 |
by Anonymous |
"When you meet the friendliest people you have ever known, who introduce you to the most loving group of people you have encountered, and you find the leader to be the most inspired, caring, compassionate and understanding person you've ever met, and then you learn that the cause of the group is something you never dared hope could be accomplished, and all of this sounds too good to be true... it probably is too good to be true! Don't give up your education, your hopes and ambitions to follow a rainbow."
The age of the gurus, prophets and messiahs is upon us.
Is has been estimated that over three million North Americans are involved in cults, and, due to an abundance of bad press in the U.S., many critics feel that Canada has become the new target for cult expansion and recruitment.
|
What is a Cult? Carroll Stoner and JoAnne Parke, authors of All Gods Children, The Cult Experience-Salvation or Slavery? suggest the following criteria for identifying cults |
 |
-A cult has a living leader and the doctrine is based on his revelations which supplement or replace traditional religious scriptures(either Eastern or Jeudo-Christian).
-The cult leader is an authoritarian and the sole judge of his members' faith. He often lives like a king while his followers live in poverty.
-The cult promises that it's members will work to save the world, yet really sponsors no community improvement programs.
-Cult members are required to perform demeaning tasks which utilize little or no talent or education.
-Cults are exclusive social systems which claim that their members will achieve salvation and will thereby be superior to outsiders.
-To join a cult, one must cut him/herself off from society, job, friends and family.
-Cults discourage critical analysis by dictating suppression of negative thoughts, thereby fostering dependance on the cult's authority.
-Cult practices are psychology unwholesome and, in some cases, physically dangerous.
Who joins cults and Why?
Coma (council on Mind Abuse) is a Toronto organization dedicated to the purpose of informing and educating the public about cults and their techniques.
Ian Haworth, Communications Consultant for COMA stresses that, "as a rule, people do not look for cults to join, Cults see you coming long before you see them."
Middle class youth tend to be prime targets for cult recruitment. Ghislaine Godenne, Head of Health Services, John Hopkins University, finds that recruitment of freshmen is rampant on U.S. campuses. The typical recruit is lonely, away from home, friends and family, and vulnerable to idealistic appeals of cults. Recruiters will invite such people to dinner and a lecture and bombard them with friendship, attention, security and a sense of community. Before they know it, they've been programmed as a part of the group.
Cults can be held responsible for deceptive recruiting and indoctrination techniques but they can't be blamed the spiritual, emotional and social voids in society. Chris Edwards, ex-Moon disciple and author of Crazy for God: The Nightmare of Cult Life Writes: "The Unification Churches witnessed techniques taught me that the most successful tactic in recruiting is to offer friendship and concern. The cult calls this "love bombarding." It is remarkably effective. Why is my generation so hungry for love that they can be attracted so easily by sacchrine promises? I believe the answer is simply this: we as people seem to have forgotten how to care about and for each other. We are responsible for the desperation which makes cult promises so attractive"
Some psychiatrists and cult experts believe people join cults when they are depressed, confused and looking for meaning in life. Cults seem to provide a solution to problems and pressures. Members don't have to think or work out their problems. Cult doctrines dictate acceptable forms of behavior, work habits, dress codes, dating, sexual and marriage rules, diet and spiritual beliefs. Unfortunately, members become so dependent upon this authoritarian system, they lose their identity and their ability to think for themselves and cope with the real world.
SNAPPING
 |
Critics accuse cults of using mind control and brainwashing techniques. Peter Scott, Vice-President of COMA says, "It's called brainwashing because certain cults use the same techniques as were employed by the Chinese during the Korean War. But cults have the added advantage of using these techniques in an atmosphere of love and peer group support instead of a prison environment where captives feared for their lives. Hence cult control is more effective and dangerous." |
Josh Freed, author of Moonwebs, journey into the Mind of a Cult, describes the disintegration of a Unification Church member's personality. He claims that the most striking thing about indoctrination techniques is the constant dialogue and intense concentration. "After six or seven hours, your mind just becomes a sea of confusion and you can't think straight. You never appreciate how important moments of self-reflection are."
Authors Flo Conway and Jim Siegel, man of Snapping discuss the moment when one's personality comes apart. Suddenly you realize your life is just an illusion and you're a phoney with tremendous problems and you better do something about it fast. It's akin to a nervous breakdown but lather than completing a breakdown, a good cult will assert itself as an alternative, and you become psychologically bonded to it.
