneously undermining the confidence and critical capacity we require to ‘return home’.” He concludes that jihadist recruiters, “though potentially deluded themselves, the likelihood is that controllers deceive their controlees knowingly, for their own personal benefit. To that extent, they are not in fact extremists but deeply cynical, critically attuned egoists.”
Again, just like destructive cults and their leaders have proven to be over and over again.
 

2014
Oct
02

Have destructive cults declined?
Rick Ross Al Qaeda, Brainwashing, Deepak Chopra, Elan Vital - Divine Light Mission, Falun Gong, Forum, Hare Krishnas, International Church of Christ, Moonies / Unification Church, Scientology, Terrorists, Waco Davidians 1 comment
 
By Rick Ross
In a recent opinion/editorial New York Times piece titled “The Cult Deficit” columnist Ross Douthat stated, “the cult phenomenon feels increasingly antique, like lava lamps and bell bottoms.” He concluded, “Spiritual gurus still flourish in our era, of course, but they are generally comforting, vapid, safe — a Joel Osteen rather than a Jim Jones, a Deepak Chopra rather than a David Koresh.”
Interestingly, Deepak Chopra was a disciple of Indian guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who was often called a “cult leader.” Maharishi was the founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM), a group frequently included on cult lists and still quite active amidst allegations of abuse.
Douthat doesn’t seem to care much about destructive cults or the damage they do. He laments that the Branch Davidians were “mistreated and misjudged.” Apparently the columnist hasn’t bothered to do much research as he has ignored the facts reported in the press about the Davidians and as established through the congressional record, the Danforth Report and submitted through court proceedings. Suffice to say that despite anti-government conspiracy theories David Koresh was one of the most vicious cult leaders in modern history. He was a deeply disturbed man that sexually preyed upon children and stockpiled weapons for the purpose of a violent end.
Journalist Tony Ortega at Raw Story points out that “The same week the US goes to war with one, NYT’s Douthat asks, where are the cults?” Ortega recognizes that many terrorist groups today are little more than personality-driven cults, such as al-Qaeda once was under the influence of Osama bin Laden. History is strewn with examples of the destruction wrought by totalitarian cults from the Nazis led by Adolf Hitler to the family dynasty that continues to dominate and control North Korea.
Not surprisingly following up Douthat doesn’t quote Ortega’s response, but instead prefers “Reason Magazine,” a Libertarian leaning publication that essentially agrees with him. Calling a column written by Peter Suderman a “very interesting response” Dauthat again ignores the facts and reiterates his opinion, as supposedly supported by a “religious historian” and venture capitalist. Suderman doesn’t dispute Douthat’s claim that cults are in decline, but rather uses it as a hook for his own spin about the “rise of subcultures.”
However, despite all the liberal or Libertarian posturing performed by these pundits the cult phenomenon has actually expanded around the world.
Unlike the United States, other countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East have taken steps to respond to cults both through regulation and law enforcement. For example, in Japan and Germany cults have been closely monitored and in China some have been outlawed. Recently in Israel cult leader Goel Ratzon was convicted of sex crimes. Ratzon’s criminal conviction followed a lengthy government investigation and raid by law enforcement.
In addition to malevolent cult movements that have captivated nations the old familiar groups called “cults” that Douthat thinks have faded away actually are still around such as Scientology, the Unification Church, Hare Krishnas, Divine Light Mission, International Church of Christ, and Est (the Forum), although they may now use new names to avoid easy recognition.
In fact the United States has become something of a destination point and haven for groups called “cults.”
Dahn Yoga, led by Ilchee Lee, which started in South Korea, later set up shop in Arizona and now has a following across America.
Another recent arrival is the World Mission Society Church of God led by Zhang Gil-Jah, known to her devotees as “Mother God.” Not long ago Zhang opened her first church in New Jersey. Since then the group has grown rapidly across the US and Canada. Mother has even rented space in Manhattan not far from the New York Times.
Exiled “evil cult” leader Li Hongzhi, founder of Falun Gong, had to leave China, but found refuge in New York. According to researchers Li now has a flock of about !0,000 followers in North America. He claims to channel miraculous healing powers, which has allegedly led to medical neglect and death. The group has regular parades and demonstrations in NYC, Apparently Mr. Dauthat missed that.
Just as there will always be con men running schemes to take people’s money, there will always be destructive cult leaders exploiting the vulnerabilities of humanity. For con men and cult leaders it’s a business and it seems to be quite profitable. When Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard died in 1986 his estate totaled hundreds of millions of dollars. Today, Scientology reportedly has a billion dollars in cash and vast real estate holdings. When Maharishi Mahesh Yogi died he left behind a spiritual empire valued in billions. Rev. Moon, the founder of the Unification Church, likewise left behind a hefty financial legacy, which is now managed by his children. Whenever there is cash and assets someone will step in to take over. And in the United States cults can operate with relative impunity as an unregulated industry.
No one knows exactly how many cult members there are in the United States. But almost every day I learn of a new group or organization that seems to fit the core criteria, which forms the nucleus for most definitions of a destructive cult. These core criteria were established by Robert Jay Lifton back in the 1980s. Rather than focusing on what a group believes Lifton’s criteria focus on the structure, dynamics and behavior of a group.
First, the single and most salient feature of a destructive cult is that it is personality-driven and animated by a living, charismatic and totalitarian leader. It is that leader who is the defining element and driving force of the group. Whatever the leader says is right is right and whatever the leader says is wrong is wrong. He or she determines the relative morality of the group and its core identity.
Second, the group engages in a process of thought reform to break people down and then redevelop them according to a predetermined mindset, which includes a diminished ability to think critically and/or independently. This is accomplished through a synthesis of coercive persuasion and influence techniques, relentlessly focused on individuals subjected to the group process.
Finally, the third criteria, is that the group does harm. This may vary from group to group as some groups are more harmful than others. One groups may simply exploit its members financially or through free labor, while others may make much more intense demands such as sexual favors, medical neglect or even criminal acts.
Whatever the group may present as its facade, be it religion, politics, exercise, martial arts, business scheme or philosophy, it is the structure, dynamics and behavior of the group that sets it apart and aligns it with the core criteria, which forms the nucleus for a definition of a destructive cult.
For those who would attempt to diminish the power of persuasion used by cults we have only to look at the pattern of behavior within such groups. Why would people act against their own interests, but instead consistently behave in the best interest of the cult leader? Why would cult members allow their children to die due to medical neglect or surrender them for sexual abuse? The most compelling explanation for such otherwise improbable behavior is that cult victims are under undue influence and therefore unable to think for themselves independently.
The dirty little secret about cults and their bag of tricks, is that we are all vulnerable to coercive persuasion and influence techniques. And this is particularly true when we are at a vulnerable time in our lives. This might include a period of grief, financial instability, isolation or some other personal setback. It is at these times that cults can more easily and deceptively recruit people. No one intentionally joins a cult. Instead, people are tricked by cults, through deceptive recruitment practices and a gradual indoctrination process that doesn’t immediately fully disclose the group’s expectations and agenda.
If people were not vulnerable to persuasion and influence techniques there would be no advertising or political propaganda. Every person approached isn’t taken in by cult recruitment tactics, just as everyone doesn’t buy a product promoted by slick advertising. The question is not why don’t cults recruit everyone, but rather how do they recruit people and why do those people often stay to their determent.
Instead of denial and fanciful claims about the decline of cults our best response regarding such groups is education and increased awareness. Understanding the basic warning signs of a potentially unsafe group is a good start. And utilizing the Web to find information about specific groups before becoming more deeply involved is always a good idea. More information helps people make more informed choices. Ignorance may lead to devastating consequences.
As Tony Ortega concluded, “As long as the media remains in the dark about destructive cults and the way they work, we’ll continue to get bewildering statements about ISIS, and ignorant columns from the New York Times.”
 

2014
Apr
08

South Korean ‘cult’ JMS recruiting students at US universities
Rick Ross Jeong Myeong-seok JMS 1 comment
 
By Mallory Miller


Austin, Texas — Sophomore college student Sabrina Smith was recruited at University of Texas to join a Korean Christian group often called a “cult” under the impression it was just an innocent bible study. Stephanie Hsu, a member of the group, ‘Jesus Morning Star,’ grabbed Smith’s attention as she was walking across campus to class in April 2013. Hsu asked her if she’d be interested in doing a one-on-one bible study.
“I was already a part of a group bible study, but I thought it would be cool to learn the bible more closely one-on-one,” said Smith. “She got my information, emailed me and then we got started.”
Smith, who joined the bible study in April 2013, was simply trying to find a new way to seek God. However, she quit five months later after discovering she was being indoctrinated to believe that ex-fugitive criminal Jeong Myung-seok (aka Joshua Jung, Joshua Lee and Pastor Joshua), who’s also portrayed in the media as “heaven’s rapist,” is the second living messiah on Earth.
Jeong Myeong-seok is the founder of Jesus Morning Star religious organization, also known as Global Association of Culture and Peace, JMS, Setsuri, the Bright Smile Movement, and Providence Gospel. His followers call him “Seonseng Nim,” the Korean word for “teacher.” Jesus Morning Star has spread globally, predominantly through university recruitment at campuses such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, and National Taiwan University. There are 240 branches of the church in Korea alone with over 150,000 followers.
Myeong-seok, a former member of the Unification Church founded by now deceased Rev. Sun Myung Moon, started the JMS group in the 1970s based upon some of the teachings of the Unification Church, such as its purification rituals. However, in JMS the purification rituals require women to have sex with the “second messiah,” whom Myeong-seok claims to be, in order to enter heaven and to purify themselves from the original sin which cast Eve out from the Garden of Paradise
“They don’t make those teachings public of course, but the signs are all there,” said Peter Daley, a cult watcher, who spends time spreading awareness about JMS and other controversial Asian groups called “cults” through the Internet.
Myeong-seok was officially charged with rape in 2001, after leaving South Korea in 1999. He left South Korea after it was broadcast on national television that he had committed the crime of rape. This was also reported by newspapers in Asia. He was arrested in Hong Kong in 2003, but fled again after an extradition hearing. Myeong-seok was finally caught and jailed with a 10-year sentence in February 2009. He is still serving his sentence currently in South Korea. Since his arrest was publicized more than 100 women have claimed they were raped or sexually abused by Myeong-seok during purification rituals.
JMS was particularly mindful of the way they lured Smith into the bible study. They started it out by teaching her interpretations of parables in the bible.
“It was something I was used to because I am a member of a Christian nondenominational church,” said Smith. “Each bible lesson was really insightful. They explained parables with logical interpretations.”
In Texas as Sabrina Smith advanced deeper into the bible study, her JMS teacher Stephanie Hsu discretely introduced the JMS peculiar practices to Smith. She convinced Smith to wake up to pray and listen to proverbs written by Myeong-seok every morning at 4:00 AM, referred to as the “spiritual hour.” Hsu also used guilt as a tool to get Smith to follow JMS. According to Smith, Hsu would say things like, “God will not listen to you if you don’t pray at this hour.”
Smith did wake up and pray as Hsu instructed, but she didn’t stay with the practice long because “towards the end it all started getting really fishy,” she said.
There were indicators that convinced Smith that JMS was a “cult” organization. Hsu instructed Smith that she must keep the early Morning Prayer practice a secret. Hsu invited Smith to model in JMS fashion shows, also telling the young woman that she could write personal letters to their “teacher” and offered to bring Smith to Asia as long as she didn’t tell her parents.
Smith’s gut instinct told her something wasn’t right, so she began to research on the organization. Soon she came across Daley’s website jmscult.com and contacted him for more information about the cult. Shortly after finding that site, she told Hsu she would not continue the bible study.
Daley recalled his first introduction to the JMS cult when he was living in South Korea. One of his friends invited him to go hiking in Wolmyong Dong, the “spiritual” base of the JMS cult.
Daley accepted the invitation only to find himself stuck at an all-night festival at Wolmyong Dong.
“I remember being struck by the fact that well over 80 percent of the 2,000 strong crowd were female university students,” said Daley. “Furthermore, the leader’s brother was constantly surrounded by an entourage of women that looked like they had just stepped out of a fashion magazine.”
Followers at the festival asked Daley throughout the night if he was studying the bible and if he knew “Seonseng Nim.” Daley, assuming this character would be present at the festival, asked around to get more information about him. He received replies like “he’s evangelizing in America” and “God called him to preach to the world and he’s in Asia spreading the Gospel.”
“The Beatlemania-like response from all those young girls and models when the face of the absent Jeong was shown on a giant screen at 1:00 AM was proof enough to me that this was at the very least some kind of personality cult,” said Daley.
Many followers to this day refuse to admit Myeong-seok committed the crimes he is in jail for or try to somehow justify his conviction and incarceration.
“Jesus was persecuted too,” said Karen Liu, a current member of the JMS cult who has been seen recruiting at Santa Clara University campus.
“If Jeong isn’t a serial rapist who is using religion as a tool and cloak to rape, then he sure created an organization that makes him look like one,” says Peter Daley.
With Myeong-seok in jail, female members are safe for now from potential rape by “the teacher;” however, “the emotional damage involvement in such a high-pressure group even for a short time should not be ignored or underestimated,” Daley said.
Update: SBS2 Australia recently broadcast a report about the Jeong group featuring former members, which is now online at YouTube.
Jeong Myeong-seok JMS  

2014
Mar
17

Pandit Protest or Freedom Cry
Rick Ross Transcendental Meditation Add you comment
 
By Gina Catena


ABC’s KTVO-TV in Iowa March 11, 2014 reported on a “Pandit Riot” that took place at the gate to Vedic City’s pandit compound after TM officials arrived with sheriff support at 0600. They planned to remove one of the compound’s leaders for unspecified disciplinary action and possible return to India.
According to the televised report, dozens of the Indian men who receive $50 monthly stipend (with $150 presumably sent to families in India) surrounded the sheriff’s vehicle, threw rocks and broke a squad car light. The sheriff called for other law reinforcements from Wapello County for support.
The Global Country of World Peace or Vedic City authorities must have suspected some unrest to justify requesting sheriff support to escort this pandit leader away.
The pandits protested their leader’s departure. Law enforcement officials could not understand words that were shouted in Hindi. News reports do not mention any attempt by law enforcement to understand the pandits.
News reports do not address (lack of) a Hindi interpreter. There is no mention if the shouting men were later provided an objective interpreter or offered impartial legal representation.
Credit goes to the sheriff who avoided escalating an altercation by successfully backing his vehicle away through the unarmed crowd. The sheriff’s office did not press charges since no one knows who assaulted the vehicle. Vedic City agreed to cover costs for the sheriff’s auto repairs.
The sheriff expressed incredulity that these men “held no respect for the law” when they mobbed his vehicle.
The pandits were escorted back inside their square mile of fenced compound.
TMFree previously posted concerns about the pandits’ captivity in a previous three part series that can be read by clicking here.
The recent “riot” might be a desperate attempt by these caged men to communicate to the outside world.
One woman interviewed for the televised report stated that these pandits WANT to stay impounded together, rather than return to their family squalor in India. However, if the pandits want to stay impounded, why did 163 of them escape within the last year? Their absence was not reported by the sponsoring TM organization that holds their passports.
Al Jazeera’s review of January 27, 2104 “Indian Vedic students go ‘missing’ in the US” can be read by clicking here.
Vedi City’s pandit situation resembles this animated United Nations’ video about modern human slavery.
These young pandits receive slave wages of room and board plus $50 / month. $150 per pandit is supposedly sent to their families in India. They may spend their $50 at small store in their compound. They rarely leave the compound. Their “job” is to inspire donations from TM True Believers for mystical chants that TM leaders promise will assure good weather, economic prosperity and world peace. For video clips, click here.
If these men want greater rights, they could be desperate enough to vie for attention from law enforcement.
Raja John Hagelin, Maharishi’s Raja of North America (aka Dr. John Hagelin in the films “What the Bleep Do We Know” and “The Secret”) Bill Goldstein, spokesman of The Global Country of World Peace, and John Revolinski, an administrator for the pandit campus, said the majority of these pandits began living in TM’s pandit compounds as children. This sounds suspiciously like child trafficking.  See “Students inquire about pandits during forum” by clicking here.
Revolinski referred to the pandits’ group dynamics. He did not discuss the group dynamics of the larger community which colluded to keep these men inside a fenced compound.
Some reports state the pandits have R-1 Visas. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Web Site defines R-1 visas here.  A key excerpt below:
“An R-1 is a foreign national who is coming to the United States temporarily to be employed at least part time (average of at least 20 hours per week) by a non-profit religious organization in the United States (or an organization which is affiliated with the religious denomination in the United States) to work as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation…To qualify, the foreign national must have been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States for at least 2 years immediately before the filing of the petition.”
Forgive our confusion. For decades the TM Movement stated they are a non-religious organization. The TM Movement used this non-religious argument to infiltrate public schools and the American Veteran’s administration through the David Lynch Foundation.
Yet, the pandits received visas to work for an “organization which is affiliated with the religious denomination in the United States.”
TMFree addressed religious aspects of TM many times, for example “Is it a religion, or a dessert topping?”  and “Still “not a religion”: Video of puja, the religious ritual central to TM Initiation”.
Vedic City issued a TM-speak statement on March 11, 2014 which can be read here, and stated that :
“A very harmonious meeting was held with the entire Pandit group immediately after the incident to discuss what transpired. An internal review of the situation is being conducted with an aim to avoid any such repeat incidents in the future.”
No investigator had contact with the pandits. Will an outsider speak directly to these men?
How can law enforcement assist the containment of voiceless innocents inside an isolated compound?
Some reports said these men were promised an education and job training. Does chanting for a net of $50 monthly equal a career?
Pandits are human beings whose concerns should be heard. These are not the mute Orca whales whose captivity in San Diego SeaWorld garners press attention through animal activists.
An objective legal investigation into this should be initiated by people outside of Jefferson County, Iowa. Authorities of southeast Iowa already demonstrated both lack of objectivity and collusion with Vedic City through seven years of silence about these men confined to one square mile in a cornfield.
The pandits may have learned that drama attracts attention after fire fighters responded to a small fire in a pandit mobile home on November 8 2013, as reported here.
Another fire on March 3, 2014 was reported here.
If these men are desperately calling for help, they might be succeeding.
 

