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LECTURE presented at Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio

FEBRUARY, 2002

Good Morning. Some of these news items will be familiar to you.

Jonestown, Guyana, South America. November 18, 1978 - 914 men, women and children committed suicide at the gunpoint of their peers by drinking poison Kool-Aide. They believed that the end of the world by nuclear war was imminent and that if they all died together, they would travel to another planet and live in a blissful utopia. On that terrible day, many parents injected cyanide down the throats of their infant children.

Waco, Texas. April 19, 1993 - 75 members (including 21 children) of the Branch Davidian religious sect led by David Koresh burned themselves to death rather than surrender to FBI agents who were seeking entrance to their communal compound. A doomsday cult, they believed that the world would end in 1995.

San Diego County, CA. March 26, 1997 - 39 members of the Heaven's Gate cult committed suicide with poison and drugs in three groups on three successive days, following the instructions of their leader, Marshall Applewhite. Marshall had convinced his followers that his soul had at one time occupied the body of Jesus Christ and had returned to Earth in 1920 on a UFO spaceship. He believed that the arrival of the Hale-Bopp comet was the signal to exit their earthly bodies (or "containers" as they called them). Behind the comet another UFO spaceship was hidden. It housed new "containers" for their souls and would carry them to a higher spiritual plane where they could live a life free from human evil.

Manhattan, New York City. September 11, 2001 - more than 3000 people were killed when two planes hit the World Trade Center, causing both buildings to fall to the ground. Osama Bin Laden and the Al Qaeda believe that our free world culture is degenerate and immoral. Bin Laden is convinced that he has a divine right from God to impose his will on others. His terrorist act was performed in God's name - to cleanse the world of sin.

Every day, people commit inhuman and atrocious crimes against themselves, their children and innocent bystanders in the name of their belief systems - beliefs which were often inculcated into unsuspecting minds without permission. The use of mind control techniques to create a fanatic who is willing to die for his mission is the same in any cult. In fact, many former members of destructive cults, including myself, will tell you that they felt willing to sacrifice their lives for their cause or leader. Usually, cult members are brainwashed to believe that they are specially chosen by God and will receive special distinction in heaven upon completion of their mission. Thus, to them, dying is an honor and a goal, not a horror.

Most people have heard about cults but few truly understand what they are, and especially how everyday ordinary people - intelligent, normal, sane people like you and me, can become involved in a genuine, bona fide cult without having any idea what has befallen them.

I am here today to enlighten you and I am very well qualified, because I was involved in a cult for almost 20 years. It all began my freshman year at Swarthmore college in 1977. Back then I only cared about one thing - I was a premed and on my way to a future career as a psychiatrist or pediatrician. I had been dreaming about this since I was 8 years old. The picture was very fixed in my mind - a beautiful house in the suburbs, a husband who shared a similar career, a couple of great kids - the whole white picket fence scene. As you might be guessing already, nothing turned out the way I had planned.

Right before I went to college, my mother started biofeedback treatments for stress reduction in the office of a Manhattan psychologist. This was all very clinical and above board. This psychologist had an assistant whose responsibility it was to hook her up to the biofeedback machine and lead her through relaxation exercises. This man had some very radical views about life and he began to share them with her. My mother became fascinated with him and soon scheduled sessions for me as well. He was passionate and charismatic and over the next three years he managed to convince me, my mother and a few other women that he had special powers and exclusive spiritual knowledge. His claim was that social training keeps our true spirits in jail. In order to experience freedom and growth we must "break social barriers". One of our major hang ups, he claimed, was shame over our naked bodies. To overcome this, he began sitting naked during patient sessions when the psychologist was out of the office and encouraged us to do the same. I felt extremely uncomfortable but his logic kind of made sense to me, and in the doctor's office, he was the authority figure, so against my feelings, I complied; so did my mother and several other women. A lot of our time was spent staring into his eyes for half an hour at a time, without blinking or speaking. He also shook his head from side to side, rapidly, claiming that he was generating a special "Energy". He convinced us that he was the only person in the history of the entire human race who could access and release this unique energy force - this energy was the only thing that could make us truly alive and without it we would die.

