by Bodytalk Magazine

Part One

Dark Side Of The Moonies was the story of Erica Heftmann's life as a member of the Moonies and her eventual 'deprogramming' and escape from them. That book put religious movements and cults in front of a bewildered and bemused public.

Moonies are members of the Unification Church which was founded by Korean couple Sun Myung Moon and his wife Hak Ja Han Moon. The Moons refer to themselves as the True Parents and, like most religions, claim to represent God here on Earth.

The Moonies are one of the biggest non-mainstream religious movements in the world, possibly more famous for their mass weddings in football stadiums!

Scientologists are a huge organization that has sold themselves rather well as the "religion of Hollywood".

The basis of Scientology is Dianetics - an ideology conceived by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, who believes humans are really thetans (alien spirits) and our minds are full of nasty memories called engrams. These have to be "cleared" using the Scientologist's equipment called an E-Meter and a process called auditing.

Followers aspire to become Clears - free of these engrams. This all costs money of course. According to the Scientologists: "A Clear is a person who no longer has his own reactive mind and therefore suffers none of the ill effects that the reactive mind can cause."

I'd rather hang on to my own mind, thanks all the same!

The Scientologists are famous for suing people who speak out against them and there are many stories of harassment and intimidation from the Church of Scientology all over the web.¹

But in their Creed Of The Church of Scientology² it states "All men have inalienable rights to think freely, to talk freely, to write freely their own opinions and to counter and utter or write upon the opinions of others".

Let's hope they practice what they preach.

One of the best books I've read on manipulation is Cult Encounter by Australian couple Helen and Rick Larsen. Helen became involved with the Extraterrestrial Earth Mission cult who are based in Arizona.

ETEM was led by a 'channeled alien' called DraKar (alias John) who told followers that he had 'walked into' John's body'. ETEM might have borrowed a few ideas from L. Ron Hubbard about the whole alien thing.

Helen listened to ETEM's taped lectures (which cost a lot of money) and was slowly absorbed into the cult. One of the tape sets titled 'Many Are Called - Few Are Chosen' told listeners that: "Nobody believes in the family system anymore. The only logical choice is to surrender." ...surrender your life and money to the cult, of course.

ETEM actually encouraged people to leave their spouses and children because "Dark Forces can use them and your attachment to them." Very, very dangerous stuff indeed.

Helen left her husband and moved in with cult members across the other side of the country.

She got out of the cult after Rick and other family members and friends banded together to rescue her. Rick employed US exit counselors Pat Ryan and Joe Szimhat, who had both been involved in cults themselves. Pat and Joe showed Helen videotaped interviews with ex-members and calmly discussed ETEM's ideology and its inconsistencies.

Helen says in the book: "Having to admit I was a victim! Horrors! Later, when I moved away from New Age philosophy, where there are no victims, I realized that I was fortunate to have been through the experiences I'd had....I don't have to be seen to be special by others to be unique...after all, who decides what is special and what is not?"

And her warning: "If you're considering the authenticity, the truth, of a seemingly impossible belief system, then listen to your doubts." (our emphasis).

We also see cult-type strategies in many "personal growth" seminars and multilevel marketing schemes. Some MLM companies focus more on the selling method and recruiting members - the product is irrelevant.

The Skeptic's Dictionary has an excellent entry about Amway's techniques.

Many New Age and non-mainstream religions appear to be quite legitimate and most of the people involved are dedicated to helping others. But it's the people deep inside the movements that can give cause for concern.

Religion is a personal thing and you have the freedom to follow your religion of choice. But as I understand it, you can follow most mainstream religions in a fairly simple manner without sacrificing your liberty and life savings.

What a lot of these unscrupulous organizations try to do is straight out of the cult entrepreneur's handbook for fleecing followers:

• make them think they have a personality defect or are missing something in their lives that only your teachings can fulfill

• convince them that the world is in peril and evil forces are at work. Point to natural disasters to bolster your case

• be unnecessarily secretive

• tell them only certain people have access to "the knowledge"

• convince them that they can have the knowledge if they adopt your way of thinking. Deflect skeptical questions with "you're just not ready for this yet"

• sell them multi-levelled training courses to help them attain the knowledge

• discourage them from associating with nonbelievers. Censor any negative press. Give them no outside frame of reference

• make oodles of money.