2014
Mar
10

Cult Education Institute new online database and redesigned sites launched
Rick Ross Uncategorized Add you comment
 
The Cult Education Institute (CEI) formerly known as the Ross Institute of New Jersey, has launched a completely redeveloped modern database.
The CEI archives includes more than 36,000 articles and documents in an online library organized through hundreds of subsections by group or topic of interest. There is also a virtual library listing relevant books in association with Amazon.com and one of the largest link collections now online about groups called “cults.”
The CEI site was first launched in 1996 and has grown from a modest website to one of the largest archives about destructive cults, controversial groups and movements accessible through the Internet.
There are also other sites online included under the CEI umbrella such as the Cult News Network, Cult News and the CEI message board. Taken together the CEI Web presence offers the general public a free interactive resource for research and study, which broadly encourages the sharing and networking of information for those concerned about cults and related topics of interest.
CEI is a nonprofit educational charity and a member of both the American Library Association and the New Jersey Library Association.

 
« Previous Entries
 
 




Twitter


Recent Posts
Who is Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha?
How do you deprogram a Scientologist?
Cult Watcher Steve Hassan’s links to fugitive sex offender
Notorious “cult” leader’s wife buried in Baltimore Jewish cemetery
“Cults Inside Out” — a new book by Rick Alan Ross

Recent Comments
The truth about TM compound that Oprah Winfrey failed to see: Course Participants or Captive Pandits on The truth about TM compound that Oprah Winfrey failed to see: Course Participants or Captive Pandits
Peter’s Site! on South Korean ‘cult’ JMS recruiting students at US universities
Some Notes on Cults | Sharp and Pointed on Have destructive cults declined?
Grossed_Out on “Order of Christ Sophia has become a dangerous and destructive organization”
Mollie on “Order of Christ Sophia has become a dangerous and destructive organization”

Categories
3HO
African cult
Al Qaeda
Amma
Amway
Ananda Church of Self-Realization
Animal Rights and Environmental Extremists
Annton Hein
Anti-Abortion Groups
Anton
Apologetics Index
Apostles of Infinite Love
Army of Mary
Aryan Nations
Assembly
Attleboro
Aum Sect
Benny Hinn
Beta Dominion Xenophilia
Black Hebrews
Brainwashing
Brethren
Brother Julius
Caritas of Birmingham
Charles Manson
Children of God
Chinese Sects
Ching Hai
Christian Broadcasting Network
Christian Identity
Christian Science
Chung
Church and State
Church of Bible Understanding
Church of God Restoration
Church of Israel
Church Universal and Triumphant
Clergy Abuse
Cult Apologist?
Cult Following
Deepak Chopra
Deprogramming
Elan Vital – Divine Light Mission
Elizabeth Smart Abduction
End Times
Endeavor Academy
Environmental Extremists
Equinox
Eric Rudolph
Evangelicals
Executive Success Programs (ESP)
Expert Witness
Faith healing
Faith Tabernacle Congregation
False Memories
Falun Gong
Fellowship of Friends
Forum
Four Winds Commune
Freemen
Friends Landing
Friends of the Eucharist
Fundamentalists
General Assembly Church of the First Born
God's Creation Outreach Ministry
Gordon Winrod
Greater Grace World Outreach
Hare Krishnas
Hate Groups
Heaven's Gate
His Community
House of Prayer
Immortal Consciousness
International Church of Christ
Irish Travelers
ISIS
Islamic Fundamentalists
Islamists
Japanese Sects
Jehovah's Witnesses
Jeong Myeong-seok JMS
Jewish Defense League
Jews for Jesus
Jonestown
Kabbalah Centre
Kashi Ashram
Ku Klux Klan
Landmark Education
Lifespring
Local Church
Love Family
Love Israel Family
Lyndon LaRouche and Executive Intelligence Report
Magnificat Meal Movement
Maranatha Ministries
Master Path
Messianic Jews
Militias
Millennial Madness
Miscellaneous
Moonies / Unification Church
Mormons
Multi-Level Marketing
Mungiki
Nation of Islam
National Alliance
Neo Nazis
New Alliance Party
New Cult Awareness Network
New Life Tabernacle
New Lighthouse Movement
New Mexico cult
North Korea
Nuwaubians
Oklahoma City Bombing, Timothy McVeigh, Terry Nichols
Opus Dei
Osho Rajneesh
Overcomers Ministry, R.G. Stair
Pana Wave
Paranormal
Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association
polygamists
Promise Keepers
Propaganda
Raelians
Ramtha School of Enlightenment
Rebirthing
Recovery
Rosicrucians
Russian Sects
Sai Baba
Salva Me of the Philippines
Satanism
Scientology
Siddha Meditation
Snake Handling Pentecostal Sects
Social Therapy
Soka Gakkai
Solar Temple
Sri Chinmoy
Sterling Institute of Relationships
Stong City
Swami Rama
Symbionese Liberation Army
Synanon
Teen Boot Camps
Teen Challenge
Ten Commandments
Terrorists
Transcendental Meditation
Trek Alliance
Trinity Broadcasting Network
True & Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the L
Tvind
Twelve Tribes
UFO Believers
Ultra-Orthodox Groups
Uncategorized
United Pentecostal Church International
Universal Church Kingdom of God
University Bible Fellowship
Voodoo
Waco Davidians
Walden House
Waldorf Schools
Wayne Bent
Wesson Family murders
Westboro Baptist Church
White Supremacists
Wicca
Word of Faith Fellowship
World Church of the Creator
World Ministries
Worldwide Church of God
Wright Family
Y2K
Yahweh Ben Yahweh
Yogaville

Meta
Log in
Entries RSS
Comments RSS
WordPress.org

Archives
April 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
April 2014
March 2014
August 2013
June 2013
April 2013
January 2013
November 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
May 2012
March 2012
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
March 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
May 2010
March 2010
February 2010
December 2009
August 2009
July 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
September 2008
August 2008
June 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
October 2007
September 2007
July 2007
April 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
August 2003
July 2003
June 2003
May 2003
April 2003
March 2003
February 2003
January 2003
December 2002
November 2002
October 2002
September 2002
August 2002
July 2002

Disclaimer
This news page is about groups, organizations or movements, which may have been called "cults" and/or "cult-like" in some way, shape or form. But not all groups called either "cults" or "cult-like" are harmful. Instead, they may be benign and generally defined as simply people intensely devoted to a person, place or thing. Therefore, the discussion or mention of a group, organization or person on this page, is not necessarily meant pejoratively.

Copyright
Unless otherwise noted, all material on this site is Copyright © Rick Ross.
 

Cult News · coogee theme · 2008
RSS Feed · WordPress · TOP
  



http://www.cultnews.com/




























Rick Ross (consultant)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

This article is about Rick Alan Ross. For other people with the same name, see Rick Ross (disambiguation).

Rick Alan Ross
Rick Ross 2014.jpg
Born
November 24, 1952 (age 62)
Cleveland, Ohio
Occupation
Founder and Executive Director,
 Cult Education Institute
Website
Cult News
The Cult Education Institute
Rick Alan Ross (born 1952 as Ricky Alan Ross) works as a consultant, lecturer, and intervention specialist, with a focus on exit counseling and deprogramming of those belonging to cults. He runs a blog called Cult News[1] and in 2003 founded the Rick A. Ross Institute (later to be renamed the Cult Education Institute), which maintains a database of court documents, essays, and press articles on groups and individuals that have attracted controversy.[2]
Ross has worked as an expert court witness and as an analyst for the media in cases relating to such groups.[3]
Ross' interest in controversial religious groups dates to a 1982 incident at his grandmother's nursing home. During the 1980s he represented the Jewish community on a number of advisory committees. In 1986 he began working full-time as a consultant, sometimes involuntarily deprogramming members of controversial groups and movements. By 2004 he said he had worked over 350 cases with a 75% success rate. His work deprogramming a 14 year old Potter's House Christian Fellowship member was covered in a 1989 edition of the American TV series 48 hours.
In 1993 Ross faced charges over a 1991 forcible deprogramming where he held an United Pentecostal Church International member Jason Scott against his will for five days, but was cleared the following year by jury trial.[4] Ross settled a civil suit with Scott in 1995, causing Ross to file for personal bankruptcy because of the $2,500,000 in punitive damages awarded against him.[5] In September 1995, a nine-member jury unanimously held Ross and other defendants in the case liable for negligence and conspiracy to deprive Scott of his civil rights and religious liberties. Scott later settled for $5000 and 200 hours of Ross' services indicating a reconciliation with Ross and his Mother.[6]


Contents  [hide]
1 Early life
2 Early career
3 Consultant, lecturer, and deprogrammer
4 Jason Scott deprogramming
5 Cult Education Institute
6 Articles and publications
7 See also
8 References
9 Further reading
10 External links