Reverend Porter of the Unification Church in Toronto refutes brainwashing accusations. "People change radically when they understand themselves and God better," he claims. "It's called brainwashing because the secular world has no answers to spiritual or religious conversion."
|
DIVINE DECEPTION AND THE LAW Canadians have the right to freedom of religion. But do these cults have the right to deceive and exploit people and still operate tax-free because they are considered religions? Many cult critics and ex-cult members claim that funds are solicited dishonestly. Instead of going to a legitimate charity, they are used solely to enrich the cult. The November '79 issue of Reader's Digest ran an article by Carson Williams entitled How Cults Bilk All of Us. |
|
Two incidents of deception are described. In one case, a sailor was asked for money to bring missing-in-action servicemen home from Vietnam. He signed over his paycheck, unaware he was giving his money to the Hare Krishnas. In the same article, an ex-member of the Unification Church claimed she was instructed to tell people anything to get a contribution.
Most cults exploit members by paying them nothing for working long hours, no wages and no employee benefits. Since most groups preach that material goods are evil, many recruits willingly donate personal valuables and cash to the cause.
Josh Freed acknowledges that cults can't be legislated against. He does suggest that they should be forced to announce, in advance, who they are, who they represent, what they're after and, they should warn you that you're about to go through an intense psychological process.
New York state has recently amended their Mental Hygiene laws by adding a clause which authorizes the courts to appoint a temporary conservator (protector) for individuals over fifteen who have undergone radical changes in behavior coinciding with close association with certain groups. The bill was introduced to help parents rescue their children from cults without having to resort to illegal means (kidnaping).
Despite an 18 month study headed by Dr. Daniel Hill (farmer Ontario Human Rights Commissioner and father of singer/songwriter Dan Hill) no similar legislation has been recommended for Canada. The Attorney General's office authorized the study after receiving several complaints from upset parents of cult recruits. Hill's report concludes that deprogramming, the practice of kidnapping cult members and forcibly persuading them to change their beliefs is an unacceptable way of breaking the control of cults. Hill also opposes conservatorship laws which would make it easier for parents to regain legal custody of their adult offspring. Instead, he recommends use of social agencies and neutral mediators to reunite cult members with their families.
|
|
Unfortunately, the nature of cult control is such that the actual victims don't realize they are in danger of losing their freedom and identity. Hill's study does suggest that those who feel they have been "unduly subjected to mind control, hypnosis or brainwashing" can take legal action. However, the effects of cult control may have already caused severe psychological damage. Dr. Saul Levine, senior psychiatrist at the Hospital for Sick Children has studied cases of former cult members. He has found that common effects of those harmed by their affiliation were depression, memory loss, fear, disorientation, loss of contact with reality and suicidal preoccupations. |
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
No one is impervious to the influence of cults but the better informed we are about their techniques, the less vulnerable we'll be to their recruiting and fundraising devices. There are a number of good books on the subject, some written by ex-members. If you have serious questions or know someone who is involved, contact one of the organizations listed at the end of this article. Urge your friends to stop buying flowers, candy, literature etc. from people in the streets, shopping malls and door-to-door. Never donate money to a cause without first checking it out.
EXPERIENCES OF 2 EX-CULT MEMBERS
Jane and Don (fictious names) are ex-members of cults who agreed to talk to Teen Generation about their experiences.
JANE, AGE 25,
Ex-member of the Unification Church
After graduating from massage college I decided to take a vacation. I bought a bus pass and, with a friend from Vancouver, went to San Francisco for a week. The day my friend left, I was at the bus station planning my route for the next three weeks. A friendly looking couple approached me and struck up a conversation. When I told the fellow I was a massage therapist he said he was a physical therapist and invited me to an open house his community group was having that evening. He told me this group was involved in lots of healing programs and suggested I'd find them interesting. I had no idea how powerful cults were in California. These people looked normal enough so I decided to go.
The house was clean and neat and there was a party-like atmosphere, lots of food and friendly people, very friendly. It was called the Creative Community Project and there was no sign that it was the Unification Church. They keep that away from the newcomers.
After dinner they sang childish, corny songs like, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" but they seemed harmless. Their director was really dynamic and gave a short talk about community ideals. He delivered the information so quickly I wasn't really sure what he'd said. There was no mention of God or religion. It just seemed like slightly idealistic common sense. I kept wondering when I'd hear about their health projects.
Then they brought out a slide presentation of their beautiful Boonville Farm and encouraged me to go for the weekend. I had already made plans to go to Monteray but they were very persisent. It was only $20 for food and lodging so I agreed to go. I was not a depressed soul looking for the meaning of life.
We travelled at night and I felt uneasy because I didn't know where we were. We arrived late and I was directed to the girls' cabin where I grabbed a blanket and slept on the floor.
Saturday morning at 7:00 in came a girl singing and playing a guitar. Everyone jumped up and raced to exercises. I thought it was a bit strange but, not wanting to be rude, followed. Everything was rush, rush. I never had a moment to myself.
By mid afternoon I wanted to get away for awhile. The group had overwhelmed me. I started to walk off but the fellow I'd met at the bus station wouldn't let me alone. I started to run but he kept following me. I started to cry because my privacy was being violated but he persisted. I didn't want to be rude since I was their guest so I decided to hang in. I felt tired and angry but I didn't know why. I'd had no time to myself to sort things out.