In summary: be wary of any "minister" or "leader" who tries to convince you their way is the only true path. Be cautious when money and training courses are involved. Be extra, extra careful when the organization is secretive about what they do.

It's quite ironic when religions offer so-called spiritual freedom when that "freedom" involves dedicating your life to a religion...how can that be freedom?

It's not.

True spiritual freedom should not involve the handing over of money or the exclusion of friends and family - it comes from within you, should you wish to follow a religion.

Surrendering your "spirit to a divine being" or "letting the divine guide you" is NOT freedom either. It's handing over control to someone else...usually the cult leader.

People join clubs for social reasons - friendship, community - so it's understandable why people join religious movements and cults. But most clubs are quite open about what they do and certainly don't encourage you to exclude people who might disagree.

We're not trying to make you scared of the Avon lady or your local priest, but just encourage you to open your eyes and be critical. Many people are quite genuine in their efforts to show you a better way of life...but some have hidden agendas.

Part Two

Following our look at religions and cults in the last edition, this week we feature an interview with someone who makes his living getting people away from cults - exit counselor Rick Ross...

BTM - Is there a certain personality-type that's prone to cults?

RR - All types. One of the myths about cult involvement is that a certain type of person is more vulnerable. Another myth is that healthy, strong, intelligent well-educated people from good families don’t become involved. Or, that somehow if someone has clearly defined religious convictions they cannot be recruited. These theories have never been proven or substantiated through research.

Frankly, cults are quite good at persuasion and indoctrination; it's their stock and trade. And most people simply are not prepared through education and personal experience to be sensitive to the possible impact of cult methodology.

The truth is, almost anyone could potentially become involved with an unsafe or destructive group. We are all especially suggestible at certain times - when depressed, lonely, during an awkward transition, when within a new environment such as a college campus away from home, after a romantic breakup, death in the family or some other personal problem or ordeal. Since all people have such experiences, we all have periods of vulnerability. And destructive cults/groups have honed their skills, timing and focused their programs to exploit such situations as opportunities for recruitment.

BTM - I read Dark Side of The Moonies where they kidnapped and 'deprogrammed' the author and former Moonie member Erica Heftmann. I understand that doesn't happen anymore.

RR - Today, regardless of how unsafe or life-threatening a situation may be, due to legal threats and prolonged litigation cult intervention professionals have abandoned "forcible intervention". A succession of new titles and accompanying terms have likewise responded politically to the need felt by many professionals to distance themselves from the title "deprogrammer" and the term "deprogramming". Such titles as "Exit-Counselor", "Strategic Intervention Specialist", "High Demand Group Consultant", "Cult Information Specialist", "Thought Reform Consultant" and "Cult Intervention Specialist" and corresponding terminology are examples of this response.

These changes occurred to distinguish the early snatchings and restraint from current voluntary methods. But not all "deprogrammings" are involuntary and often the group member was free to leave at any time. Some cult ex-members actually sought "voluntary deprogramming".

Essentially, "voluntary deprogramming" is a process of unraveling a program of control. This control may often begin with deception and subsequently rely upon emotional and psychological manipulation. Deprogramming is actually a discussion - a dialogue offering illustrations and detailed descriptions of how people can be controlled through a process of personal manipulation. It is an educational process that may take place through an intervention, sponsored by a concerned family and/or friends, who are worried about the influence of a destructive group/leader upon someone they love and care about.

BTM - I guess there's the issue of religious freedom...these people are allowed to remain in the cult if they choose to.

RR -Though religious freedom is an implicit right within a free society it is also important to note that some groups, which may have once been labeled as "cults" continue to be controversial due to their unsafe or destructive practices.