Early life
Ross was adopted by Paul and Ethel Ross in Cleveland, Ohio in 1953. The Ross family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1956, where Ross grew up. Except for attending one year South Carolina's Camden Military Academy, Ross completed all of his education in Arizona. He graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1971 and did not attend college.[7]
In 1974 at the age of 21, Ross was convicted of the attempted burglary of a vacant model home and sentenced to probation.[3] The following year, he robbed a jewelry store in Phoenix. Ross confessed to the crime and received five years probation.[3]
Following high school, Ross went to work for a finance company and then a Phoenix-area bank. In 1975, he began work for a cousin's car-salvage company, later becoming vice-president.[3][7] He continued working in the car-salvage field until 1982.[7]
Early career
Ross first became concerned about controversial religious groups in 1982 following a visit with his grandmother at Phoenix's Kivel Home, a Jewish residential and nursing facility where she lived. Ross learned that missionary affiliates of the locally produced Jewish Voice Broadcast had infiltrated the home as staff members in order to specifically target Jews for conversion to Pentecostal Christianity.[3][7][8][9] After bringing the matter to the attention of the home's director and to the local Jewish community, Ross successfully campaigned to have the group's activities stopped.[3][7] He then began working as a volunteer, lecturer and researcher for a variety of Jewish organizations.[3] He worked for the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix,[10][11] and the Union of American Hebrew Congregations appointed him to two national committees focusing on cults and inter-religious affairs.[12]
During the 1980s Ross represented the Jewish community on the Religious Advisory Committee of the Arizona Department of Corrections. Later the Committee elected him as its chairman,[13] and he served as chairman of the International Coalition of Jewish Prisoners Programs sponsored by B'nai Brith in Washington D.C. Ross's work within the prison system covered inmate religious rights and educational efforts regarding hate groups.[14] Ross also worked as a member of the professional staff of the Jewish Family and Children's Service (JFCS) and the Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE) in Phoenix, Arizona.[15]
Consultant, lecturer, and deprogrammer
In 1986 Ross left the staff of the JFCS and BJE to become a full-time private consultant and deprogrammer.[3][7] and worked as a Cult Awareness Network-associated deprogrammer.
He undertook a number of involuntary deprogramming interventions at the requests of parents whose children had joined controversial groups and movements.[3][7] By 2004, Ross had handled more than 350 deprogramming cases in various countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel and Italy, typically charging around $5,000 per case.[3][16] Ross claimed a success-rate of 75%; journalist Nick Johnstone, despite noting that Ross' moral credentials "seem shaky at best", credited him with having "rescued many people from harmful situations".[17]
In 1989 the CBS television program 48 Hours covered Ross's deprogramming of a 14-year-old boy, Aaron Paron, a member of the Potter's House Christian Fellowship.[18][19] Aaron refused to leave the organization, and saw his mother as "possessed by the devil".[20] Most of the hour-long program focused upon Ross's efforts to persuade Paron to see the Potter's House as "a destructive Bible-based group" bent on taking control of its members' lives.[18] The case resulted in the parties entering into an agreement that Potter's House would not harbor Aaron, entice him away from his mother, attempt to influence his behavior or take any action that would interfere with his mother's parental rights.[19]
In 1992 and 1993, Ross opposed actions of the Branch Davidian group led by David Koresh in Waco, Texas.[21] Ross had previously deprogrammed a member of the group.[22][23] Ross was the only deprogrammer to work with Branch Davidian members prior to a siege involving the death of many of the group's members at Waco.[24] Television broadcaster CBS hired Ross as an on-scene analyst for their coverage of the Waco siege.[3] Ross also offered unsolicited advice to the FBI during the standoff.[23] A later Department of Justice report on the matter stated that "the FBI did not 'rely' on Ross for advice whatsoever during the standoff."[23] According to the report, the FBI "politely declined his unsolicited offers of assistance throughout the standoff" and treated the information Ross supplied as it would any other unsolicited information received from the public.[23] Criticism of government agencies' involvement with Ross has come from Nancy Ammerman, a professor of sociology of religion, who cited FBI interview notes which stated that Ross "has a personal hatred for all religious cults." She claimed that the BATF and the FBI did rely on Ross when he recommended that agents "attempt to publicly humiliate Koresh, hoping to drive a wedge between him and his followers." She criticized them for doing so and ignoring the "wider social sciences community".[25][26][27] Other scholars also criticized Ross' involvement.[22][25][28][29][30][31] Ross characterized his critics as cult apologists who held the belief that cult groups "should not be held accountable for their action like others within our society".[32]
Jason Scott deprogramming
Main article: Jason Scott case
In 1993, Ross faced charges of unlawful imprisonment in the State of Washington due to the alleged forcible detention of Jason Scott (an eighteen-year-old member of Life Tabernacle Church, part of United Pentecostal Church International) in 1991.[33][34] Ross was acquitted at a January 1994 jury trial.[35][36][37][38] Scott later sued Ross, two of his associates, and the Cult Awareness Network (CAN), for his abduction and failed deprogramming (CAN was a co-defendant because a CAN contact person had referred Scott's mother to Ross). Ross said the lawsuit was an attempt by the Church of Scientology to silence his efforts, claiming "This isn't about Jason Scott. This isn't about his civil rights. They recruited him to harass me".[4]
The two men hired by Scott's mother seized him outside her house, the teenager was handcuffed and forced into a van, before being transported to a beach cottage for the deprogramming.[39][40][41] Ross and his partners walked him into the house, one of the men leading him on a nylon leash, another holding his handcuffs.[42] Ross and his partners had made the house a virtual prison; the windows were covered with thick nylon straps forming a mesh, to prevent escape.[42] Scott was restrained and told his release depended on the completion of the session.[35][42][43][44][45][46] Scott testified that he then endured five days of derogatory comments about himself, his beliefs, his girlfriend and his pastor, and diatribes by Ross about the ways in which Christianity and conservative Protestantism were wrong.[42][43] He was intimidated, forced to watch videos on cults and told his church was just the same.[41] He said he was watched 24 hours a day. When Scott threatened Ross with criminal prosecution, Ross was said to have threatened Scott that he would handcuff him to the bed frame.[42]
After four days, Scott began to pretend that he had changed his mind, feigning tears and remorse, in the hope that this would in due course give him a chance to escape.[21][42][43] The final day of his imprisonment he spent watching films on New Age religions and channeling, even though neither are related to Pentecostalism.[42] Scott's plan ultimately worked; Ross, pleased with the apparent success of the deprogramming session, proposed that they all went out to meet with Scott's family for a celebratory dinner.[21][40] In the restaurant, Scott was allowed to go the restroom by himself; he ran out and called the police, who arrested Ross and his companions on suspicion of unlawful imprisonment.[21][40][43] Initially, the charges were dismissed.[21]
At the civil trial Ross and his co-defendants were found liable for conspiracy to deprive Scott of his civil rights and religious liberties. Scott was awarded nearly $5 million.[47] The judge awarded $875,000 in compensatory damages, and punitive damages in the amount of $1,000,000 against CAN, $2,500,000 against Ross, and $250,000 against each of the other two individual defendants. The case bankrupted the Cult Awareness Network.[48][49] In addition, the jury held the defendants, excluding CAN, liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress, finding they "intentionally or recklessly acted in a way so outrageous in character and so extreme in degree as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency and to be regarded as atrocious and utterly intolerable in a civilized community."[42][50]
In 1995 Ross filed for personal bankruptcy because of the damages award against him in the Scott civil trial.[42][51] Scott then settled with Ross, accepting $5,000 plus 200 hours of Ross's professional services "as an expert consultant and intervention specialist".[46][51] Graham Berry, Scott's new attorney, said that Scott's decision to use Ross's services was not a vindication of Ross's deprogramming methods and refused to say what services Ross would provide.[46]
As a result of the legal risks involved, Ross stopped advocating coercive deprogramming or involuntary interventions for adults, preferring instead voluntary exit counseling without the use of force or restraint.[52] He states that despite refinement of processes over the years, exit counseling and deprogramming continue to depend on the same principles.[52]
Cult Education Institute
In 1996 Ross started a website titled "The Ross Institute Internet Archives for the Study of Destructive Cults, Controversial Groups and Movements".[53] Ross has lectured at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago and University of Arizona,[54] and has testified as an expert witness in court cases.[3] According to the biography page on his website he has worked as a paid consultant for television networks CBS, CBC and Nippon, and Miramax/Disney retained him as a technical consultant to one of the actors involved in making Jane Campion's film Holy Smoke!.[7]
In June 2004 Landmark Education filed a US$1 million lawsuit against the Institute, claiming that the Institute's online archives damaged Landmark Education's product.[55] In December 2005, Landmark Education filed to dismiss its own lawsuit with prejudice, purportedly on the grounds of a material change in case law after the publication of an opinion in another case, Donato v. Moldow, regarding the Communications Decency Act of 1996.[55]
The institute was re-launched in 2013 as the Cult Education Institute (CEI). CEI is a non-profit institution and member of the American Library Association and the New Jersey Library Association.[56][57]
Articles and publications
Ross, Rick, "Bigotry lurks in born-again Christian doctrine", The Arizona Republic, November 6, 1982
Ross, Rick, "Teen Challenge", A report to the Religious Advisory Committee, Arizona Department of Corrections, 26 July 1984
Ross, Rick, The Missionary Threat, Institute for First Amendment Studies, 1995
Ross, Rick. "Is Falun Gong a Cult?", (January 2009) Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
See also
NXIVM Corp. v. The Ross Institute
References
1.Jump up ^ "Cult News website Cultnews.com".
2.Jump up ^ "Information Archives". The Ross Institute. Retrieved April 16, 2009. "The Rick A. Ross Institute has assembled one of the largest archives of information about controversial groups. This archive contains thousands of press articles, court documents, and essays."
3.^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l Johnstone, Nick (December 12, 2004). "Beyond Belief". The Observer (London). Retrieved October 24, 2008.
4.^ Jump up to: a b Haines, Thomas W. (September 21, 1995). "'Deprogrammer' Taken To Court -- Bellevue Man Claims Kidnap, Coercion". The Seattle Times.
5.Jump up ^ Phoenix Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlatans – Phoenix New Times
6.Jump up ^ http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1996-12-19/news/what-s-2-995-million-between-former-enemies/ What's $2.995 Million Between Former Enemies? - Phoenix New Times
7.^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h "Rick Ross's Biography".
8.Jump up ^ "Pastor Gil Kaplan". buildersofunity.org. Builders of Unity Ministries International. Retrieved November 15, 2008. "After the Kaplan’s moved to Arizona in 1953, Louis Kaplan founded and directed what became an international Messianic television and radio ministry known as the Jewish Voice Broadcast, which later became known as Jewish Voice Ministries International which continues to air in many countries today."
9.Jump up ^ Evans, Pete (November–December 2004). "The Door interview with Rick Ross". The Door Magazine.
10.Jump up ^ Taking Aim: Efforts to convert Jews draw fire from interdenominational group, The Arizona Republic, 1982, by Richard Lessner, as hosted on culteducation.com
11.Jump up ^ Cleveland Jewish News, 29 July 2004. KABBALAH CENTRE hawks 'snake oil for the soul
12.Jump up ^ "Challenging Cults, Cultivating Family", The Greater Phoenix Jewish News, February, 1989, by Elaine DeRosa, as hosted on culteducation.com
13.Jump up ^ "Ross to head religious committee for state corrections department". Greater Phoenix Jewish News. March 12, 1986., as hosted on culteducation.com
14.Jump up ^ "Three Nation Umbrella Org. to Aid Jewish Prison Inmates, Families", National "Jewish Press", April 1986, as hosted on culteducation.com
15.Jump up ^ Curriculum Vitae, Rick Ross web site
16.Jump up ^ Ross, Rick. "Intervention: Costs". Retrieved November 25, 2008.
17.Jump up ^ Johnstone, Nick (December 12, 2004). "Beyond Belief". The Observer (London). Retrieved October 24, 2008. "[...] taking into account his claimed 75% success rate for interventions (he has worked on more than 350 cases, at a typical cost of $5,000, everywhere from the US to the UK, Israel to Italy), he has rescued many people from harmful situations [...]"
18.^ Jump up to: a b Goodman, Walter (June 1, 1989). "Review/Television; Trying to Pry a Youth Away From a Cult". New York Times. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
19.^ Jump up to: a b Enge, Marilee (March 23, 1989). "Mother fights church group for her son". Anchorage Daily News (Anchorage, Alaska).
20.Jump up ^ CBS News – New York, CBS News' 48 Hours Takes Viewers Inside the Deprogramming of a 14-year Old Boy May 18 on CBS, April 1989
21.^ Jump up to: a b c d e Ortega, Tony (November 30, 1995). "Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlatans. Clients of deprogrammer Rick Ross call him a savior. Perhaps that's why people he's branded cult leaders want to crucify him.". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved April 27, 2006.
22.^ Jump up to: a b Tabor, James D.; Gallagher, Eugene V. (1997). Why Waco?. University of California Press. pp. 93–96, 138–139, 233. ISBN 0-520-20899-4.
23.^ Jump up to: a b c d US Department of Justice, Report to the Deputy Attorney General on the Events at Waco, Texas: Part IV, The Role of Experts During the Standoff, 28 February to 19 April 1993. Available online
24.Jump up ^ Baum, Michele Dula, "Dangerous cults focus on leader, Deprogrammer Says", The Chattanooga Times, April 30, 1994
25.^ Jump up to: a b Wright, Stuart A. (ed.) (1995). Armageddon in Waco. University of Chicago Press. pp. 98–100, pp. 286–290. ISBN 0-226-90845-3.
26.Jump up ^ Report to the Justice and Treasury Departments, Nancy Ammerman, September 3, 1993, with an Addendum dated September 10, 1993
27.Jump up ^ Waco, Federal Law Enforcement, and Scholars of Religion at the Wayback Machine (archived September 1, 2006), Nancy Ammerman, 1993
28.Jump up ^ Chryssides, George D. (1999). Exploring New Religions. Continuum International Publishing Group. pp. 55–56. ISBN 0-8264-5959-5.
29.Jump up ^ Newport, Kenneth G. C.; Gribben, Crawford (eds.) (2006). Expecting the End. Baylor University Press. pp. 154–171. ISBN 1-932792-38-4.
30.Jump up ^ Wessinger, Catherine Lowman (2000). How the Millennium Comes Violently. New York, NY/London, UK: Seven Bridges Press. pp. 1, 60, 69, 98. ISBN 1-889119-24-5.
31.Jump up ^ Michael, George (2003). Confronting Right-wing Extremism and Terrorism. New York, NY/London, UK: Routledge. p. 148. ISBN 0-415-31500-X.
32.Jump up ^ "Letters to the Editor – What Happened at Waco". The Washington Post. July 23, 1995. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
33.Jump up ^ "Waco Revisited". The Nation. 18 October 1993.
34.Jump up ^ Hancock, Lee (8 July 1993). "Cult Critic Charged in Abduction (Says He Will Be Vindicated)". The Daily Morning News.
35.^ Jump up to: a b Haines, Thomas W. (September 21, 1995). "'Deprogrammer' Taken To Court – Bellevue Man Claims Kidnap, Coercion". Seattle Times date = September 21, 1995. Retrieved October 14, 2008.
36.Jump up ^ "Deprogrammers Plead Not Guilty To Holding A Bellevue Teenager 5 Days, Against His Will". Associated Press (Seattle Times). August 17, 1993. Retrieved October 14, 2008.
37.Jump up ^ Montgomery, Nancy (January 21, 1994). "Eastside Journal – Glad It's Over". Seattle Times. Retrieved October 17, 2008.
38.Jump up ^ ""Cult Buster" Acquitted In Abduction". Seattle Times. January 19, 1994. Retrieved November 1, 2008.
39.Jump up ^ http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/ScottvRossOrder.pdf
40.^ Jump up to: a b c Narinsky, Judy (1995-11-01). "Q & A Brainwashed. Rick Ross talks about deprogramming members of religious cults". Willamette Week., as hosted on culteducation.com
41.^ Jump up to: a b Snow, Robert L. (2003). Deadly Cults. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 177. ISBN 0-275-98052-9.
42.^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i Shupe, Anson; Darnell, Susan E. (2006). Agents of Discord. New Brunswick (U.S.A.), London (U.K.): Transaction Publishers. pp. 180–184. ISBN 0-7658-0323-2.
43.^ Jump up to: a b c d Cockburn, Alexander (August 26, 1996). "Vindication II: That Fool Adolph". The Nation (The Nation Company L.P.) 263 (6): 8.
44.Jump up ^ Bromley, David G. (2003). The Politics of Religious Apostasy. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 99–100. ISBN 0-275-95508-7.
45.Jump up ^ "UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT: JASON SCOTT, Plaintiff-Appellee v. RICK ROSS, A/K/A/ RICKEY ALLEN ROSS, MARK WORKMAN, CHARLES SIMPSON, Defendants, CULT AWARENESS NETWORK, Defendant-Appellant". CESNUR. Retrieved October 13, 2008.
46.^ Jump up to: a b c Ortega, Tony (December 19, 1996). "What's $2.995 Million Between Former Enemies?". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved October 21, 2008.
47.Jump up ^ Bjorhus, Jennifer (September 30, 1995). "Man Wins $5 Million In Deprogramming Suit -- Mother Had Tried To Wrest Son Away From Bellevue Church". The Seattle Times.
48.Jump up ^ Gallagher, Eugene V. (2006). Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing. ISBN 0-275-98712-4.
49.Jump up ^ Kaplan, Jeffrey (1997). "10/1/97". Nova Religio 1: 139–149. doi:10.1525/nr.1997.1.1.139.
50.Jump up ^ Lewis, James R. (ed.) (2009). Scientology. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. p. 279. ISBN 978-0-19-533149-3.
51.^ Jump up to: a b Goodstein, Laurie (December 23, 1996). "New Twist In Anti-Cult Saga: Foe Is Now Ally – Bellevue Man Who Put Group Into Bankruptcy Fires Scientology Lawyer". Washington Post (Seattle Times). Retrieved October 21, 2008.
52.^ Jump up to: a b Rick Ross. "Deprogramming". Intervention. Retrieved August 10, 2005.
53.Jump up ^ "Home page of The Ross Institute website".
54.Jump up ^ Hennessy, Molly (July 14, 2001). "MINISTER SUES CULT EXPERT". Palm Beach Post. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
55.^ Jump up to: a b Toutant, Charles Suits Against Anti-Cult Blogger Provide Test for Online Speech, New Jersey Law Journal, January 10, 2006
56.Jump up ^ "About Us". Cult Education Institute. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
57.Jump up ^ "The Ross Institute has officially changed its name". Cult News. 2013-08-02. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
Further reading
Madigan, Tim, See No Evil, Summit Publishing Group – Legacy Books, May 1993, ISBN 1-56530-063-7 (Foreword by Rick Ross)
Douglass, William A.; Zulaika, Joseba (1996). Terror and taboo: the follies, fables, and faces of terrorism. New York: Routledge. ISBN 0-415-91759-X. OCLC 33664912.
Kaplan, Jeffery and Heléne Lööw,The Cultic Milieu: Oppositional Subcultures in an Age of Globalization, Rowman Altamira, 2002, ISBN 0-7591-0204-X
Breitbart, Andrew and Mark C. Ebner, Hollywood, Interrupted: Insanity Chic in Babylon-- the Case Against Celebrity, John Wiley and Sons, 2004, ISBN 0-471-45051-0
Newport, Kenneth G. C. (2006). The Branch Davidians of Waco: the history and beliefs of an apocalyptic sect. Oxford Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-924574-6.
External links
 Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rick Ross (consultant).
 Wikisource has original works written by or about:
Rick Alan Ross


[hide]
v ·
 t ·
 e
 
Opposition to new religious movements


Secular groups
APA Task Force on Deceptive and Indirect Methods of Persuasion and Control ·
 Cult Awareness Network ·
 International Cultic Studies Association - ICSA (Formerly: the AFF, American Family Foundation) ·
 The Family Survival Trust - TFST (Formerly: FAIR - Family Action Information and Rescue) ·
 Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network ·
 Cult Information Centre
 

Secular individuals
Carol Giambalvo ·
 Steven Hassan ·
 Galen Kelly ·
 Michael Langone ·
 Ted Patrick ·
 Rick Ross ·
 Tom Sackville ·
 Jim Siegelman ·
 Margaret Singer ·
 Louis Jolyon West ·
 Cyril Vosper ·
 Lawrence Wollersheim
 

Religious groups
Reachout Trust ·
 Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry ·
 Christian Research Institute ·
 Dialog Center International ·
 Personal Freedom Outreach ·
 Watchman Fellowship ·
 New England Institute of Religious Research ·
 Midwest Christian Outreach ·
 Institute for Religious Research ·
 Spiritual Counterfeits Project ·
 Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center
 

Religious individuals
Johannes Aagaard ·
 Alexander Dvorkin ·
 Ronald Enroth ·
 Hank Hanegraaff ·
 Paul R. Martin ·
 Walter Ralston Martin ·
 Robert Passantino
 

Governmental organizations
European Federation of Centres of Research and Information on Sectarianism ·
 Centre contre les manipulations mentales ·
 Union nationale des associations de défense des familles et de l'individu ·
 MIVILUDES ·
 Parliamentary Commission on Cults in France
 

Individuals in government
Catherine Picard
 

Concepts
Cult ·
 NRM apologist ·
 Deprogramming ·
 Freedom of religion ·
 Heresy ·
 Mind control ·
 New religious movement
 

Historical events
About-Picard law ·
 Governmental lists of cults and sects ·
 Persecution of Bahá'ís ·
 Persecution of Falun Gong ·
 Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses ·
 Anti-Mormonism ·
 Scientology in Germany
 




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  


Categories: 1952 births
American adoptees
Exit counselors
Living people
Critics of Falun Gong
Anti-cult organizations and individuals
Deprogrammers








Navigation menu



Create account
Log in



Article

Talk









Read

View source

View history

















Main page
Contents
Featured content
Current events
Random article
Donate to Wikipedia
Wikipedia store

Interaction
Help
About Wikipedia
Community portal
Recent changes
Contact page

Tools
What links here
Related changes
Upload file
Special pages
Permanent link
Page information
Wikidata item
Cite this page

Print/export
Create a book
Download as PDF
Printable version

Languages
Deutsch
Italiano
Русский
Edit links
This page was last modified on 19 March 2015, at 12:05.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
Privacy policy
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Contact Wikipedia
Developers
Mobile view
Wikimedia Foundation
Powered by MediaWiki
   
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Ross_(consultant)















Rick Ross (consultant)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

This article is about Rick Alan Ross. For other people with the same name, see Rick Ross (disambiguation).

Rick Alan Ross
Rick Ross 2014.jpg
Born
November 24, 1952 (age 62)
Cleveland, Ohio
Occupation
Founder and Executive Director,
 Cult Education Institute
Website
Cult News
The Cult Education Institute
Rick Alan Ross (born 1952 as Ricky Alan Ross) works as a consultant, lecturer, and intervention specialist, with a focus on exit counseling and deprogramming of those belonging to cults. He runs a blog called Cult News[1] and in 2003 founded the Rick A. Ross Institute (later to be renamed the Cult Education Institute), which maintains a database of court documents, essays, and press articles on groups and individuals that have attracted controversy.[2]
Ross has worked as an expert court witness and as an analyst for the media in cases relating to such groups.[3]
Ross' interest in controversial religious groups dates to a 1982 incident at his grandmother's nursing home. During the 1980s he represented the Jewish community on a number of advisory committees. In 1986 he began working full-time as a consultant, sometimes involuntarily deprogramming members of controversial groups and movements. By 2004 he said he had worked over 350 cases with a 75% success rate. His work deprogramming a 14 year old Potter's House Christian Fellowship member was covered in a 1989 edition of the American TV series 48 hours.
In 1993 Ross faced charges over a 1991 forcible deprogramming where he held an United Pentecostal Church International member Jason Scott against his will for five days, but was cleared the following year by jury trial.[4] Ross settled a civil suit with Scott in 1995, causing Ross to file for personal bankruptcy because of the $2,500,000 in punitive damages awarded against him.[5] In September 1995, a nine-member jury unanimously held Ross and other defendants in the case liable for negligence and conspiracy to deprive Scott of his civil rights and religious liberties. Scott later settled for $5000 and 200 hours of Ross' services indicating a reconciliation with Ross and his Mother.[6]


Contents  [hide]
1 Early life
2 Early career
3 Consultant, lecturer, and deprogrammer
4 Jason Scott deprogramming
5 Cult Education Institute
6 Articles and publications
7 See also
8 References
9 Further reading
10 External links