Eventually, his boss found out about the nudity and fired him and he began using my mother's Manhattan apartment to hold group meetings and private sessions. By this time I had graduated college with a BA in biochemistry. Unfortunately, he had managed to convince me that his way would be more fruitful than pursuing a career in medicine. I dropped my lifelong plans and became more deeply involved with him instead. By the way, this man bills himself as a "Stress Reduction Therapist" and holds no license of any kind, not even a college degree.

I was assigned to live with a male member of his group who was to be my spouse in the spiritual plane. There were two group meetings per week and as many individual sessions as you could afford to pay for. All told, he eventually got over $200,000 out of me - an inheritance from my father - and when I finally left the group at the age of 37, I was at the edge of personal bankruptcy and deeply in debt.

George (that's the guru's name) encouraged us to give up our friends and family. Because they did not follow him, they were part of a dead world - robots who lived empty lives and were doomed for misery and death. To shut the door on my previous, unenlightened life, I threw out all of my old photographs from childhood, my college yearbooks, textbooks and notes, my diploma, anything that would connect me personally to my pre-George days. I ceased to contact relatives and friends I had been close with growing up. The Group - as we called ourselves - became my entire world. For several years sex and staring at George shake his head were our major activities. The sex only went one way, the women served him (and then paid him for the privilege). In between our sessions with him we worked so that we could afford to continue to see him. I tutored high school chemistry part time and in 1988, opened a photography studio. I still wanted to pursue good things for myself - a graduate degree, marriage and children. But I wasn't building a life for myself at all. Instead, my whole existence was focused on being a soldier for the cause - to bring The Truth to the world and save mankind. In my mind I believed I had no alternative, that's why I didn't leave, but I was terribly unhappy and began to experience severe, suicidal depression and debilitating asthma. George told me that the asthma was my fault, because I wasn't trying hard enough to follow his energy. He forbade me to go to a doctor and instead suggested that I try shaking my head. "The energy cures everything, even cancer," he explained, but it's your responsibility to obey it.

George believed that he could enlighten and control people simply by touching them. In 1992, he decided it was time to influence the political system. That year, our entire group of about 20 people joined Ross Perot's United We Stand America. Through that organization we personally met with NJ Governors Florio and Whitman and several other senators and state representatives. George shook his head at every meeting in order to inject his energy into those politicians.

I left the group in 1997 for a number of reasons. The most obvious was that I ran out of money and could no longer afford to attend sessions. But even before that, I started looking for an exit . . .

In 1994, his dog, a black labrador named Ben, died. George missed the dog so much, that after burying it in the backyard, he decided to bring it back through resurrection. We all dug it up one Saturday afternoon and George placed it on a wooden board on his lap. He shook his head furiously, attempting to inject his energy into Ben and bring him back to life. For months we stared at the rotting carcass while it oozed blood and was devoured by maggots. We trained ourselves to tolerate the nauseating smell, and we continued to pay him - $40 an hour. He claimed that Ben was the true messiah - after all "dog" is "god" spelled backwards.

And me? I had spent 16 years trying to be a good student, going along with every twist and turn he concocted, but I couldn't swallow this one. The day he dug up that dog was the day I woke up and began looking for the keys to open my jail cell.

Getting out was a lot harder than going in. I had always had conflict about The Group but there was one thought which had been burned into my brain, and that was the belief that if I left my life would be pointless and worthless - that without George's energy I would die. This ridiculous lie served as an electric fence, keeping me from believing that any alternative to my current circumstances existed. In other words, I truly believed that I had no choice but endure whatever was going on in our circle, no matter what.