Sunday morning I felt better but still planned to leave when people started to talk about a week long session at their camp. It included lots of lectures and I was intrigued. I just wanted to get a handle on this group and leave.
Once again we travelled to the camp at night and it was the same sort of routine, up early, exercises, games, bible readings, songs and three lectures a day. Still no mention of Reverend Moon and Unification Church. They deliver material so quickly that after a while your brain gets so tired you stop questioning whether or not you agree with what they're saying. Their messages go directly into your subconscious mind.
More lectures the next day but I was now feeling a strange pressure too. The lectures were appealing to my private religious senses. I felt inspired and didn't feel they were forcing me to stay at all. It was my idea.
It's amazing how subtly I was lured into the group without noticing. At one point something inside me was screaming, "You're being brainwashed." But something else said, "That's just Satan trying to corrupt you."
|
I've never seen so many people crying, suffering and going through mental anguish in my life. We were treated like children and told to act and feel the same. There were games with rules so confusing you'd have to depend on someone to instruct you. If you don't think for yourself, you get weaker and weaker every day. They give you love, happiness and security with one hand and with the other they take your self control, ability to make decisions and your ego. You don't know and when you find out you don't care. |
|
I had been phoning home once a week, always accompanied by another person. One day my sister took the phone and asked if I was with the Unification Church. I asked the girl I was with and she nodded yes. I had been with the group two weeks and had never heard of it or Moon but by then it was too late, I was hooked.
At first my family tried to argue and reason with me but that doesn't work. I had been programmed to believe that if I left the group I would doom my family to hell. Boy did I suffer.
Meanwhile the Jonestown disaster had occurred and my family was researching cults. They had changed their tactics and acted friendly when I called-no pressure, just a friendly tie. My mother casually inquired about my address and daily routine.
Soon after, I was out on Market Street with my group when my mom tapped me on the shoulder. She and my sister, brother and brother-in-law had driven non-stop to California. I was happy to see her but was terrified that Satan was working through her to take me away.
I accused each of them of being in touch with deprogrammers. I had been told that deprogrammers would grab me, beat me and rape me and make me denounce my faith. My folks said they just loved me and wanted to visit.
The next day my house mother said my family would have to leave by 4:30. I felt this was unreasonable and was peeved.
My mother and sister really put on a performance at lunch. There was no mention of religion, just gossip and small talk. Finally I told them they had to leave at 4:30 and they asked if we could discuss my beliefs. I tried to explain but I couldn't. I got really frustrated so they asked if I would listen to them. They had prepared a beautiful presentation about how Moon misquoted the Bible, showed me articles about his machine gun factories and yacht. I knew they wouldn't lie to me, I started to have doubts and I felt sick. They asked if I would like to have dinner with an ex-member and I thought why not?
When I told my house mother I was going for dinner she became hostile. I asked if she knew about the guns and yacht and she said yes.
"Look at me," she said, and I did for a split second. I felt a tremendous pull but at that moment my sister interrupted and broke the spell. We ran out of the house.
Everyone yelled, "Satan's going to get you." I got 40 yards down the road and broke down and cried for hours. That was it.
The drive home was horrible. I was terrified Satan would kill me. It took over a year and a half to get my head back in order. I had to grow up all over again and learn to make decisions. Luckily I had tremendous support from my family and boyfriend.
In Canada the approach is different. They know that being devious won't work anymore. There's been too much bad press so the Unification Church is open and up front. But they still operate under the same principles.
All in all I was involved about six and a half weeks. That's not a long time to totally program a person.
Just because you're emotionally strong and intelligent don't think cults can't hook you. In fact, people with healthy minds are most vulnerable because they are flexible, adaptable and probably have the desire to help their fellow man. As long as you're human with feelings and emotions you can be manipulated.
GEORGE, AGE 24,
Ex-member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Ontario)
I was walking down the street when one of the Krishna people offered me a magazine. I took it home and never bothered to look at it until about one year later. I picked it up one night and the information seemed legitimate but I had some questions. I got another of their magazines, read it and decided to visit the Temple.
I had been raised as a Protestant, gone to Sunday school etc., but I questioned those beliefs and started to. Lose faith. I wasn't satisfied with my religion so I decided to look for something else.
I went to the Temple an a Sunday night in August. That's their festival night. You hear a lecture and they supply a meal. After the lecture they approached me and asked some questions. Everyone was friendly and peaceful and I wanted to come back because they made me feel better. They said that it took more than one lecture to understand their philosophy and invited me back the next Sunday. I wasn't pushed, in fact they said, "The door's there and you either go in or out." I took a bunch of their books and magazines home, read them and started to return every Sunday.