Early life
Ross was adopted by Paul and Ethel Ross in Cleveland, Ohio in 1953. The Ross family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1956, where Ross grew up. Except for attending one year South Carolina's Camden Military Academy, Ross completed all of his education in Arizona. He graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1971 and did not attend college.[7]
In 1974 at the age of 21, Ross was convicted of the attempted burglary of a vacant model home and sentenced to probation.[3] The following year, he robbed a jewelry store in Phoenix. Ross confessed to the crime and received five years probation.[3]
Following high school, Ross went to work for a finance company and then a Phoenix-area bank. In 1975, he began work for a cousin's car-salvage company, later becoming vice-president.[3][7] He continued working in the car-salvage field until 1982.[7]
Early career
Ross first became concerned about controversial religious groups in 1982 following a visit with his grandmother at Phoenix's Kivel Home, a Jewish residential and nursing facility where she lived. Ross learned that missionary affiliates of the locally produced Jewish Voice Broadcast had infiltrated the home as staff members in order to specifically target Jews for conversion to Pentecostal Christianity.[3][7][8][9] After bringing the matter to the attention of the home's director and to the local Jewish community, Ross successfully campaigned to have the group's activities stopped.[3][7] He then began working as a volunteer, lecturer and researcher for a variety of Jewish organizations.[3] He worked for the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix,[10][11] and the Union of American Hebrew Congregations appointed him to two national committees focusing on cults and inter-religious affairs.[12]
During the 1980s Ross represented the Jewish community on the Religious Advisory Committee of the Arizona Department of Corrections. Later the Committee elected him as its chairman,[13] and he served as chairman of the International Coalition of Jewish Prisoners Programs sponsored by B'nai Brith in Washington D.C. Ross's work within the prison system covered inmate religious rights and educational efforts regarding hate groups.[14] Ross also worked as a member of the professional staff of the Jewish Family and Children's Service (JFCS) and the Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE) in Phoenix, Arizona.[15]
Consultant, lecturer, and deprogrammer
In 1986 Ross left the staff of the JFCS and BJE to become a full-time private consultant and deprogrammer.[3][7] and worked as a Cult Awareness Network-associated deprogrammer.
He undertook a number of involuntary deprogramming interventions at the requests of parents whose children had joined controversial groups and movements.[3][7] By 2004, Ross had handled more than 350 deprogramming cases in various countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel and Italy, typically charging around $5,000 per case.[3][16] Ross claimed a success-rate of 75%; journalist Nick Johnstone, despite noting that Ross' moral credentials "seem shaky at best", credited him with having "rescued many people from harmful situations".[17]
In 1989 the CBS television program 48 Hours covered Ross's deprogramming of a 14-year-old boy, Aaron Paron, a member of the Potter's House Christian Fellowship.[18][19] Aaron refused to leave the organization, and saw his mother as "possessed by the devil".[20] Most of the hour-long program focused upon Ross's efforts to persuade Paron to see the Potter's House as "a destructive Bible-based group" bent on taking control of its members' lives.[18] The case resulted in the parties entering into an agreement that Potter's House would not harbor Aaron, entice him away from his mother, attempt to influence his behavior or take any action that would interfere with his mother's parental rights.[19]
In 1992 and 1993, Ross opposed actions of the Branch Davidian group led by David Koresh in Waco, Texas.[21] Ross had previously deprogrammed a member of the group.[22][23] Ross was the only deprogrammer to work with Branch Davidian members prior to a siege involving the death of many of the group's members at Waco.[24] Television broadcaster CBS hired Ross as an on-scene analyst for their coverage of the Waco siege.[3] Ross also offered unsolicited advice to the FBI during the standoff.[23] A later Department of Justice report on the matter stated that "the FBI did not 'rely' on Ross for advice whatsoever during the standoff."[23] According to the report, the FBI "politely declined his unsolicited offers of assistance throughout the standoff" and treated the information Ross supplied as it would any other unsolicited information received from the public.[23] Criticism of government agencies' involvement with Ross has come from Nancy Ammerman, a professor of sociology of religion, who cited FBI interview notes which stated that Ross "has a personal hatred for all religious cults." She claimed that the BATF and the FBI did rely on Ross when he recommended that agents "attempt to publicly humiliate Koresh, hoping to drive a wedge between him and his followers." She criticized them for doing so and ignoring the "wider social sciences community".[25][26][27] Other scholars also criticized Ross' involvement.[22][25][28][29][30][31] Ross characterized his critics as cult apologists who held the belief that cult groups "should not be held accountable for their action like others within our society".[32]
Jason Scott deprogramming
Main article: Jason Scott case
In 1993, Ross faced charges of unlawful imprisonment in the State of Washington due to the alleged forcible detention of Jason Scott (an eighteen-year-old member of Life Tabernacle Church, part of United Pentecostal Church International) in 1991.[33][34] Ross was acquitted at a January 1994 jury trial.[35][36][37][38] Scott later sued Ross, two of his associates, and the Cult Awareness Network (CAN), for his abduction and failed deprogramming (CAN was a co-defendant because a CAN contact person had referred Scott's mother to Ross). Ross said the lawsuit was an attempt by the Church of Scientology to silence his efforts, claiming "This isn't about Jason Scott. This isn't about his civil rights. They recruited him to harass me".[4]
The two men hired by Scott's mother seized him outside her house, the teenager was handcuffed and forced into a van, before being transported to a beach cottage for the deprogramming.[39][40][41] Ross and his partners walked him into the house, one of the men leading him on a nylon leash, another holding his handcuffs.[42] Ross and his partners had made the house a virtual prison; the windows were covered with thick nylon straps forming a mesh, to prevent escape.[42] Scott was restrained and told his release depended on the completion of the session.[35][42][43][44][45][46] Scott testified that he then endured five days of derogatory comments about himself, his beliefs, his girlfriend and his pastor, and diatribes by Ross about the ways in which Christianity and conservative Protestantism were wrong.[42][43] He was intimidated, forced to watch videos on cults and told his church was just the same.[41] He said he was watched 24 hours a day. When Scott threatened Ross with criminal prosecution, Ross was said to have threatened Scott that he would handcuff him to the bed frame.[42]
After four days, Scott began to pretend that he had changed his mind, feigning tears and remorse, in the hope that this would in due course give him a chance to escape.[21][42][43] The final day of his imprisonment he spent watching films on New Age religions and channeling, even though neither are related to Pentecostalism.[42] Scott's plan ultimately worked; Ross, pleased with the apparent success of the deprogramming session, proposed that they all went out to meet with Scott's family for a celebratory dinner.[21][40] In the restaurant, Scott was allowed to go the restroom by himself; he ran out and called the police, who arrested Ross and his companions on suspicion of unlawful imprisonment.[21][40][43] Initially, the charges were dismissed.[21]
At the civil trial Ross and his co-defendants were found liable for conspiracy to deprive Scott of his civil rights and religious liberties. Scott was awarded nearly $5 million.[47] The judge awarded $875,000 in compensatory damages, and punitive damages in the amount of $1,000,000 against CAN, $2,500,000 against Ross, and $250,000 against each of the other two individual defendants. The case bankrupted the Cult Awareness Network.[48][49] In addition, the jury held the defendants, excluding CAN, liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress, finding they "intentionally or recklessly acted in a way so outrageous in character and so extreme in degree as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency and to be regarded as atrocious and utterly intolerable in a civilized community."[42][50]
In 1995 Ross filed for personal bankruptcy because of the damages award against him in the Scott civil trial.[42][51] Scott then settled with Ross, accepting $5,000 plus 200 hours of Ross's professional services "as an expert consultant and intervention specialist".[46][51] Graham Berry, Scott's new attorney, said that Scott's decision to use Ross's services was not a vindication of Ross's deprogramming methods and refused to say what services Ross would provide.[46]
As a result of the legal risks involved, Ross stopped advocating coercive deprogramming or involuntary interventions for adults, preferring instead voluntary exit counseling without the use of force or restraint.[52] He states that despite refinement of processes over the years, exit counseling and deprogramming continue to depend on the same principles.[52]
Cult Education Institute
In 1996 Ross started a website titled "The Ross Institute Internet Archives for the Study of Destructive Cults, Controversial Groups and Movements".[53] Ross has lectured at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago and University of Arizona,[54] and has testified as an expert witness in court cases.[3] According to the biography page on his website he has worked as a paid consultant for television networks CBS, CBC and Nippon, and Miramax/Disney retained him as a technical consultant to one of the actors involved in making Jane Campion's film Holy Smoke!.[7]
In June 2004 Landmark Education filed a US$1 million lawsuit against the Institute, claiming that the Institute's online archives damaged Landmark Education's product.[55] In December 2005, Landmark Education filed to dismiss its own lawsuit with prejudice, purportedly on the grounds of a material change in case law after the publication of an opinion in another case, Donato v. Moldow, regarding the Communications Decency Act of 1996.[55]
The institute was re-launched in 2013 as the Cult Education Institute (CEI). CEI is a non-profit institution and member of the American Library Association and the New Jersey Library Association.[56][57]
Articles and publications
Ross, Rick, "Bigotry lurks in born-again Christian doctrine", The Arizona Republic, November 6, 1982
Ross, Rick, "Teen Challenge", A report to the Religious Advisory Committee, Arizona Department of Corrections, 26 July 1984
Ross, Rick, The Missionary Threat, Institute for First Amendment Studies, 1995
Ross, Rick. "Is Falun Gong a Cult?", (January 2009) Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
See also
NXIVM Corp. v. The Ross Institute
References
1.Jump up ^ "Cult News website Cultnews.com".
2.Jump up ^ "Information Archives". The Ross Institute. Retrieved April 16, 2009. "The Rick A. Ross Institute has assembled one of the largest archives of information about controversial groups. This archive contains thousands of press articles, court documents, and essays."
3.^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l Johnstone, Nick (December 12, 2004). "Beyond Belief". The Observer (London). Retrieved October 24, 2008.
4.^ Jump up to: a b Haines, Thomas W. (September 21, 1995). "'Deprogrammer' Taken To Court -- Bellevue Man Claims Kidnap, Coercion". The Seattle Times.
5.Jump up ^ Phoenix Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlatans – Phoenix New Times
6.Jump up ^ http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1996-12-19/news/what-s-2-995-million-between-former-enemies/ What's $2.995 Million Between Former Enemies? - Phoenix New Times
7.^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h "Rick Ross's Biography".
8.Jump up ^ "Pastor Gil Kaplan". buildersofunity.org. Builders of Unity Ministries International. Retrieved November 15, 2008. "After the Kaplan’s moved to Arizona in 1953, Louis Kaplan founded and directed what became an international Messianic television and radio ministry known as the Jewish Voice Broadcast, which later became known as Jewish Voice Ministries International which continues to air in many countries today."
9.Jump up ^ Evans, Pete (November–December 2004). "The Door interview with Rick Ross". The Door Magazine.
10.Jump up ^ Taking Aim: Efforts to convert Jews draw fire from interdenominational group, The Arizona Republic, 1982, by Richard Lessner, as hosted on culteducation.com
11.Jump up ^ Cleveland Jewish News, 29 July 2004. KABBALAH CENTRE hawks 'snake oil for the soul
12.Jump up ^ "Challenging Cults, Cultivating Family", The Greater Phoenix Jewish News, February, 1989, by Elaine DeRosa, as hosted on culteducation.com
13.Jump up ^ "Ross to head religious committee for state corrections department". Greater Phoenix Jewish News. March 12, 1986., as hosted on culteducation.com
14.Jump up ^ "Three Nation Umbrella Org. to Aid Jewish Prison Inmates, Families", National "Jewish Press", April 1986, as hosted on culteducation.com
15.Jump up ^ Curriculum Vitae, Rick Ross web site
16.Jump up ^ Ross, Rick. "Intervention: Costs". Retrieved November 25, 2008.
17.Jump up ^ Johnstone, Nick (December 12, 2004). "Beyond Belief". The Observer (London). Retrieved October 24, 2008. "[...] taking into account his claimed 75% success rate for interventions (he has worked on more than 350 cases, at a typical cost of $5,000, everywhere from the US to the UK, Israel to Italy), he has rescued many people from harmful situations [...]"
18.^ Jump up to: a b Goodman, Walter (June 1, 1989). "Review/Television; Trying to Pry a Youth Away From a Cult". New York Times. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
19.^ Jump up to: a b Enge, Marilee (March 23, 1989). "Mother fights church group for her son". Anchorage Daily News (Anchorage, Alaska).
20.Jump up ^ CBS News – New York, CBS News' 48 Hours Takes Viewers Inside the Deprogramming of a 14-year Old Boy May 18 on CBS, April 1989
21.^ Jump up to: a b c d e Ortega, Tony (November 30, 1995). "Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlatans. Clients of deprogrammer Rick Ross call him a savior. Perhaps that's why people he's branded cult leaders want to crucify him.". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved April 27, 2006.
22.^ Jump up to: a b Tabor, James D.; Gallagher, Eugene V. (1997). Why Waco?. University of California Press. pp. 93–96, 138–139, 233. ISBN 0-520-20899-4.
23.^ Jump up to: a b c d US Department of Justice, Report to the Deputy Attorney General on the Events at Waco, Texas: Part IV, The Role of Experts During the Standoff, 28 February to 19 April 1993. Available online
24.Jump up ^ Baum, Michele Dula, "Dangerous cults focus on leader, Deprogrammer Says", The Chattanooga Times, April 30, 1994
25.^ Jump up to: a b Wright, Stuart A. (ed.) (1995). Armageddon in Waco. University of Chicago Press. pp. 98–100, pp. 286–290. ISBN 0-226-90845-3.
26.Jump up ^ Report to the Justice and Treasury Departments, Nancy Ammerman, September 3, 1993, with an Addendum dated September 10, 1993
27.Jump up ^ Waco, Federal Law Enforcement, and Scholars of Religion at the Wayback Machine (archived September 1, 2006), Nancy Ammerman, 1993
28.Jump up ^ Chryssides, George D. (1999). Exploring New Religions. Continuum International Publishing Group. pp. 55–56. ISBN 0-8264-5959-5.
29.Jump up ^ Newport, Kenneth G. C.; Gribben, Crawford (eds.) (2006). Expecting the End. Baylor University Press. pp. 154–171. ISBN 1-932792-38-4.
30.Jump up ^ Wessinger, Catherine Lowman (2000). How the Millennium Comes Violently. New York, NY/London, UK: Seven Bridges Press. pp. 1, 60, 69, 98. ISBN 1-889119-24-5.
31.Jump up ^ Michael, George (2003). Confronting Right-wing Extremism and Terrorism. New York, NY/London, UK: Routledge. p. 148. ISBN 0-415-31500-X.
32.Jump up ^ "Letters to the Editor – What Happened at Waco". The Washington Post. July 23, 1995. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
33.Jump up ^ "Waco Revisited". The Nation. 18 October 1993.
34.Jump up ^ Hancock, Lee (8 July 1993). "Cult Critic Charged in Abduction (Says He Will Be Vindicated)". The Daily Morning News.
35.^ Jump up to: a b Haines, Thomas W. (September 21, 1995). "'Deprogrammer' Taken To Court – Bellevue Man Claims Kidnap, Coercion". Seattle Times date = September 21, 1995. Retrieved October 14, 2008.
36.Jump up ^ "Deprogrammers Plead Not Guilty To Holding A Bellevue Teenager 5 Days, Against His Will". Associated Press (Seattle Times). August 17, 1993. Retrieved October 14, 2008.
37.Jump up ^ Montgomery, Nancy (January 21, 1994). "Eastside Journal – Glad It's Over". Seattle Times. Retrieved October 17, 2008.
38.Jump up ^ ""Cult Buster" Acquitted In Abduction". Seattle Times. January 19, 1994. Retrieved November 1, 2008.
39.Jump up ^ http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/ScottvRossOrder.pdf
40.^ Jump up to: a b c Narinsky, Judy (1995-11-01). "Q & A Brainwashed. Rick Ross talks about deprogramming members of religious cults". Willamette Week., as hosted on culteducation.com
41.^ Jump up to: a b Snow, Robert L. (2003). Deadly Cults. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 177. ISBN 0-275-98052-9.
42.^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i Shupe, Anson; Darnell, Susan E. (2006). Agents of Discord. New Brunswick (U.S.A.), London (U.K.): Transaction Publishers. pp. 180–184. ISBN 0-7658-0323-2.
43.^ Jump up to: a b c d Cockburn, Alexander (August 26, 1996). "Vindication II: That Fool Adolph". The Nation (The Nation Company L.P.) 263 (6): 8.
44.Jump up ^ Bromley, David G. (2003). The Politics of Religious Apostasy. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 99–100. ISBN 0-275-95508-7.
45.Jump up ^ "UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT: JASON SCOTT, Plaintiff-Appellee v. RICK ROSS, A/K/A/ RICKEY ALLEN ROSS, MARK WORKMAN, CHARLES SIMPSON, Defendants, CULT AWARENESS NETWORK, Defendant-Appellant". CESNUR. Retrieved October 13, 2008.
46.^ Jump up to: a b c Ortega, Tony (December 19, 1996). "What's $2.995 Million Between Former Enemies?". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved October 21, 2008.
47.Jump up ^ Bjorhus, Jennifer (September 30, 1995). "Man Wins $5 Million In Deprogramming Suit -- Mother Had Tried To Wrest Son Away From Bellevue Church". The Seattle Times.
48.Jump up ^ Gallagher, Eugene V. (2006). Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing. ISBN 0-275-98712-4.
49.Jump up ^ Kaplan, Jeffrey (1997). "10/1/97". Nova Religio 1: 139–149. doi:10.1525/nr.1997.1.1.139.
50.Jump up ^ Lewis, James R. (ed.) (2009). Scientology. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. p. 279. ISBN 978-0-19-533149-3.
51.^ Jump up to: a b Goodstein, Laurie (December 23, 1996). "New Twist In Anti-Cult Saga: Foe Is Now Ally – Bellevue Man Who Put Group Into Bankruptcy Fires Scientology Lawyer". Washington Post (Seattle Times). Retrieved October 21, 2008.
52.^ Jump up to: a b Rick Ross. "Deprogramming". Intervention. Retrieved August 10, 2005.
53.Jump up ^ "Home page of The Ross Institute website".
54.Jump up ^ Hennessy, Molly (July 14, 2001). "MINISTER SUES CULT EXPERT". Palm Beach Post. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
55.^ Jump up to: a b Toutant, Charles Suits Against Anti-Cult Blogger Provide Test for Online Speech, New Jersey Law Journal, January 10, 2006
56.Jump up ^ "About Us". Cult Education Institute. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
57.Jump up ^ "The Ross Institute has officially changed its name". Cult News. 2013-08-02. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
Further reading
Madigan, Tim, See No Evil, Summit Publishing Group – Legacy Books, May 1993, ISBN 1-56530-063-7 (Foreword by Rick Ross)
Douglass, William A.; Zulaika, Joseba (1996). Terror and taboo: the follies, fables, and faces of terrorism. New York: Routledge. ISBN 0-415-91759-X. OCLC 33664912.
Kaplan, Jeffery and Heléne Lööw,The Cultic Milieu: Oppositional Subcultures in an Age of Globalization, Rowman Altamira, 2002, ISBN 0-7591-0204-X
Breitbart, Andrew and Mark C. Ebner, Hollywood, Interrupted: Insanity Chic in Babylon-- the Case Against Celebrity, John Wiley and Sons, 2004, ISBN 0-471-45051-0
Newport, Kenneth G. C. (2006). The Branch Davidians of Waco: the history and beliefs of an apocalyptic sect. Oxford Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-924574-6.
External links
 Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rick Ross (consultant).
 Wikisource has original works written by or about:
Rick Alan Ross


[hide]
v ·
 t ·
 e
 
Opposition to new religious movements


Secular groups
APA Task Force on Deceptive and Indirect Methods of Persuasion and Control ·
 Cult Awareness Network ·
 International Cultic Studies Association - ICSA (Formerly: the AFF, American Family Foundation) ·
 The Family Survival Trust - TFST (Formerly: FAIR - Family Action Information and Rescue) ·
 Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network ·
 Cult Information Centre
 

Secular individuals
Carol Giambalvo ·
 Steven Hassan ·
 Galen Kelly ·
 Michael Langone ·
 Ted Patrick ·
 Rick Ross ·
 Tom Sackville ·
 Jim Siegelman ·
 Margaret Singer ·
 Louis Jolyon West ·
 Cyril Vosper ·
 Lawrence Wollersheim
 

Religious groups
Reachout Trust ·
 Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry ·
 Christian Research Institute ·
 Dialog Center International ·
 Personal Freedom Outreach ·
 Watchman Fellowship ·
 New England Institute of Religious Research ·
 Midwest Christian Outreach ·
 Institute for Religious Research ·
 Spiritual Counterfeits Project ·
 Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center
 

Religious individuals
Johannes Aagaard ·
 Alexander Dvorkin ·
 Ronald Enroth ·
 Hank Hanegraaff ·
 Paul R. Martin ·
 Walter Ralston Martin ·
 Robert Passantino
 

Governmental organizations
European Federation of Centres of Research and Information on Sectarianism ·
 Centre contre les manipulations mentales ·
 Union nationale des associations de défense des familles et de l'individu ·
 MIVILUDES ·
 Parliamentary Commission on Cults in France
 