You're probably wondering how I did manage to get out and the details are too intense to cover in the short time we have together, but the whole key was the presence of an outside person, unbrainwashed by George's insane fantasy world, who could gain my trust. A person who could intelligently expose the contradictions in his claims and support me emotionally when he attacked me (which was often). A person who cared about my greater good, not about controlling and possessing me. Most people leave a cult when a concerned parent, sibling or spouse intervenes and makes the effort to wake up their loved one to the lie they are following and the damage they have suffered. From 1977 until 1993, I had no one to do that for me. But it all changed when our group joined Ross Perot's United We Stand America and I met Judy, who is standing next to me. She is the one who helped me gain my freedom. It took three years and hundreds of hours of conversation for me to cross over from insanity to sanity - to win back my mind. And Judy worked only from instinct (and love). She has no formal training in psychology. In fact, at the time, she was selling real estate! If you want to call that a miracle, I would agree with you.

Now, I'm sure you're all sitting here thinking, "That's a really weird story. But, it would never happen to me. I'm too smart to believe or do anything so crazy." And you're right. What happened to me will never happen to you. Each person walks a unique path in life. However, many of you will experience mind control in your lifetimes. You will be seduced, exploited, oppressed, abused, manipulated or controlled by another person or group or ideology. You will suffer greatly and lose much until you can find a way to break the ties that bind you. We hope that what you learn today about the human weaknesses which make a person vulnerable to cult recruitment may help you one day when the world presents you with a challenge that you didn't expect.

Every day people join bowling leagues, school boards, or photography clubs. They attend meetings at local churches. Some volunteer for the Peace Corps or Salvation Army. But why would a "normal" person join a cult? Why would they choose to abandon family and familiar surroundings in order to pursue a life filled with deprivation - one which sometimes ultimately leads to a painful and violent death? The answer is, that when it comes to a cult, most new members are manipulated, deceived and coerced into joining. The group is usually so skilled at recruitment that the person believes he is making a free choice, while in reality he is being led like a lamb to slaughter. The public is generally unaware of which groups are cults and the actual damage they do to their members, because cults hide behind a mask of benign charitability in order to lure their victims into their circle of influence. And they operate from behind a veil of secrecy. As one former cult member put it, "If I had known I would be pushed to divorce my wife, sell my business, turn over all of my money to the leadership, live on 3 hours of sleep per night, alienate all of my friends, chant 6 hours a day, start hallucinating, never watch TV, read a book or newspaper, stop celebrating holidays with my family, share a bathroom with ten other roommates in a communal apartment, sleep on a mattress on the floor, eat only rice three times a day, fast 7 days every month and develop diabetes from prolonged inadequate diet - I might have thought twice before attending their meetings."

And cults do not just collect citizens at random through seminars in church basements or home-based bible readings. Some weald tremendous financial resources to manipulate our political system and gain credibility. One well-known Korean spiritual leader, Reverend Moon, has paid fees close to one million dollars per appearance to ex-presidents Gerald Ford and George Bush to speak at his events. Moon has consistently asserted that he is the rebirth of Jesus Christ and only those who receive his blessing will go to heaven. The rest of us are destined for hell. Moon owns the Washington Times Newspaper and has great influence among capitol hill republicans. He operates through (and hides behind) several hundred front organizations which sport such socially responsible titles as the "Family Federation for World Peace".

One great resource for potential recruits is the college campus of any public university. "Today's campus has been characterized as a "spiritual supermarket". Thousands of predatory cults promise students universal cures, unqualified happiness, guaranteed salvation and magically-attained wealth. These groups pressure students to abandon their families, friends and futures in order to follow an individual who claims to have discovered the path to perfection. College campuses are the chief recruiting centers of many large, well-organized destructive cults. Virtually every campus in the country is visited by these groups.

The first questions to ask are, "What are destructive cults" and "What is being destroyed?" A destructive cult is a group which deceives potential recruits into believing that it is something it is not - perhaps a group with lofty charitable goals such as achieving world peace or stamping out world hunger. The group then pressures and isolates the recruit from familiar guideposts; while introducing a revolutionary doctrine (according to the group) which it claims can solve all of your problems. The group influences the new member to absorb this doctrine by wearing them down through a carefully organized system of marathon sessions; manipulation of social programming (such as the need to be liked, the inability to say "no" under pressure, and the desire to appear open-minded); and love-bombing (showering the person with praise and interest) to the point where simplistic black and white superficialities appear to be profound utterances of truth. What is being destroyed? The ability to think critically and make choices.