An unsafe or destructive group is not defined by what it believes, but by what it does. That is, the behavior that causes harm and injury to the members of the group and/or others in society. It is likewise an expression of freedom within a free society to discuss such issues in response to cults and their recruitment efforts. Specifically, this may be done through an intervention, which is nothing more than a dialog about the group, its history, potential problems and any family concerns.

Of course during this process the cult involved person is free to leave and they are certainly free to choose. The pivotal issue is the family's desire that they make a more informed decision and understand their concerns.

BTM -How can you convince someone that what they are doing is detrimental to their health by using logic? Would they just clam up mentally because you are attacking them?

RR - Interventions are really just an opportunity for discussion and dialogue, a review of the history and practices of a group or leader. This often includes looking through documentation such as news articles, media reports, court records and literature.

The discussion often may center on indoctrination techniques, the influence of a group or leader and how certain other questionable groups or leaders may use those same techniques. Videos may be shown to illustrate specific points and at times former followers of a destructive group or leader may join in and contribute to the discussion through their personal experience. Family and friends almost always directly participate, sharing their concerns, insights and experience. Less controversial groups or leaders may also be discussed as examples to offer some contrast with the potentially unsafe practices and situations that are questioned.

There is some correlation between a substance abuse intervention and a cult intervention. But specifically a cult intervention is an educational opportunity not a confrontation. Though like a drug and alcohol intervention it often is motivated by concern about the debilitating effects of involvement, deterioration of an individual, dependency, impaired judgment and the possibility of further harm caused by continued involvement.

The intervention is focused upon helping someone gain an understanding of how they may have been deceived, manipulated and ultimately controlled through undue influence.

BTM - It seems bizarre, especially after reading some of the nonsense certain groups publish, that people can fall for cults. Do you know why they do?

RR - There are many examples of such successful, but often unethical, methods of persuasion through high-pressure car deals, land and stock swindles, misleading infomercials and boiler room phone solicitations. Many intelligent and successful celebrities and stars have become involved in some groups that have been called "cults" such as Madonna, Tom Cruise, Elizabeth Taylor and John Travolta.

People are often frustrated and anxious about the world around them. And most of us seem to have a need for answers, security, a sense of control, a feeling of belonging and a desire for personal recognition.

Today there are millions of "true believers" who faithfully accept psychics, UFOs, angels, questionable multilevel marketing schemes, political extremism, conspiracy theories and demagoguery. People find things to believe in that fulfill a need for explanation about an increasingly complex world, and at times of personal crisis such beliefs may fill a personal void within.

But personal voids, burning questions and the need for answers are not unique to any single type or group. Instead they appear to be part of the human condition.

BTM - I've noticed with some of these cults, they seem to revolve around sex. Are these leaders, who are usually male, just demented perverts who use their alleged charms just to get laid? I hate to put it so bluntly but there seems to be a link here.

RR - Certainly, many cult leaders have exploited their followers sexually. The leader most often defines what is right and wrong and their followers are expected to essentially defer making value judgments of their own regarding any issue of significant importance, for example sexual relations. And any member of the group who questions or doubts the authority of the leader is likely to be labeled wrong, rebellious, suppressive, negative and in some situations even "demon possessed" or "satanic".

No area of a member or follower's life appears to be immune from such a group's scrutiny and/or criticism. A kind of learned dependency often becomes a pivotal factor in such relationships. Members or followers seem highly dependent upon their leaders to resolve their problems and provide them with clarity and purpose.

Cult leaders seem to be narcissistic personalities often fantasizing about messianic visions that will change the course of human history, while appearing to have little if any conscience. Some make claims that they are the exclusive voice of God, "psychic" connections to historical figures, or aliens from outer space. Often these leaders seem deeply delusional and disturbed and some have been called psychopaths. Marshall Applewhite, the leader of "Heaven's Gate" was once confined to a mental hospital.

Extreme examples of destructive and delusional behavior by cult leaders such as Jim Jones, David Koresh and Shoko Asahara have caused many mental health professionals to question their sanity. Still others simply may be opportunistic con men or women exploiting their followers for personal profit and self-interest.