Individuals in government
Catherine Picard
 

Concepts
Cult ·
 NRM apologist ·
 Deprogramming ·
 Freedom of religion ·
 Heresy ·
 Mind control ·
 New religious movement
 

Historical events
About-Picard law ·
 Governmental lists of cults and sects ·
 Persecution of Bahá'ís ·
 Persecution of Falun Gong ·
 Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses ·
 Anti-Mormonism ·
 Scientology in Germany
 




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  


Categories: 1952 births
American adoptees
Exit counselors
Living people
Critics of Falun Gong
Anti-cult organizations and individuals
Deprogrammers








Navigation menu



Create account
Log in



Article

Talk









Read

View source

View history

















Main page
Contents
Featured content
Current events
Random article
Donate to Wikipedia
Wikipedia store

Interaction
Help
About Wikipedia
Community portal
Recent changes
Contact page

Tools
What links here
Related changes
Upload file
Special pages
Permanent link
Page information
Wikidata item
Cite this page

Print/export
Create a book
Download as PDF
Printable version

Languages
Deutsch
Italiano
Русский
Edit links
This page was last modified on 19 March 2015, at 12:05.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
Privacy policy
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Contact Wikipedia
Developers
Mobile view
Wikimedia Foundation
Powered by MediaWiki
   
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Ross_(consultant)





























Releasing the Bonds

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves
Releasing the bonds.jpg
Book Cover

Author
Steven Hassan
Country
United States
Language
English
Series
Freedom of Mind Press
Subject
Cults, Mind control, Psychology
Genre
Non-fiction
Publisher
Aitan Publishing Company

Publication date
 May 2000
Media type
Hardcover
Pages
389
ISBN
0-9670688-0-0
OCLC
43631120

Dewey Decimal
 153.8/53 21
LC Class
BF633 .H37 2000
Preceded by
Combatting Cult Mind Control
Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves (2000) is Steven Hassan's self-published second book. It discusses Hassan's theories on mind control and cults. According to Arthur A. Dole, Hassan's Strategic Interaction Approach " ... stresses love, respect, freedom of choice, customized planned action fitted to the individual with the family as key participants, psychotherapy, and applied social psychology.[1]
Philip Zimbardo, former president of the American Psychological Association writes:[2]
Steven Hassan's approach is one that I value more than that of any other researcher or clinical practitioner. Hassan is a model of clear exposition, his original ideas are brilliantly presented in a captivating style. I am confident that readers of his new book will share my enthusiasm for what this author tells us about how to deal with the growing menace of cults.
Anton Hein, publisher of the Apologetics Index, an online Christian ministry[3] writes:
In what may well turn out to be the definitive handbook on cult intervention, Hassan presents his Strategic Interaction Approach (SIA) - a non-coercive, highly effective counseling system refined over the twelve years since he wrote the best-seller, Combatting Cult Mind Control. This tried-and-true approach has none of the drawbacks of involuntary deprogramming or voluntary exit-counseling.
See also[edit]
deprogramming
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ [1]
2.Jump up ^ Praise For Releasing The Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, Freedom of Mind Center
3.Jump up ^ Summary Review: Releasing The Bonds, Anton Hein, publisher, Apologetics Index
External links[edit]
Freedom of Mind website, Steven Hassan


[hide]
v ·
 t ·
 e
 
Opposition to new religious movements


Secular groups
APA Task Force on Deceptive and Indirect Methods of Persuasion and Control ·
 Cult Awareness Network ·
 International Cultic Studies Association - ICSA (Formerly: the AFF, American Family Foundation) ·
 The Family Survival Trust - TFST (Formerly: FAIR - Family Action Information and Rescue) ·
 Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network ·
 Cult Information Centre
 

Secular individuals
Carol Giambalvo ·
 Steven Hassan ·
 Galen Kelly ·
 Michael Langone ·
 Ted Patrick ·
 Rick Ross ·
 Tom Sackville ·
 Jim Siegelman ·
 Margaret Singer ·
 Louis Jolyon West ·
 Cyril Vosper ·
 Lawrence Wollersheim
 

Religious groups
Reachout Trust ·
 Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry ·
 Christian Research Institute ·
 Dialog Center International ·
 Personal Freedom Outreach ·
 Watchman Fellowship ·
 New England Institute of Religious Research ·
 Midwest Christian Outreach ·
 Institute for Religious Research ·
 Spiritual Counterfeits Project ·
 Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center
 

Religious individuals
Johannes Aagaard ·
 Alexander Dvorkin ·
 Ronald Enroth ·
 Hank Hanegraaff ·
 Paul R. Martin ·
 Walter Ralston Martin ·
 Robert Passantino
 

Governmental organizations
European Federation of Centres of Research and Information on Sectarianism ·
 Centre contre les manipulations mentales ·
 Union nationale des associations de défense des familles et de l'individu ·
 MIVILUDES ·
 Parliamentary Commission on Cults in France
 

Individuals in government
Catherine Picard
 

Concepts
Cult ·
 NRM apologist ·
 Deprogramming ·
 Freedom of religion ·
 Heresy ·
 Mind control ·
 New religious movement
 

Historical events
About-Picard law ·
 Governmental lists of cults and sects ·
 Persecution of Bahá'ís ·
 Persecution of Falun Gong ·
 Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses ·
 Anti-Mormonism ·
 Scientology in Germany
 

  


Categories: Cult-related books
Books about mind control




Navigation menu



Create account
Log in



Article

Talk









Read

Edit

View history

















Main page
Contents
Featured content
Current events
Random article
Donate to Wikipedia
Wikipedia store

Interaction
Help
About Wikipedia
Community portal
Recent changes
Contact page

Tools
What links here
Related changes
Upload file
Special pages
Permanent link
Page information
Wikidata item
Cite this page

Print/export
Create a book
Download as PDF
Printable version

Languages

Edit links
This page was last modified on 19 March 2015, at 02:33.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
Privacy policy
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Contact Wikipedia
Developers
Mobile view
Wikimedia Foundation
Powered by MediaWiki
   
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Releasing_the_Bonds


















Releasing the Bonds

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves
Releasing the bonds.jpg
Book Cover

Author
Steven Hassan
Country
United States
Language
English
Series
Freedom of Mind Press
Subject
Cults, Mind control, Psychology
Genre
Non-fiction
Publisher
Aitan Publishing Company

Publication date
 May 2000
Media type
Hardcover
Pages
389
ISBN
0-9670688-0-0
OCLC
43631120

Dewey Decimal
 153.8/53 21
LC Class
BF633 .H37 2000
Preceded by
Combatting Cult Mind Control
Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves (2000) is Steven Hassan's self-published second book. It discusses Hassan's theories on mind control and cults. According to Arthur A. Dole, Hassan's Strategic Interaction Approach " ... stresses love, respect, freedom of choice, customized planned action fitted to the individual with the family as key participants, psychotherapy, and applied social psychology.[1]
Philip Zimbardo, former president of the American Psychological Association writes:[2]
Steven Hassan's approach is one that I value more than that of any other researcher or clinical practitioner. Hassan is a model of clear exposition, his original ideas are brilliantly presented in a captivating style. I am confident that readers of his new book will share my enthusiasm for what this author tells us about how to deal with the growing menace of cults.
Anton Hein, publisher of the Apologetics Index, an online Christian ministry[3] writes:
In what may well turn out to be the definitive handbook on cult intervention, Hassan presents his Strategic Interaction Approach (SIA) - a non-coercive, highly effective counseling system refined over the twelve years since he wrote the best-seller, Combatting Cult Mind Control. This tried-and-true approach has none of the drawbacks of involuntary deprogramming or voluntary exit-counseling.
See also[edit]
deprogramming
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ [1]
2.Jump up ^ Praise For Releasing The Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, Freedom of Mind Center
3.Jump up ^ Summary Review: Releasing The Bonds, Anton Hein, publisher, Apologetics Index
External links[edit]
Freedom of Mind website, Steven Hassan


[hide]
v ·
 t ·
 e
 
Opposition to new religious movements


Secular groups
APA Task Force on Deceptive and Indirect Methods of Persuasion and Control ·
 Cult Awareness Network ·
 International Cultic Studies Association - ICSA (Formerly: the AFF, American Family Foundation) ·
 The Family Survival Trust - TFST (Formerly: FAIR - Family Action Information and Rescue) ·
 Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network ·
 Cult Information Centre
 

Secular individuals
Carol Giambalvo ·
 Steven Hassan ·
 Galen Kelly ·
 Michael Langone ·
 Ted Patrick ·
 Rick Ross ·
 Tom Sackville ·
 Jim Siegelman ·
 Margaret Singer ·
 Louis Jolyon West ·
 Cyril Vosper ·
 Lawrence Wollersheim
 

Religious groups
Reachout Trust ·
 Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry ·
 Christian Research Institute ·
 Dialog Center International ·
 Personal Freedom Outreach ·
 Watchman Fellowship ·
 New England Institute of Religious Research ·
 Midwest Christian Outreach ·
 Institute for Religious Research ·
 Spiritual Counterfeits Project ·
 Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center
 

Religious individuals
Johannes Aagaard ·
 Alexander Dvorkin ·
 Ronald Enroth ·
 Hank Hanegraaff ·
 Paul R. Martin ·
 Walter Ralston Martin ·
 Robert Passantino
 

Governmental organizations
European Federation of Centres of Research and Information on Sectarianism ·
 Centre contre les manipulations mentales ·
 Union nationale des associations de défense des familles et de l'individu ·
 MIVILUDES ·
 Parliamentary Commission on Cults in France
 

Individuals in government
Catherine Picard
 

Concepts
Cult ·
 NRM apologist ·
 Deprogramming ·
 Freedom of religion ·
 Heresy ·
 Mind control ·
 New religious movement
 

Historical events
About-Picard law ·
 Governmental lists of cults and sects ·
 Persecution of Bahá'ís ·
 Persecution of Falun Gong ·
 Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses ·
 Anti-Mormonism ·
 Scientology in Germany
 

  


Categories: Cult-related books
Books about mind control




Navigation menu



Create account
Log in



Article

Talk









Read

Edit

View history

















Main page
Contents
Featured content
Current events
Random article
Donate to Wikipedia
Wikipedia store

Interaction
Help
About Wikipedia
Community portal
Recent changes
Contact page

Tools
What links here
Related changes
Upload file
Special pages
Permanent link
Page information
Wikidata item
Cite this page

Print/export
Create a book
Download as PDF
Printable version

Languages

Edit links
This page was last modified on 19 March 2015, at 02:33.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
Privacy policy
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Contact Wikipedia
Developers
Mobile view
Wikimedia Foundation
Powered by MediaWiki
   
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Releasing_the_Bonds











Releasing the Bonds

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves
Releasing the bonds.jpg
Book Cover

Author
Steven Hassan
Country
United States
Language
English
Series
Freedom of Mind Press
Subject
Cults, Mind control, Psychology
Genre
Non-fiction
Publisher
Aitan Publishing Company

Publication date
 May 2000
Media type
Hardcover
Pages
389
ISBN
0-9670688-0-0
OCLC
43631120

Dewey Decimal
 153.8/53 21
LC Class
BF633 .H37 2000
Preceded by
Combatting Cult Mind Control
Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves (2000) is Steven Hassan's self-published second book. It discusses Hassan's theories on mind control and cults. According to Arthur A. Dole, Hassan's Strategic Interaction Approach " ... stresses love, respect, freedom of choice, customized planned action fitted to the individual with the family as key participants, psychotherapy, and applied social psychology.[1]
Philip Zimbardo, former president of the American Psychological Association writes:[2]
Steven Hassan's approach is one that I value more than that of any other researcher or clinical practitioner. Hassan is a model of clear exposition, his original ideas are brilliantly presented in a captivating style. I am confident that readers of his new book will share my enthusiasm for what this author tells us about how to deal with the growing menace of cults.
Anton Hein, publisher of the Apologetics Index, an online Christian ministry[3] writes:
In what may well turn out to be the definitive handbook on cult intervention, Hassan presents his Strategic Interaction Approach (SIA) - a non-coercive, highly effective counseling system refined over the twelve years since he wrote the best-seller, Combatting Cult Mind Control. This tried-and-true approach has none of the drawbacks of involuntary deprogramming or voluntary exit-counseling.
See also[edit]
deprogramming
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ [1]
2.Jump up ^ Praise For Releasing The Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, Freedom of Mind Center
3.Jump up ^ Summary Review: Releasing The Bonds, Anton Hein, publisher, Apologetics Index
External links[edit]
Freedom of Mind website, Steven Hassan


[hide]
v ·
 t ·
 e
 
Opposition to new religious movements


Secular groups
APA Task Force on Deceptive and Indirect Methods of Persuasion and Control ·
 Cult Awareness Network ·
 International Cultic Studies Association - ICSA (Formerly: the AFF, American Family Foundation) ·
 The Family Survival Trust - TFST (Formerly: FAIR - Family Action Information and Rescue) ·
 Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network ·
 Cult Information Centre
 

Secular individuals
Carol Giambalvo ·
 Steven Hassan ·
 Galen Kelly ·
 Michael Langone ·
 Ted Patrick ·
 Rick Ross ·
 Tom Sackville ·
 Jim Siegelman ·
 Margaret Singer ·
 Louis Jolyon West ·
 Cyril Vosper ·
 Lawrence Wollersheim
 

Religious groups
Reachout Trust ·
 Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry ·
 Christian Research Institute ·
 Dialog Center International ·
 Personal Freedom Outreach ·
 Watchman Fellowship ·
 New England Institute of Religious Research ·
 Midwest Christian Outreach ·
 Institute for Religious Research ·
 Spiritual Counterfeits Project ·
 Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center
 

Religious individuals
Johannes Aagaard ·
 Alexander Dvorkin ·
 Ronald Enroth ·
 Hank Hanegraaff ·
 Paul R. Martin ·
 Walter Ralston Martin ·
 Robert Passantino
 

Governmental organizations
European Federation of Centres of Research and Information on Sectarianism ·
 Centre contre les manipulations mentales ·
 Union nationale des associations de défense des familles et de l'individu ·
 MIVILUDES ·
 Parliamentary Commission on Cults in France
 

Individuals in government
Catherine Picard
 

Concepts
Cult ·
 NRM apologist ·
 Deprogramming ·
 Freedom of religion ·
 Heresy ·
 Mind control ·
 New religious movement
 

Historical events
About-Picard law ·
 Governmental lists of cults and sects ·
 Persecution of Bahá'ís ·
 Persecution of Falun Gong ·
 Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses ·
 Anti-Mormonism ·
 Scientology in Germany
 

  


Categories: Cult-related books
Books about mind control




Navigation menu



Create account
Log in



Article

Talk









Read

Edit

View history

















Main page
Contents
Featured content
Current events
Random article
Donate to Wikipedia
Wikipedia store

Interaction
Help
About Wikipedia
Community portal
Recent changes
Contact page

Tools
What links here
Related changes
Upload file
Special pages
Permanent link
Page information
Wikidata item
Cite this page

Print/export
Create a book
Download as PDF
Printable version

Languages

Edit links
This page was last modified on 19 March 2015, at 02:33.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
Privacy policy
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Contact Wikipedia
Developers
Mobile view
Wikimedia Foundation
Powered by MediaWiki
   
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Releasing_the_Bonds





















Combatting Cult Mind Control

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Combatting Cult Mind Control
Combatting Cult Mind Control.jpg
Book Cover

Author
Steven Hassan
Country
United States
Language
English
Series
Freedom of Mind Press
Subject
Cults, Mind control
Genre
Non-fiction
Publisher
Park Street Press

Publication date
 1988
Media type
Print (Hardcover)
Pages
256 pp
ISBN
0-89281-243-5
OCLC
18382426

Dewey Decimal
 306/.1 19
LC Class
BP603 .H375 1988
Followed by
Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, 2000
Combatting Cult Mind Control: The #1 Best-selling Guide to Protection, Rescue, and Recovery from Destructive Cults is a non-fiction work by Steven Hassan. The author describes theories of mind control and cults based on the research of Margaret Singer and Robert Lifton as well as the cognitive dissonance theory of Leon Festinger. The book was published by Park Street Press, a New age and alternative beliefs publisher in 1988.
Hassan is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and is a former member of the Unification Church.