Krishnas stress discipline in their lives. Their principles are no intoxicants, no smoking, no illicit sex, no meat, fish or eggs. They pointed out that our society isn't exactly on an upward swing and if people exercised more control on themselves they'd be better off and society would also be a better place. I hadn't been much of a drinker but I did smoke three packs a day. After going to the Temple for three weeks I quit smoking completely. I didn't even have the urge. I felt much better. Then I changed my diet and became a vegetarian. My mind got fed up with me so I started preparing my own meals. She kept complaining about how I had changed.
|
|
I was still living at home, working every day and going to the Temple and their literature evenings and weekends. Finally I found myself making the decision that the Krishna people were for me. They were calm, like sheep. You could talk to them, maybe not reason with them, but I found more peace there than anywhere else. My mind was at ease and instead of running and In total chaos, I started picking my priorities and disciplining my life. |
I became totally preoccupied with their books. As soon as I got home from work I'd lock myself up in my room and road I'd never been a reader before. I was obsessed and the more I read the more I shut myself off from my friends domelife was difficult. I was changing and didn't realize it. I couldn't communicate with people outside the maple and I found myself dictating to parents and girlfriend how they should live their lives. I felt I was better than them because I was disciplined. It makes you feel superior to outsiders. They call non-members animals because they have no goals. Krishna's utmost goal in life is to become so spiritual you get closer to God. I started relating to outsiders as animals too.
My mind was preoccupied and I thought I was doing my job properly. At the time, I thought everything was fine but now I realize I was out of it.
My whole lifestyle was changed. I wouldn't even go to the cottage with my girlfriend and I did nothing recreational. Krishnas feel that any outside attractions take your mind away from God. Instead going to the cottage I'd spend weekend at the Temple. I never sold flowers, or candles, but I did maintenance--cleaning, painting and I worked. I also donated over $3,000.
We'd get up at 2:30 in the morning and line up for showers. They shower three or four times a day. They believe cleanliness is next to Godliness. Then we'd have classes, reading, lectures, chants and dancing until about 8:00 a.m. After breakfast, everyone had duties.
Women and men aren't treated as equals. I think women are degraded. They're supposed to be evil because they lure men away from God. Women are accepted not as leaders but to do housework and bring up the children. There is no illicit sex, women and men sleep separately and married couples get together once a month. That way members don't get too close or loving with each other. It's a way of removing your individuality.
I was hesitant about moving into the temple permanently. They really made me feel welcome. When I was there I could relax and forget about the outside world. But I guess I was always scared that they had too much control over people and I think that may be why I kept hesitating about making the move.
Anyway, I had taken my girlfriend to the Temple about four Sunday's in a row. I was sort of reluctant to take her because she hadn't been getting along with her parents and I was afraid she might use it as an escape from home. One Thursday night she had a fight with her folks. The next day she quit her job and joined the Temple. She didn't tell anyone, not even me.
When her parents asked me where she was I knew right away she had gone to the Temple. I went down there every night for a week trying to talk her into leaving. At that point I started to see their tremendous control. I couldn't communicate with her like before. She became childlike and only talked about bad things in society. I started thinking, if they've done this to her what's happened to me? Maybe I'm not so normal after all. Maybe my folks are right.
After she had moved into the Temple and I was constantly down there trying to convince her to leave, the Krishnas kept telling me to leave her alone and stay away from her. By this time they were coming on to me about moving in too, and because I was hesitating, they laid a guilt trip on me and accused me of being materialistic. I felt split in half. One half wanted to join, especially because my girlfriend was there, but the other half couldn't.
I really experienced a lot of guilt. Everytime I felt like doing something undisciplined I'd get a burning sensation in my stomach-like a cancer. They don't tell you to feel guilty but after all their lectures and books you just start to feel that way. It's like these spiritual feelings come from within and you start to live a life of guilt.
|
|
Krishnas believe that you should be totally devoted to God and have no materialistic attachments. You should forget the fact that you are part of your body and just consider yourself a spirit trapped in a shell. Krishnas don't care about their bodies so they're in pretty poor health. |
My girlfriend had only been there two weeks when she got very ill. She begged them to take her to the hospital and when she got there she called home, crying, saying she wanted out. I guess she broke under all the pressure.
She came out of it far better than me but then I had been exposed much longer, one year and 8 months. I'm still far from normal but it's coming. I still have trouble sleeping and I often feel a tremendous anxiety. It's like a hellish torment.
Thank you but I don't want to explore anymore religions, I've had enough of the whole situation. I don't really feel angry because I've learned something. Everything has a good side and a bad side but there's no doubt about the bad side, it's mind control. You don't even realize you've changed and you've lost all your individuality. Both of our families have suffered.
Anybody who considers exploring new religions should contact a cult education group and do some reading about cults before getting involved. I know young people are looking for some meaning in life but cults aren't the answer. You could go in one day and never come out.
tgmag@tgmag.ca