BTM - Cults are not just religions, are they? Politicians and sales companies use similar strategies. You could call Hitler a particularly evil cult leader.

RR - The politics of fear, control of information and the environment and the use of propaganda has been successfully employed to control nations. Hitler's Germany, Stalin's Russia, Mao's China, the Ayatollah's Iran and Sadam's Iraq are just a few examples. Such intense influence and control allowed Hitler to set the stage for the Holocaust.

Many dictatorial and extreme national leaders have historically been labeled as "megalomaniacs" and "psychopaths". They are not unlike destructive cult leaders, who often have messianic pretensions and delusions about world influence. In this sense, movements such as Nazism, Stalinism and Maoist philosophy can be seen as cults. These leaders also employed obvious thought reform techniques and exploited their followers.

In the United States during the "Red Scare" of the 50s there was a mindset that came be known as "McCarthyism". This mindset produced overwhelming intimidation, information control, propaganda and unreasonable fear. During that bleak era of American history Senator Joseph McCarthy dominated and profoundly influenced the thinking of a nation.

BTM - Could you advise us on how to be cult aware? What are the signs?

RR - Ten warning signs of a potentially unsafe group/leader:

1. Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability.

2. No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.

3. No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.

4. Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.

5. There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.

6. Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.

7. There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.

8. Followers feel they can never be "good enough".

9. The group or leader is always right.

10. The group or leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.

BTM - What about religious organizations like churches who offer cult counseling? Could you argue that they too are a cult? What's the difference between my local church and a cult?

RR - Some church organizations which offer "cult counseling" may base their critical response upon a theological premise (i.e. belief) rather than behavior. But most churches that are theologically motivated may still be helpful through information sharing about the group, its history and practices.

BTM - What should we do if one of our friends or family gets involved in a cult.

RR - REMAIN CALM. You may be wrong. Don't be confrontational or jump to conclusions. Instead, investigate thoroughly and discretely discover as much information as possible. First, check the Internet, library and public records for specifics about the group/leader. You might also make quiet inquiries with local clergy, police, social services and public safety in the community where the group/leader is located. Organize a file for notes, articles and other information that you may gather.

Be nurturing, loving and attentive, which may contrast with the treatment they receive from the group/leader. Don't rush to judgment. Remember that doing nothing is always an option. It is also crucial to maintain meaningful and positive communication and seek support from family and friends. Don't be negative and critical and remember, when in doubt, don't act. If you are not sure, seek out and gather more information.

Staging an intervention with a professional is another possible option, but be sure to make a carefully considered and informed decision before taking any action. Always focus on the facts and your own specific situation. You can also simply wait and see, or possibly discuss your concerns at a friendly meeting if and when the person involved raises some doubts about the group/leader and/or when their involvement raises increasingly serious issues.

BTM - What training did you do to become an adviser?

RR - I am largely self taught and have learned through direct experience. My work began as a community volunteer serving on numerous committees. First within Phoenix and then on a national level.

This later led to a full time staff position at a prominent social service agency where I was a program coordinator. I also composed and taught a course curriculum about cults for a private high school. In 1986 I began working privately and have lectured at colleges and universities across the United States.

My cult intervention work has included hundreds of cases throughout the United States, Canada and internationally. I testify in court cases and have been qualified and accepted as an expert within six states. My media work has included working as a paid consultant for CBS News, CBC in Canada, Fox, Nippon in Japan and Miramax/Disney. I have also been asked to advise law enforcement - such as the FBI and BATF (Bureau of Tobacco Alcohol and Firearms).

For more information on Rick Ross visit his website

Notes

1 - The Cult Awareness Network now belongs to the Church of Scientology. Back

2 - Taken from Theology and Practice of a Contemporary Religion - Scientology by Bridge Publications. Back

References

• Cult Awareness and Information Center

• What's Wrong With Multi Level Marketing?

• FACTNET

• The Lisa McPherson Trust

• American Family Foundation