Contents  [hide]
1 Reception 1.1 Positive Viewpoints
1.2 Critical Viewpoints
2 See also
3 References 3.1 Further reading


Reception[edit]
Positive Viewpoints[edit]
“ One is impressed by Hassan's candor in describing his experiences both within the Unification Church and after his departure from it, especially his work as an exit counselor. Beyond its value as an illuminating personal account, this book is an informative and practical guide to cult-related issues. It is recommended both to lay persons who wish to become better informed on this topic and to professionals in health-related fields, clergy, attorneys, judges, and others whose responsibilities bring them into contact with cults, their members, and the families whose lives are affected. ”
—Louis Jolyon West, M.D., American Journal of Psychiatry[1]

The sociologist Eileen Barker, who has studied the Unification Church, has commented on the book.[2] She expressed several concerns but nevertheless recommended the book. The book has been reviewed in the American Journal of Psychiatry,[3] and in the The Lancet.[4]
The book was well received by other authors on the subject, such as Dr. Margaret Singer, Rabbi James A. Rudin and conservative Rabbi and theologian Harold S. Kushner. Singer writes:[4]

"...A major contribution...For the first time, a skilled and ethical exit counselor has spelled out the details of the complicated yet understandable process of helping free a human being from the bondage of mental manipulation.....Steve Hassan has written a 'how to do something about it' book."
The book, originally published in 1988, is still in print and, according to the author's website, it has been re-published in seven different languages.[5]
Critical Viewpoints[edit]
John B. Brown II of the "Pagan Unity Campaign" criticized a policy stated in the book (page 114) which says that although Hassan had '"decided not to participate in forcible interventions, believing it was imperative to find another approach"', "Forcible intervention can be kept as a last resort if all other attempts fail." Brown states that this indicates that Hassan advocates resorting to a forcible intervention if all other attempts fail.[6]
According to Douglas Cowan, in this book Hassan utilizes a language opposing "freedom" and "captivity", based on the conceptual framework of brainwashing and thought control, and the alleged abuses of civil liberties and human rights. He writes that these are the precipitating motivation for secular anticultists such as Hassan.[7]
Irving Hexham, professor of Religious Studies at the University of Calgary, writes that Hassan's description of destructive cults (page 37), as "a group which violates the rights of its members and damages them through the abusive techniques of unethical mind control" is not helpful as he fails to describe how to decide if a group is a cult or not, what are "abusive techniques" and what is "mind control".[8]
See also[edit]
Cults
List of cult and new religious movement researchers
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ Louis Jolyon West, M.D. American Journal of Psychiatry. 147:7 July 1990.
2.Jump up ^ Church Times (UK) 23 November 1990 p. 13]
3.Jump up ^ American Journal of Psychiatry 147:7 July 1990
4.^ Jump up to: a b Review of Books The Lancet, Peter Tyrer, 24 June 1989
5.Jump up ^ Presskit, Freedom of Mind Center, Steven Hassan, 2006
6.Jump up ^ Brown II, John B. (13 July 2006), "Jehovah's Witnesses and the Anticult Movement: Human Rights Issues", Religion, Globalization, and Conflict: International Perspectives, San Diego State University, San Diego, California: CESNUR, retrieved 2010-03-02
7.Jump up ^ Cowan, Douglas E. Bearing False Witness?: An Introduction to the Christian Countercult, pp.22-3, Praeger/Greenwood (2003), ISBN 0-275-97459-6
8.Jump up ^ Hexham, Irving and Poewe, Karla, New Religions as Global Cultures: Making the Human Sacred, pp.27, Westview Press (1997), ISBN 0-8133-2508-0. "In his book combating Cult Mind Control, Steven Hassan says a "destructive cult . . . is a group which violates the rights of its members and damages them through the abusive techniques of unethical mind control" ( Hassan 1990: 37 ). "The problem with definitions like this is that they raise more problems than they solve. Before we can decide whether a group is a cult or not, we must first define 'rights,' 'abusive techniques,' and 'mind control.' Hassan attempts to do this, but his explanations are not very helpful."
Further reading[edit]
Freedom of Mind website, Steven Hassan, 2006
Bromley, David G., The Politics of Religious Apostasy, pp. 95–114, Praeger Publishers, 1998. ISBN 0-275-95508-7
Book reviewsThe Mind Control Hypothesis, in-depth discussion of the work, 1999, John Engle
Detailed review, The Lancet, Britain
MediaGeraldo Rivera, 1991 program, Combatting Cult Mind Control discussed


[hide]
v ·
 t ·
 e
 
Opposition to new religious movements


Secular groups
APA Task Force on Deceptive and Indirect Methods of Persuasion and Control ·
 Cult Awareness Network ·
 International Cultic Studies Association - ICSA (Formerly: the AFF, American Family Foundation) ·
 The Family Survival Trust - TFST (Formerly: FAIR - Family Action Information and Rescue) ·
 Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network ·
 Cult Information Centre
 

Secular individuals
Carol Giambalvo ·
 Steven Hassan ·
 Galen Kelly ·
 Michael Langone ·
 Ted Patrick ·
 Rick Ross ·
 Tom Sackville ·
 Jim Siegelman ·
 Margaret Singer ·
 Louis Jolyon West ·
 Cyril Vosper ·
 Lawrence Wollersheim
 

Religious groups
Reachout Trust ·
 Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry ·
 Christian Research Institute ·
 Dialog Center International ·
 Personal Freedom Outreach ·
 Watchman Fellowship ·
 New England Institute of Religious Research ·
 Midwest Christian Outreach ·
 Institute for Religious Research ·
 Spiritual Counterfeits Project ·
 Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center
 

Religious individuals
Johannes Aagaard ·
 Alexander Dvorkin ·
 Ronald Enroth ·
 Hank Hanegraaff ·
 Paul R. Martin ·
 Walter Ralston Martin ·
 Robert Passantino
 

Governmental organizations
European Federation of Centres of Research and Information on Sectarianism ·
 Centre contre les manipulations mentales ·
 Union nationale des associations de défense des familles et de l'individu ·
 MIVILUDES ·
 Parliamentary Commission on Cults in France
 

Individuals in government
Catherine Picard
 

Concepts
Cult ·
 NRM apologist ·
 Deprogramming ·
 Freedom of religion ·
 Heresy ·
 Mind control ·
 New religious movement
 

Historical events
About-Picard law ·
 Governmental lists of cults and sects ·
 Persecution of Bahá'ís ·
 Persecution of Falun Gong ·
 Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses ·
 Anti-Mormonism ·
 Scientology in Germany
 

  


Categories: 1988 books
Cult-related books
Books about mind control





Navigation menu



Create account
Log in



Article

Talk









Read

Edit

View history

















Main page
Contents
Featured content
Current events
Random article
Donate to Wikipedia
Wikipedia store

Interaction
Help
About Wikipedia
Community portal
Recent changes
Contact page

Tools
What links here
Related changes
Upload file
Special pages
Permanent link
Page information
Wikidata item
Cite this page

Print/export
Create a book
Download as PDF
Printable version

Languages

Edit links
This page was last modified on 17 June 2014, at 05:56.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
Privacy policy
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Contact Wikipedia
Developers
Mobile view
Wikimedia Foundation
Powered by MediaWiki
   
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combatting_Cult_Mind_Control

















Combatting Cult Mind Control

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Combatting Cult Mind Control
Combatting Cult Mind Control.jpg
Book Cover

Author
Steven Hassan
Country
United States
Language
English
Series
Freedom of Mind Press
Subject
Cults, Mind control
Genre
Non-fiction
Publisher
Park Street Press

Publication date
 1988
Media type
Print (Hardcover)
Pages
256 pp
ISBN
0-89281-243-5
OCLC
18382426

Dewey Decimal
 306/.1 19
LC Class
BP603 .H375 1988
Followed by
Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, 2000
Combatting Cult Mind Control: The #1 Best-selling Guide to Protection, Rescue, and Recovery from Destructive Cults is a non-fiction work by Steven Hassan. The author describes theories of mind control and cults based on the research of Margaret Singer and Robert Lifton as well as the cognitive dissonance theory of Leon Festinger. The book was published by Park Street Press, a New age and alternative beliefs publisher in 1988.
Hassan is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and is a former member of the Unification Church.


Contents  [hide]
1 Reception 1.1 Positive Viewpoints
1.2 Critical Viewpoints
2 See also
3 References 3.1 Further reading


Reception[edit]
Positive Viewpoints[edit]
“ One is impressed by Hassan's candor in describing his experiences both within the Unification Church and after his departure from it, especially his work as an exit counselor. Beyond its value as an illuminating personal account, this book is an informative and practical guide to cult-related issues. It is recommended both to lay persons who wish to become better informed on this topic and to professionals in health-related fields, clergy, attorneys, judges, and others whose responsibilities bring them into contact with cults, their members, and the families whose lives are affected. ”
—Louis Jolyon West, M.D., American Journal of Psychiatry[1]

The sociologist Eileen Barker, who has studied the Unification Church, has commented on the book.[2] She expressed several concerns but nevertheless recommended the book. The book has been reviewed in the American Journal of Psychiatry,[3] and in the The Lancet.[4]
The book was well received by other authors on the subject, such as Dr. Margaret Singer, Rabbi James A. Rudin and conservative Rabbi and theologian Harold S. Kushner. Singer writes:[4]

"...A major contribution...For the first time, a skilled and ethical exit counselor has spelled out the details of the complicated yet understandable process of helping free a human being from the bondage of mental manipulation.....Steve Hassan has written a 'how to do something about it' book."
The book, originally published in 1988, is still in print and, according to the author's website, it has been re-published in seven different languages.[5]
Critical Viewpoints[edit]
John B. Brown II of the "Pagan Unity Campaign" criticized a policy stated in the book (page 114) which says that although Hassan had '"decided not to participate in forcible interventions, believing it was imperative to find another approach"', "Forcible intervention can be kept as a last resort if all other attempts fail." Brown states that this indicates that Hassan advocates resorting to a forcible intervention if all other attempts fail.[6]
According to Douglas Cowan, in this book Hassan utilizes a language opposing "freedom" and "captivity", based on the conceptual framework of brainwashing and thought control, and the alleged abuses of civil liberties and human rights. He writes that these are the precipitating motivation for secular anticultists such as Hassan.[7]
Irving Hexham, professor of Religious Studies at the University of Calgary, writes that Hassan's description of destructive cults (page 37), as "a group which violates the rights of its members and damages them through the abusive techniques of unethical mind control" is not helpful as he fails to describe how to decide if a group is a cult or not, what are "abusive techniques" and what is "mind control".[8]
See also[edit]
Cults
List of cult and new religious movement researchers
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ Louis Jolyon West, M.D. American Journal of Psychiatry. 147:7 July 1990.
2.Jump up ^ Church Times (UK) 23 November 1990 p. 13]
3.Jump up ^ American Journal of Psychiatry 147:7 July 1990
4.^ Jump up to: a b Review of Books The Lancet, Peter Tyrer, 24 June 1989
5.Jump up ^ Presskit, Freedom of Mind Center, Steven Hassan, 2006
6.Jump up ^ Brown II, John B. (13 July 2006), "Jehovah's Witnesses and the Anticult Movement: Human Rights Issues", Religion, Globalization, and Conflict: International Perspectives, San Diego State University, San Diego, California: CESNUR, retrieved 2010-03-02
7.Jump up ^ Cowan, Douglas E. Bearing False Witness?: An Introduction to the Christian Countercult, pp.22-3, Praeger/Greenwood (2003), ISBN 0-275-97459-6
8.Jump up ^ Hexham, Irving and Poewe, Karla, New Religions as Global Cultures: Making the Human Sacred, pp.27, Westview Press (1997), ISBN 0-8133-2508-0. "In his book combating Cult Mind Control, Steven Hassan says a "destructive cult . . . is a group which violates the rights of its members and damages them through the abusive techniques of unethical mind control" ( Hassan 1990: 37 ). "The problem with definitions like this is that they raise more problems than they solve. Before we can decide whether a group is a cult or not, we must first define 'rights,' 'abusive techniques,' and 'mind control.' Hassan attempts to do this, but his explanations are not very helpful."
Further reading[edit]
Freedom of Mind website, Steven Hassan, 2006
Bromley, David G., The Politics of Religious Apostasy, pp. 95–114, Praeger Publishers, 1998. ISBN 0-275-95508-7
Book reviewsThe Mind Control Hypothesis, in-depth discussion of the work, 1999, John Engle
Detailed review, The Lancet, Britain
MediaGeraldo Rivera, 1991 program, Combatting Cult Mind Control discussed


[hide]
v ·
 t ·
 e
 
Opposition to new religious movements


Secular groups
APA Task Force on Deceptive and Indirect Methods of Persuasion and Control ·
 Cult Awareness Network ·
 International Cultic Studies Association - ICSA (Formerly: the AFF, American Family Foundation) ·
 The Family Survival Trust - TFST (Formerly: FAIR - Family Action Information and Rescue) ·
 Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network ·
 Cult Information Centre
 

Secular individuals
Carol Giambalvo ·
 Steven Hassan ·
 Galen Kelly ·
 Michael Langone ·
 Ted Patrick ·
 Rick Ross ·
 Tom Sackville ·
 Jim Siegelman ·
 Margaret Singer ·
 Louis Jolyon West ·
 Cyril Vosper ·
 Lawrence Wollersheim
 

Religious groups
Reachout Trust ·
 Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry ·
 Christian Research Institute ·
 Dialog Center International ·
 Personal Freedom Outreach ·
 Watchman Fellowship ·
 New England Institute of Religious Research ·
 Midwest Christian Outreach ·
 Institute for Religious Research ·
 Spiritual Counterfeits Project ·
 Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center
 

Religious individuals
Johannes Aagaard ·
 Alexander Dvorkin ·
 Ronald Enroth ·
 Hank Hanegraaff ·
 Paul R. Martin ·
 Walter Ralston Martin ·
 Robert Passantino
 

Governmental organizations
European Federation of Centres of Research and Information on Sectarianism ·
 Centre contre les manipulations mentales ·
 Union nationale des associations de défense des familles et de l'individu ·
 MIVILUDES ·
 Parliamentary Commission on Cults in France
 

Individuals in government
Catherine Picard
 

Concepts
Cult ·
 NRM apologist ·
 Deprogramming ·
 Freedom of religion ·
 Heresy ·
 Mind control ·
 New religious movement
 

Historical events
About-Picard law ·
 Governmental lists of cults and sects ·
 Persecution of Bahá'ís ·
 Persecution of Falun Gong ·
 Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses ·
 Anti-Mormonism ·
 Scientology in Germany
 

  


Categories: 1988 books
Cult-related books
Books about mind control





Navigation menu



Create account
Log in



Article

Talk









Read

Edit

View history

















Main page
Contents
Featured content
Current events
Random article
Donate to Wikipedia
Wikipedia store

Interaction
Help
About Wikipedia
Community portal
Recent changes
Contact page

Tools
What links here
Related changes
Upload file
Special pages
Permanent link
Page information
Wikidata item
Cite this page

Print/export
Create a book
Download as PDF
Printable version

Languages

Edit links
This page was last modified on 17 June 2014, at 05:56.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
Privacy policy
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Contact Wikipedia
Developers
Mobile view
Wikimedia Foundation
Powered by MediaWiki
   
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combatting_Cult_Mind_Control

























Steven Hassan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search


Steven Hassan
Steven Hassan 2012 Headshot.jpg
Steven Alan Hassan, M.Ed, LMHC

Born
1954 (age 60–61)
United States
Occupation
Mental health counselor, specializing in cults [1]
 Author
 Director, Freedom of Mind
Nationality
United States
Genre
Non-fiction
Subject
Psychology, cults
Spouse
Misia Landau Ph.D
Website
www.freedomofmind.com
Steven Alan Hassan (born 1954) is a licensed mental health counselor who has written extensively on the subject of cults.[2] He is the author of three books on the subject of destructive cults, and what he describes as their use of mind control, thought reform, and the psychology of influence in order to recruit and retain members.
Hassan is a former member of the Unification Church. He founded Ex-Moon Inc. in 1979[3] before assisting with involuntary deprogrammings in association with the Cult Awareness Network,[4] developing in 1999 what he describes as his own non-coercive methods for helping members of alleged cults to leave their groups, through his Freedom of Mind company. He has also developed therapeutic approaches for counseling former members in order to help them overcome the purported effects of cult membership.


Contents  [hide]
1 Education
2 Background
3 Public impact
4 Mind control
5 Criticism
6 See also
7 Bibliography
8 References
9 External links

Education[edit]
M.Ed., Counselling Psychology, Cambridge College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1985
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1992
Certified as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board for Certified Counselors, 2003
Background[edit]
Hassan became a member of the Unification Church (aka Moonies) in the 1970s, at the age of 19, while studying at Queens College. He describes what he terms as his "recruitment" in his first book, Combatting Cult Mind Control, asserting that this recruitment was the result of the unethical use of powerful psychological influence techniques by members of the Church.[5] He subsequently spent over two years recruiting and indoctrinating new members, as well as performing fundraising and campaigning duties, and ultimately rose to the rank of Assistant Director of the Unification Church at its National Headquarters. In that capacity he met personally with Sun Myung Moon.[6]
Hassan has given an account of his leaving the Unification Church in his 1998 book Combatting Cult Mind Control and on his personal website: After having been awake for two days as the head of a fundraising team, he caused a traffic accident when he fell asleep at the wheel of the Church's van and drove into the back of a truck. He ended up with a broken leg, surgery and a full-leg cast. During his recuperation he was given permission by his superiors in the Church to visit his parents. His parents contacted former members of the Unification Church who engaged in a deprogramming session with Hassan. Because of his cast he was not able to run or drive away, but he resisted to the point that he states that he had an impulse to "escape by reaching over and snapping my father's neck", rather than to potentially succumb to the deprogramming and betray "The Messiah". His father convinced him to stay for five days and talk to the former Church members who were conducting the deprogramming, after which time Hassan would be free to make the choice to return to the Church. Hassan agreed to this. He subsequently decided to leave the Church.[7]
In 1979, following the Jonestown deaths, Hassan founded a non-profit organization called "Ex-Moon Inc.", whose membership consisted of over four hundred former members of the Unification Church.[6]
According to his biography, "During the 1977-78 Congressional Subcommittee Investigation into South Korean CIA activities in the United States, he consulted as an expert on the Moon organization and provided information and internal documents regarding Moon's desire to influence politics in his bid to 'take over the world.'"[6]
Around 1980, Hassan began investigating methods of persuasion, mind control and indoctrination. He first studied the thought reform theories of Robert Lifton, and was "able to see clearly that the Moon organization uses all eight" of the thought reform methods described by Lifton.[7]
He later attended a seminar on hypnosis with Richard Bandler, which was based on the work that he and transformational grammarian John Grinder had done in developing Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Hassan felt that this seminar gave him "a handle on techniques of mind control, and how to combat them." He spent "nearly two years studying NLP with everyone involved in its formulation and presentation." During this period, Hassan moved to Santa Cruz, California for an apprenticeship with Grinder. He became concerned about the marketing of NLP as a tool for "power enhancement", left his association with Grinder, and "began to study the works of Milton Erickson M.D., Virginia Satir, and Gregory Bateson, on which NLP is based." His studies gave him the basis for the development of his theories on mind control.[8]
Hassan continued to study hypnosis and is a member of the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis and The International Society of Hypnosis.[9]
In 1999, Hassan founded the Freedom of Mind Resource Center.[10] The centre is registered as a domestic profit corporation in the state of Massachusetts, and Hassan is president and treasurer.[11]
In Combatting Cult Mind Control Hassan describes his personal experiences with the Unification Church, as well as his theory of the four components of mind control. The sociologist Eileen Barker, who has studied the Unification Church, has commented on the book.[12] She expressed several concerns but nevertheless recommended the book. The book has been reviewed in the American Journal of Psychiatry,[13] and in the The Lancet,[14] and has been favorably reviewed by Philip Zimbardo[15] and Margaret Singer.[16]
In his second book, Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves (2000), Hassan presents what he terms "a much more refined method to help family and friends, called the Strategic Interaction Approach. This non-coercive, completely legal approach is far better than deprogramming, and even exit counseling"[17]
In his third and most recent book, Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs (2012), Hassan demonstrates how his approach has evolved over the last 13 years and offers a more extensive bibliography. In addition, Hassan presents Lifton's and Singer's models alongside his own BITE model. The book has garnered a favorable review from Jerome Siegel, PHD[18] who says: "Its weakness is repetitiveness, flatness, and some theorizing that might turn off professional readers. Nonetheless, I recommend it highly for its intended audience." It has also received positive feedback from other professionals.[19]
Hassan, who is Jewish and belongs to a Temple that teaches Kabbalah, states that the actions of the Kabbalah Centre have little in common with traditional or even responsible Jewish renewal Kabbalah teachers.[20] He describes himself as an "activist who fights to protect people's right to believe whatever they want to believe", and states that his work has the broad support of religious leaders from a variety of spiritual orientations.[21] He further states that "many unorthodox religions have expressed their gratitude to me for my books because it clearly shows them NOT to be a destructive cult."[22]
His late[23] wife Aureet Bar-Yam died in 1991 after falling through ice while trying to save their dog.[24][25]
Public impact[edit]
He consulted as an expert on the Unification Church during the 1977-1978 Congressional investigation of Korean-American relations.[citation needed]
He has appeared on 60 Minutes, Nightline, Dateline, Larry King Live, The O'Reilly Factor, CNN and CBS shows, and various documentaries. Since 1976, he has acquired over thirty years of experience with counseling both current and former members of groups he describes as cults.
In his first book, Combatting Cult Mind Control, he describes his experiences as a member the Unification Church, and describes the exit counseling methods that he developed based on those experiences, and based on his subsequent studies of psychological influence techniques. In his second book Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, which was published twelve years after Combatting Cult Mind Control, he describes the evolution of his exit counseling procedures into a more advanced procedure that he calls the "Strategic Interaction Approach." In Steven's third and most recent book, Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs, he presents further refinement of the "Strategic Interaction Approach" and includes a larger bibliography.
In 2009, Steven was invited to the Amber Alert Conference[26] by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to explain why victims like Jaycee Dugard and Elizabeth Smart denied being who they were, and failed to use opportunities to ask for help. Law Enforcement officials such as police, FBI, Attorney General staff from many states, as well as other victims of kidnapping attended the conference.
After the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings, Steven was brought in by the media to explain the bombers' mind state and how mind control was involved.[27][28][29][29][30][31][32]
Mind control[edit]
Although he does not name it the "BITE model", in his first book Combatting Cult Mind Control Hassan describes the "four components of mind control as:[33]
Behavior control
Information control
Thought control
Emotional control
Twelve years later, in Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, he developed these same components into a mind-control model, "BITE", which stands for Behavior, Information, Thoughts, and Emotions. Hassan writes that cults recruit members through a three-step process which he refers to as "unfreezing," "changing," and "refreezing," respectively. This involves the use of an extensive array of various techniques, including systematic deception, behavior modification, withholding of information, and emotionally intense persuasion techniques (such as the induction of phobias), which he collectively terms mind control.[34]
In the same book he also writes "I suspect that most cult groups use informal hypnotic techniques to induce trance states. They tend to use what are called "naturalistic" hypnotic techniques. Practicing meditation to shut down thinking, chanting a phrase repetitively for hours, or reciting affirmations are all powerful ways to promote spiritual growth. But they can also be used unethically, as methods for mind control indoctrination."[8]
He calls groups that employ such psychological influence techniques "destructive cults," a term that he defines by the methods used to recruit and retain members, and by the effect that such methods have on members, rather than by the theological/sociological/moral views the group espouses. He is opposed to the non-consensual deprogramming of cult members, and supports instead counseling them in order that they withdraw voluntarily from the organization. He writes:[35]

My mind control model outlines many key elements that need to be controlled: Behavior, Information, Thoughts and Emotions (BITE). If these four components can be controlled, then an individual's identity can be systematically manipulated and changed. Destructive mind control takes the 'locus of control' away from an individual. The person is systematically deceived about the beliefs and practices of the person (or group) and manipulated throughout the recruitment process — unable to make informed choices and exert independent judgment. The person's identity is profoundly influenced through a set of social influence techniques and a "new identity" is created — programmed to be dependent on the leader or group ideology. The person can't think for him or herself, but believes otherwise.
Hassan is a proponent of non-coercive intervention. He refers to his method as the "Strategic Interaction Approach".[36]
Twelve years after the last publication of Combatting Cult Mind Control, Hassan described his position on deprogramming in Releasing the Bonds. He states that "Deprogramming has many drawbacks. I have met dozens of people who were successfully deprogrammed but, to this day, experience psychological trauma as a result of the method. These people were glad to be released from the grip of cult programming but were not happy about the method used to help them." He further states that "A deprogramming triggers the deepest fears of cult members. They have been taken against their will. Family and friends are not to be trusted. The trauma of being thrown into a van by unknown people, driven away, and imprisoned creates mistrust, anger, and resentment." He quotes a person who was involuntarily deprogrammed as saying "What these deprogrammers did was attempt to change my mind through INFORMATION CONTROL — just like the cult did. They did not deal with the CUT-implanted phobias, which remained with me for years — the fear of certain colors, the identification of certain types of music with CUT rituals, the fear of retaliation and probable death should I ever leave this group."[36]
Criticism[edit]
In a research paper presented at the 2000 Society for the Scientific Study of Religion conference, Anson Shupe, professor of Sociology at Indiana/Purdue University, and Susan E. Darnell, manager of a credit union, state Hassan had participated two involuntary deprogrammings in 1976 and 1977.[37][38] One involving Arthur Roselle who claims that Hassan kidnapped, hit, and forcibly detained him. Hassan acknowledges that he "was involved with the Roselle deprogramming attempt in 1976. But...was never involved in violence of any kind."[39]
Hassan states that he spent one year assisting with deprogrammings before turning to less controversial methods (see exit counseling).[22] Hassan has spoken out against involuntary deprogramming since 1980,[9][22][40] stating, "I did not and do not like the deprogramming method and stopped doing them in 1977!”[39] In Combatting Cult Mind Control, he stated that "the non-coercive approach will not work in every case, it has proved to be the option most families prefer. Forcible intervention can be kept as a last resort if all other attempts fail."[41] Concerned that ministers in Japan [were] encouraged to perform forcible deprogramming because of [his] first book," Hassan wrote a letter to Reverend Seishi Kojima stating, "I oppose aggressive, illegal methods."
See also[edit]
Anti-Cult Movement
Bibliography[edit]
Combatting Cult Mind Control, 1988. ISBN 0-89281-243-5.
Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, 2000. ISBN 0-9670688-0-0.
Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs, 2012. ISBN 978-0-9670688-1-7.
References[edit]

Text document with red question mark.svg
 This section uses citations that link to broken or outdated sources. Please improve the article or discuss this issue on the talk page. Help on using footnotes is available. (December 2013)
1.Jump up ^ See: "Data Mind Games". New York Magazine (New York Media Holdings). July 29, 1996. p. 52.;
"Ex-Moonie says cult groups are preying on russians; Analyst sees Ex communists as easy targets". The Globe (The Globe Newspaper Company). November 22, 1992. p. 9.;
Chalcraft, David J. (2011). "Jews for Jesus: Occupying Jewish Time and Space". In Stern, Sacha. Sects and Sectarianism in Jewish History. Leiden: BRILL. pp. 220–221. ISBN 978-90-04-20648-9.
Jones, Kathryn A. (2011). Amway Forever: The Amazing Story of a Global Business Phenomenon. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. p. 179. ISBN 978-0-470-48821-8.
Szalavitz, Maia (2006). Help at Any Cost. New York: Penguin/Riverhead. p. 66. ISBN 1-59448-910-6.
2.Jump up ^ Verification of Licence by Psychology Today
3.Jump up ^ Chryssides, G.D. and B.E. Zeller. 2014. The Bloomsbury Companion to New Religious Movements: BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING.
4.Jump up ^ (notarized) Declaration of John M. Sweeney, Jr. on deprogramming and the Citizens Freedom Foundation. Maricopa County, Arizona. March 17, 1992.
5.Jump up ^ Combatting Cult Mind Control, Steven Hassan, 1998, Ch. 1, ISBN 0-89281-243-5
6.^ Jump up to: a b c Biography of Steven Hassan, Freedom of Mind Center
7.^ Jump up to: a b Combatting Cult Mind Control, Steven Hassan, 1998, Ch. 2, ISBN 0-89281-243-5
8.^ Jump up to: a b Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, Ch. 2, Steven Hassan, FOM Press, 2000
9.^ Jump up to: a b Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, Ch. 6 Steven Hassan, FOM Press, 2000 (Retrieved Dec 2006)
 These organizations require that their members have professional credentials and make sure they have proper training and operate within ethical guidelines. I have been teaching workshops for both organizations for many years and find their members are able to quickly understand cult mind control due to their training[dead link][dead link]
10.Jump up ^ Freedomofmind.com
11.Jump up ^ Freedom of Mind Resource Center, Inc., Summary Screen
12.Jump up ^ Church Times (UK) 23 November 1990 p. 13]
13.Jump up ^ American Journal of Psychiatry 147:7 July 1990[dead link][dead link]
14.Jump up ^ Review of Books The Lancet, Peter Tyrer, June 24th 1989[dead link][dead link]
15.Jump up ^ Praise For Releasing The Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves[dead link][dead link]
16.Jump up ^ What People Are Saying About Combatting Cult Mind Control[dead link][dead link]
17.Jump up ^ Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, Ch. 3 Steven Hassan, FOM Press, 2000 (Retrieved December 2006)[dead link][dead link]
18.Jump up ^ Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs
19.Jump up ^ Praise for Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults and Beliefs
20.Jump up ^ THE KABBALAH LEARNING CENTRE IS THE LATEST POP CULTURE HOWEVER, MOST ARE UNAWARE THAT IT’S A DESTRUCTIVE CULT
21.Jump up ^ What Religious Leaders Are Saying About Combatting Cult Mind Control[dead link][dead link]
22.^ Jump up to: a b c Refuting the Disinformation Attacks Put Forth by Destructive Cults and their Agents Accessed Dec 2006[dead link][dead link]
23.Jump up ^ Zitner, A. (1992, Jan 12). A year later, quest for a legacy of safer ice. Boston Globe (Pre-1997 Fulltext)
24.Jump up ^ Canellos, Peter S (January 10, 1991). "Victim's Family Wants to Know What Stalled Lincoln Pond Rescue". The Boston Globe.
25.Jump up ^ Aureet Bar-Yam Memorial Site
26.Jump up ^ 2009 Amber Alert Conference
27.Jump up ^ Was Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Brainwashed? Wall Street Journal Live Interview
28.Jump up ^ Radicalism and mind control NECN Interview
29.^ Jump up to: a b Officials: Suspect claims they were self-radicalized on Internet CNN Erin Burnett OutFront Interview
30.Jump up ^ Greater Boston Video: Mind Control? WGBH Interview
31.Jump up ^ Expert Discusses How Mind Control Could Be Motive for Boston Marathon Bombings FOX 25 Morning Interview
32.Jump up ^ How Fast Can Someone Be ‘Radicalized’? WBUR Interview
33.Jump up ^ Combatting Cult Mind Control, Steven Hassan, 1998, Ch. 4, ISBN 0-89281-243-5
34.Jump up ^ Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, Ch. 4 Steven Hassan, FOM Press, 2000 (Accessed Jan 2007)[dead link][dead link]
35.Jump up ^ Resources page on Freedom of Mind website[dead link][dead link]
36.^ Jump up to: a b Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, Ch. 3 Steven Hassan, FOM Press, 2000 (Accessed January 2007)[dead link][dead link]
37.Jump up ^ CAN, We Hardly Knew Ye: Sex, Drugs, Deprogrammers’ Kickbacks, and Corporate Crime in the (old) Cult Awareness Network, by Anson Shupe, Susan E. Darnell, presented at the 2000 SSSR meeting in Houston, Texas, October 21.
38.Jump up ^ Arthur Roselle Claire Kelley
39.^ Jump up to: a b Freedom of Mind Center[dead link][dead link]
40.Jump up ^ Mind Warrior. New Therapist 24, March/April 2003.
41.Jump up ^ Combatting Cult Mind Control, Steven Hassan, 1998, ISBN 0-89281-243-5, p. 114
External links[edit]
 Wikimedia Commons has media related to Steven Hassan.
Freedom of Mind Resource Center, Steven Hassan's website
The Strategic Interaction Approach, Steven Hassan
Media/NewsFreedom of Mind Media Collection, Steven Hassan in the Media


[hide]
v ·
 t ·
 e
 
Opposition to new religious movements


Secular groups
APA Task Force on Deceptive and Indirect Methods of Persuasion and Control ·
 Cult Awareness Network ·
 International Cultic Studies Association - ICSA (Formerly: the AFF, American Family Foundation) ·
 The Family Survival Trust - TFST (Formerly: FAIR - Family Action Information and Rescue) ·
 Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network ·
 Cult Information Centre
 

Secular individuals
Carol Giambalvo ·
 Steven Hassan ·
 Galen Kelly ·
 Michael Langone ·
 Ted Patrick ·
 Rick Ross ·
 Tom Sackville ·
 Jim Siegelman ·
 Margaret Singer ·
 Louis Jolyon West ·
 Cyril Vosper ·
 Lawrence Wollersheim
 

Religious groups
Reachout Trust ·
 Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry ·
 Christian Research Institute ·
 Dialog Center International ·
 Personal Freedom Outreach ·
 Watchman Fellowship ·
 New England Institute of Religious Research ·
 Midwest Christian Outreach ·
 Institute for Religious Research ·
 Spiritual Counterfeits Project ·
 Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center
 

Religious individuals
Johannes Aagaard ·
 Alexander Dvorkin ·
 Ronald Enroth ·
 Hank Hanegraaff ·
 Paul R. Martin ·
 Walter Ralston Martin ·
 Robert Passantino
 

Governmental organizations
European Federation of Centres of Research and Information on Sectarianism ·
 Centre contre les manipulations mentales ·
 Union nationale des associations de défense des familles et de l'individu ·
 MIVILUDES ·
 Parliamentary Commission on Cults in France
 

Individuals in government
Catherine Picard
 

Concepts
Cult ·
 NRM apologist ·
 Deprogramming ·
 Freedom of religion ·
 Heresy ·
 Mind control ·
 New religious movement
 

Historical events
About-Picard law ·
 Governmental lists of cults and sects ·
 Persecution of Bahá'ís ·
 Persecution of Falun Gong ·
 Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses ·
 Anti-Mormonism ·
 Scientology in Germany
 



Authority control
WorldCat ·
 VIAF: 20359514 ·
 LCCN: n88026228 ·
 ISNI: 0000 0001 1873 6997 ·
 GND: 113477414
 




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  


Categories: 1954 births
Living people
American psychology writers
American psychotherapists
American Reform Jews
American social sciences writers
Anti-cult organizations and individuals
Brainwashing theory proponents
Critics of the Unification Church
Deprogrammers
Exit counselors
Jewish American social scientists
Mind control theorists
Researchers of new religious movements and cults
Cambridge College alumni
Former members of New Religious Movements
Critics of Falun Gong















Navigation menu



Create account
Log in



Article

Talk









Read

Edit

View history

















Main page
Contents
Featured content
Current events
Random article
Donate to Wikipedia
Wikipedia store

Interaction
Help
About Wikipedia
Community portal
Recent changes
Contact page

Tools
What links here
Related changes
Upload file
Special pages
Permanent link
Page information
Wikidata item
Cite this page

Print/export
Create a book
Download as PDF
Printable version

Languages
Български
Deutsch
فارسی
Русский
Edit links
This page was last modified on 2 March 2015, at 13:50.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
Privacy policy
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Contact Wikipedia
Developers
Mobile view
Wikimedia Foundation
Powered by MediaWiki
 

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Hassan


















Steven Hassan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search


Steven Hassan
Steven Hassan 2012 Headshot.jpg
Steven Alan Hassan, M.Ed, LMHC

Born
1954 (age 60–61)
United States
Occupation
Mental health counselor, specializing in cults [1]
 Author
 Director, Freedom of Mind
Nationality
United States
Genre
Non-fiction
Subject
Psychology, cults
Spouse
Misia Landau Ph.D
Website
www.freedomofmind.com
Steven Alan Hassan (born 1954) is a licensed mental health counselor who has written extensively on the subject of cults.[2] He is the author of three books on the subject of destructive cults, and what he describes as their use of mind control, thought reform, and the psychology of influence in order to recruit and retain members.
Hassan is a former member of the Unification Church. He founded Ex-Moon Inc. in 1979[3] before assisting with involuntary deprogrammings in association with the Cult Awareness Network,[4] developing in 1999 what he describes as his own non-coercive methods for helping members of alleged cults to leave their groups, through his Freedom of Mind company. He has also developed therapeutic approaches for counseling former members in order to help them overcome the purported effects of cult membership.


Contents  [hide]
1 Education
2 Background
3 Public impact
4 Mind control
5 Criticism
6 See also
7 Bibliography
8 References
9 External links

Education[edit]
M.Ed., Counselling Psychology, Cambridge College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1985
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1992
Certified as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board for Certified Counselors, 2003
Background[edit]
Hassan became a member of the Unification Church (aka Moonies) in the 1970s, at the age of 19, while studying at Queens College. He describes what he terms as his "recruitment" in his first book, Combatting Cult Mind Control, asserting that this recruitment was the result of the unethical use of powerful psychological influence techniques by members of the Church.[5] He subsequently spent over two years recruiting and indoctrinating new members, as well as performing fundraising and campaigning duties, and ultimately rose to the rank of Assistant Director of the Unification Church at its National Headquarters. In that capacity he met personally with Sun Myung Moon.[6]
Hassan has given an account of his leaving the Unification Church in his 1998 book Combatting Cult Mind Control and on his personal website: After having been awake for two days as the head of a fundraising team, he caused a traffic accident when he fell asleep at the wheel of the Church's van and drove into the back of a truck. He ended up with a broken leg, surgery and a full-leg cast. During his recuperation he was given permission by his superiors in the Church to visit his parents. His parents contacted former members of the Unification Church who engaged in a deprogramming session with Hassan. Because of his cast he was not able to run or drive away, but he resisted to the point that he states that he had an impulse to "escape by reaching over and snapping my father's neck", rather than to potentially succumb to the deprogramming and betray "The Messiah". His father convinced him to stay for five days and talk to the former Church members who were conducting the deprogramming, after which time Hassan would be free to make the choice to return to the Church. Hassan agreed to this. He subsequently decided to leave the Church.[7]
In 1979, following the Jonestown deaths, Hassan founded a non-profit organization called "Ex-Moon Inc.", whose membership consisted of over four hundred former members of the Unification Church.[6]
According to his biography, "During the 1977-78 Congressional Subcommittee Investigation into South Korean CIA activities in the United States, he consulted as an expert on the Moon organization and provided information and internal documents regarding Moon's desire to influence politics in his bid to 'take over the world.'"[6]
Around 1980, Hassan began investigating methods of persuasion, mind control and indoctrination. He first studied the thought reform theories of Robert Lifton, and was "able to see clearly that the Moon organization uses all eight" of the thought reform methods described by Lifton.[7]
He later attended a seminar on hypnosis with Richard Bandler, which was based on the work that he and transformational grammarian John Grinder had done in developing Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Hassan felt that this seminar gave him "a handle on techniques of mind control, and how to combat them." He spent "nearly two years studying NLP with everyone involved in its formulation and presentation." During this period, Hassan moved to Santa Cruz, California for an apprenticeship with Grinder. He became concerned about the marketing of NLP as a tool for "power enhancement", left his association with Grinder, and "began to study the works of Milton Erickson M.D., Virginia Satir, and Gregory Bateson, on which NLP is based." His studies gave him the basis for the development of his theories on mind control.[8]
Hassan continued to study hypnosis and is a member of the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis and The International Society of Hypnosis.[9]
In 1999, Hassan founded the Freedom of Mind Resource Center.[10] The centre is registered as a domestic profit corporation in the state of Massachusetts, and Hassan is president and treasurer.[11]
In Combatting Cult Mind Control Hassan describes his personal experiences with the Unification Church, as well as his theory of the four components of mind control. The sociologist Eileen Barker, who has studied the Unification Church, has commented on the book.[12] She expressed several concerns but nevertheless recommended the book. The book has been reviewed in the American Journal of Psychiatry,[13] and in the The Lancet,[14] and has been favorably reviewed by Philip Zimbardo[15] and Margaret Singer.[16]
In his second book, Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves (2000), Hassan presents what he terms "a much more refined method to help family and friends, called the Strategic Interaction Approach. This non-coercive, completely legal approach is far better than deprogramming, and even exit counseling"[17]
In his third and most recent book, Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs (2012), Hassan demonstrates how his approach has evolved over the last 13 years and offers a more extensive bibliography. In addition, Hassan presents Lifton's and Singer's models alongside his own BITE model. The book has garnered a favorable review from Jerome Siegel, PHD[18] who says: "Its weakness is repetitiveness, flatness, and some theorizing that might turn off professional readers. Nonetheless, I recommend it highly for its intended audience." It has also received positive feedback from other professionals.[19]
Hassan, who is Jewish and belongs to a Temple that teaches Kabbalah, states that the actions of the Kabbalah Centre have little in common with traditional or even responsible Jewish renewal Kabbalah teachers.[20] He describes himself as an "activist who fights to protect people's right to believe whatever they want to believe", and states that his work has the broad support of religious leaders from a variety of spiritual orientations.[21] He further states that "many unorthodox religions have expressed their gratitude to me for my books because it clearly shows them NOT to be a destructive cult."[22]
His late[23] wife Aureet Bar-Yam died in 1991 after falling through ice while trying to save their dog.[24][25]
Public impact[edit]
He consulted as an expert on the Unification Church during the 1977-1978 Congressional investigation of Korean-American relations.[citation needed]
He has appeared on 60 Minutes, Nightline, Dateline, Larry King Live, The O'Reilly Factor, CNN and CBS shows, and various documentaries. Since 1976, he has acquired over thirty years of experience with counseling both current and former members of groups he describes as cults.
In his first book, Combatting Cult Mind Control, he describes his experiences as a member the Unification Church, and describes the exit counseling methods that he developed based on those experiences, and based on his subsequent studies of psychological influence techniques. In his second book Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, which was published twelve years after Combatting Cult Mind Control, he describes the evolution of his exit counseling procedures into a more advanced procedure that he calls the "Strategic Interaction Approach." In Steven's third and most recent book, Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs, he presents further refinement of the "Strategic Interaction Approach" and includes a larger bibliography.
In 2009, Steven was invited to the Amber Alert Conference[26] by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to explain why victims like Jaycee Dugard and Elizabeth Smart denied being who they were, and failed to use opportunities to ask for help. Law Enforcement officials such as police, FBI, Attorney General staff from many states, as well as other victims of kidnapping attended the conference.
After the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings, Steven was brought in by the media to explain the bombers' mind state and how mind control was involved.[27][28][29][29][30][31][32]
Mind control[edit]
Although he does not name it the "BITE model", in his first book Combatting Cult Mind Control Hassan describes the "four components of mind control as:[33]
Behavior control
Information control
Thought control
Emotional control
Twelve years later, in Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, he developed these same components into a mind-control model, "BITE", which stands for Behavior, Information, Thoughts, and Emotions. Hassan writes that cults recruit members through a three-step process which he refers to as "unfreezing," "changing," and "refreezing," respectively. This involves the use of an extensive array of various techniques, including systematic deception, behavior modification, withholding of information, and emotionally intense persuasion techniques (such as the induction of phobias), which he collectively terms mind control.[34]
In the same book he also writes "I suspect that most cult groups use informal hypnotic techniques to induce trance states. They tend to use what are called "naturalistic" hypnotic techniques. Practicing meditation to shut down thinking, chanting a phrase repetitively for hours, or reciting affirmations are all powerful ways to promote spiritual growth. But they can also be used unethically, as methods for mind control indoctrination."[8]
He calls groups that employ such psychological influence techniques "destructive cults," a term that he defines by the methods used to recruit and retain members, and by the effect that such methods have on members, rather than by the theological/sociological/moral views the group espouses. He is opposed to the non-consensual deprogramming of cult members, and supports instead counseling them in order that they withdraw voluntarily from the organization. He writes:[35]

My mind control model outlines many key elements that need to be controlled: Behavior, Information, Thoughts and Emotions (BITE). If these four components can be controlled, then an individual's identity can be systematically manipulated and changed. Destructive mind control takes the 'locus of control' away from an individual. The person is systematically deceived about the beliefs and practices of the person (or group) and manipulated throughout the recruitment process — unable to make informed choices and exert independent judgment. The person's identity is profoundly influenced through a set of social influence techniques and a "new identity" is created — programmed to be dependent on the leader or group ideology. The person can't think for him or herself, but believes otherwise.
Hassan is a proponent of non-coercive intervention. He refers to his method as the "Strategic Interaction Approach".[36]
Twelve years after the last publication of Combatting Cult Mind Control, Hassan described his position on deprogramming in Releasing the Bonds. He states that "Deprogramming has many drawbacks. I have met dozens of people who were successfully deprogrammed but, to this day, experience psychological trauma as a result of the method. These people were glad to be released from the grip of cult programming but were not happy about the method used to help them." He further states that "A deprogramming triggers the deepest fears of cult members. They have been taken against their will. Family and friends are not to be trusted. The trauma of being thrown into a van by unknown people, driven away, and imprisoned creates mistrust, anger, and resentment." He quotes a person who was involuntarily deprogrammed as saying "What these deprogrammers did was attempt to change my mind through INFORMATION CONTROL — just like the cult did. They did not deal with the CUT-implanted phobias, which remained with me for years — the fear of certain colors, the identification of certain types of music with CUT rituals, the fear of retaliation and probable death should I ever leave this group."[36]
Criticism[edit]
In a research paper presented at the 2000 Society for the Scientific Study of Religion conference, Anson Shupe, professor of Sociology at Indiana/Purdue University, and Susan E. Darnell, manager of a credit union, state Hassan had participated two involuntary deprogrammings in 1976 and 1977.[37][38] One involving Arthur Roselle who claims that Hassan kidnapped, hit, and forcibly detained him. Hassan acknowledges that he "was involved with the Roselle deprogramming attempt in 1976. But...was never involved in violence of any kind."[39]
Hassan states that he spent one year assisting with deprogrammings before turning to less controversial methods (see exit counseling).[22] Hassan has spoken out against involuntary deprogramming since 1980,[9][22][40] stating, "I did not and do not like the deprogramming method and stopped doing them in 1977!”[39] In Combatting Cult Mind Control, he stated that "the non-coercive approach will not work in every case, it has proved to be the option most families prefer. Forcible intervention can be kept as a last resort if all other attempts fail."[41] Concerned that ministers in Japan [were] encouraged to perform forcible deprogramming because of [his] first book," Hassan wrote a letter to Reverend Seishi Kojima stating, "I oppose aggressive, illegal methods."
See also[edit]
Anti-Cult Movement
Bibliography[edit]
Combatting Cult Mind Control, 1988. ISBN 0-89281-243-5.
Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, 2000. ISBN 0-9670688-0-0.
Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs, 2012. ISBN 978-0-9670688-1-7.
References[edit]

Text document with red question mark.svg
 This section uses citations that link to broken or outdated sources. Please improve the article or discuss this issue on the talk page. Help on using footnotes is available. (December 2013)
1.Jump up ^ See: "Data Mind Games". New York Magazine (New York Media Holdings). July 29, 1996. p. 52.;
"Ex-Moonie says cult groups are preying on russians; Analyst sees Ex communists as easy targets". The Globe (The Globe Newspaper Company). November 22, 1992. p. 9.;
Chalcraft, David J. (2011). "Jews for Jesus: Occupying Jewish Time and Space". In Stern, Sacha. Sects and Sectarianism in Jewish History. Leiden: BRILL. pp. 220–221. ISBN 978-90-04-20648-9.
Jones, Kathryn A. (2011). Amway Forever: The Amazing Story of a Global Business Phenomenon. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. p. 179. ISBN 978-0-470-48821-8.
Szalavitz, Maia (2006). Help at Any Cost. New York: Penguin/Riverhead. p. 66. ISBN 1-59448-910-6.
2.Jump up ^ Verification of Licence by Psychology Today
3.Jump up ^ Chryssides, G.D. and B.E. Zeller. 2014. The Bloomsbury Companion to New Religious Movements: BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING.
4.Jump up ^ (notarized) Declaration of John M. Sweeney, Jr. on deprogramming and the Citizens Freedom Foundation. Maricopa County, Arizona. March 17, 1992.
5.Jump up ^ Combatting Cult Mind Control, Steven Hassan, 1998, Ch. 1, ISBN 0-89281-243-5
6.^ Jump up to: a b c Biography of Steven Hassan, Freedom of Mind Center
7.^ Jump up to: a b Combatting Cult Mind Control, Steven Hassan, 1998, Ch. 2, ISBN 0-89281-243-5
8.^ Jump up to: a b Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, Ch. 2, Steven Hassan, FOM Press, 2000
9.^ Jump up to: a b Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, Ch. 6 Steven Hassan, FOM Press, 2000 (Retrieved Dec 2006)
 These organizations require that their members have professional credentials and make sure they have proper training and operate within ethical guidelines. I have been teaching workshops for both organizations for many years and find their members are able to quickly understand cult mind control due to their training[dead link][dead link]
10.Jump up ^ Freedomofmind.com
11.Jump up ^ Freedom of Mind Resource Center, Inc., Summary Screen
12.Jump up ^ Church Times (UK) 23 November 1990 p. 13]
13.Jump up ^ American Journal of Psychiatry 147:7 July 1990[dead link][dead link]
14.Jump up ^ Review of Books The Lancet, Peter Tyrer, June 24th 1989[dead link][dead link]
15.Jump up ^ Praise For Releasing The Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves[dead link][dead link]
16.Jump up ^ What People Are Saying About Combatting Cult Mind Control[dead link][dead link]
17.Jump up ^ Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, Ch. 3 Steven Hassan, FOM Press, 2000 (Retrieved December 2006)[dead link][dead link]
18.Jump up ^ Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs
19.Jump up ^ Praise for Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults and Beliefs
20.Jump up ^ THE KABBALAH LEARNING CENTRE IS THE LATEST POP CULTURE HOWEVER, MOST ARE UNAWARE THAT IT’S A DESTRUCTIVE CULT
21.Jump up ^ What Religious Leaders Are Saying About Combatting Cult Mind Control[dead link][dead link]
22.^ Jump up to: a b c Refuting the Disinformation Attacks Put Forth by Destructive Cults and their Agents Accessed Dec 2006[dead link][dead link]
23.Jump up ^ Zitner, A. (1992, Jan 12). A year later, quest for a legacy of safer ice. Boston Globe (Pre-1997 Fulltext)
24.Jump up ^ Canellos, Peter S (January 10, 1991). "Victim's Family Wants to Know What Stalled Lincoln Pond Rescue". The Boston Globe.
25.Jump up ^ Aureet Bar-Yam Memorial Site
26.Jump up ^ 2009 Amber Alert Conference
27.Jump up ^ Was Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Brainwashed? Wall Street Journal Live Interview
28.Jump up ^ Radicalism and mind control NECN Interview
29.^ Jump up to: a b Officials: Suspect claims they were self-radicalized on Internet CNN Erin Burnett OutFront Interview
30.Jump up ^ Greater Boston Video: Mind Control? WGBH Interview
31.Jump up ^ Expert Discusses How Mind Control Could Be Motive for Boston Marathon Bombings FOX 25 Morning Interview
32.Jump up ^ How Fast Can Someone Be ‘Radicalized’? WBUR Interview
33.Jump up ^ Combatting Cult Mind Control, Steven Hassan, 1998, Ch. 4, ISBN 0-89281-243-5
34.Jump up ^ Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, Ch. 4 Steven Hassan, FOM Press, 2000 (Accessed Jan 2007)[dead link][dead link]
35.Jump up ^ Resources page on Freedom of Mind website[dead link][dead link]
36.^ Jump up to: a b Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, Ch. 3 Steven Hassan, FOM Press, 2000 (Accessed January 2007)[dead link][dead link]
37.Jump up ^ CAN, We Hardly Knew Ye: Sex, Drugs, Deprogrammers’ Kickbacks, and Corporate Crime in the (old) Cult Awareness Network, by Anson Shupe, Susan E. Darnell, presented at the 2000 SSSR meeting in Houston, Texas, October 21.
38.Jump up ^ Arthur Roselle Claire Kelley
39.^ Jump up to: a b Freedom of Mind Center[dead link][dead link]
40.Jump up ^ Mind Warrior. New Therapist 24, March/April 2003.
41.Jump up ^ Combatting Cult Mind Control, Steven Hassan, 1998, ISBN 0-89281-243-5, p. 114
External links[edit]
 Wikimedia Commons has media related to Steven Hassan.
Freedom of Mind Resource Center, Steven Hassan's website
The Strategic Interaction Approach, Steven Hassan
Media/NewsFreedom of Mind Media Collection, Steven Hassan in the Media


[hide]
v ·
 t ·
 e
 
Opposition to new religious movements


Secular groups
APA Task Force on Deceptive and Indirect Methods of Persuasion and Control ·
 Cult Awareness Network ·
 International Cultic Studies Association - ICSA (Formerly: the AFF, American Family Foundation) ·
 The Family Survival Trust - TFST (Formerly: FAIR - Family Action Information and Rescue) ·
 Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network ·
 Cult Information Centre
 

Secular individuals
Carol Giambalvo ·
 Steven Hassan ·
 Galen Kelly ·
 Michael Langone ·
 Ted Patrick ·
 Rick Ross ·
 Tom Sackville ·
 Jim Siegelman ·
 Margaret Singer ·
 Louis Jolyon West ·
 Cyril Vosper ·
 Lawrence Wollersheim
 

Religious groups
Reachout Trust ·
 Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry ·
 Christian Research Institute ·
 Dialog Center International ·
 Personal Freedom Outreach ·
 Watchman Fellowship ·
 New England Institute of Religious Research ·
 Midwest Christian Outreach ·
 Institute for Religious Research ·
 Spiritual Counterfeits Project ·
 Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center
 

Religious individuals
Johannes Aagaard ·
 Alexander Dvorkin ·
 Ronald Enroth ·
 Hank Hanegraaff ·
 Paul R. Martin ·
 Walter Ralston Martin ·
 Robert Passantino
 

Governmental organizations
European Federation of Centres of Research and Information on Sectarianism ·
 Centre contre les manipulations mentales ·
 Union nationale des associations de défense des familles et de l'individu ·
 MIVILUDES ·
 Parliamentary Commission on Cults in France
 

Individuals in government
Catherine Picard
 

Concepts
Cult ·
 NRM apologist ·
 Deprogramming ·
 Freedom of religion ·
 Heresy ·
 Mind control ·
 New religious movement
 

Historical events
About-Picard law ·
 Governmental lists of cults and sects ·
 Persecution of Bahá'ís ·
 Persecution of Falun Gong ·
 Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses ·
 Anti-Mormonism ·
 Scientology in Germany
 



Authority control
WorldCat ·
 VIAF: 20359514 ·
 LCCN: n88026228 ·
 ISNI: 0000 0001 1873 6997 ·
 GND: 113477414
 




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  


Categories: 1954 births
Living people
American psychology writers
American psychotherapists
American Reform Jews
American social sciences writers
Anti-cult organizations and individuals
Brainwashing theory proponents
Critics of the Unification Church
Deprogrammers
Exit counselors
Jewish American social scientists
Mind control theorists
Researchers of new religious movements and cults
Cambridge College alumni
Former members of New Religious Movements
Critics of Falun Gong















Navigation menu



Create account
Log in



Article

Talk









Read

Edit

View history

















Main page
Contents
Featured content
Current events
Random article
Donate to Wikipedia
Wikipedia store

Interaction
Help
About Wikipedia
Community portal
Recent changes
Contact page

Tools
What links here
Related changes
Upload file
Special pages
Permanent link
Page information
Wikidata item
Cite this page

Print/export
Create a book
Download as PDF
Printable version

Languages
Български
Deutsch
فارسی
Русский
Edit links
This page was last modified on 2 March 2015, at 13:50.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
Privacy policy
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Contact Wikipedia
Developers
Mobile view
Wikimedia Foundation
Powered by MediaWiki
 

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Hassan