What is a cult? The word "cult" comes from the Latin world "cultus" meaning worship or adoration. A cult is a group of people which holds a unique, self-contained and socially deviant spiritual/religious doctrine. It is a group movement exhibiting excessive devotion to a person or mission and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control designed to advance the goals of the group's leader(s), to the actual or possible detriment of the members, their families and the community. A cult is a group which violates the human rights of its members and harms them through abusive techniques of mind control. It distinguishes itself from a normal social or religious group by subjecting its members to physical, mental or financial deprivation and deception to keep them in the group.

Cult leaders are commonly self-appointed, persuasive, charismatic, domineering and relentless. They claim special knowledge; unique, sometimes supernatural powers and a special mission in life. They center veneration on themselves.

Cults generally are exclusive and authoritarian, zealous and extreme in their world view; use mind control, intimidation tactics or brainwashing to control their members; demand total, unquestioning compliance; require members to change their lifestyle; have a double set of ethics for subjects and leaders.

Facts and Statistics

There are cults all over the globe.
There are over 3,000 known cults in the United States, with new ones forming all the time.
Their sizes may range from 1 member to hundreds of thousands.
Millions of people are affected by cults. Not only members but also their families, spouses and friends.
Approximately 180,000 people get recruited into cults each year.
Most large, organized cults recruit on college campuses.

Cults fall into diverse categories

Religious Cults: The leader is seen by those in the cult as a god or one who has a direct and unique relationship with God. Only he/she can interpret God's word. Group members are usually taught to define the world in terms of an imminent Armageddon. Only group members will be saved; while non-believers will perish.
Therapy Cults: Here the leader is worshipped because he has reached some ill-defined point of psychological perfection. The goal is to be cured of hang-ups, and resistance to self-actualization.
Political Cults: In these groups, the leader has perfect political doctrine. He has discovered some great truth and the world will soon discover that his path is the only one to follow. Those who are enlightened early will be in the vanguard of the movement as it inevitably sweeps the world.
Economic Cults: Here the appeal is material success. By abandoning one's plans and following the leader, the member is promised a future fortune.
Satanic Cults: These groups promote the worship of evil, demons and Satan. They sometimes engage in bizarre rituals which involve sex, scarification or even murder of innocent children.

Cults exhibit similar psychological patterns . . .

closed-mindedness (not interested in rational evaluation of facts)
consent blindly to authority (leader's dogma is supreme)
controlled living (details of daily life are directed/dictated)
controlled thinking (doctrine serves as frame of reference against which motives and actions are measured/justified/rationalized)
contempt for outsiders (other people "just don't get it")

Manipulation by Cult Leaders

They present themselves as infallible authorities, requiring absolute loyalty.
They persuade with strong, confident, charismatic personalities.
They prohibit individual freedom, expecting unquestioned obedience.
They promote themselves as divine, a messiah. They claim to possess new truth which promises enlightenment to followers.
They promise a cure-all via their doctrine. "Your ship has come in...This magic bullet will solve all of your problems."

Oppressed State of Cult Followers

They follow the cult leader blindly.
They forfeit individual freedom, rational/critical thought, natural curiosity/learning/maturation process.
They forego reason for emotions.
They forsake friends and family for their new family.
They feel misunderstood/persecuted by the outside world. They live in a substitute reality created by the leader.
They fear punishment for not conforming to legalistic rules.

Who is vulnerable to becoming involved with a destructive cult?

EVERYONE - including those who believe they are too intelligent or strong-willed to be recruited!

WHEN? - during transition times

the first year away from the family home
a change or loss of job
a year "off" or after graduation
a sudden illness, accident or death
the break-up of a significant relationship
traveling or on vacation
a change in life-style or homeland
during time of loneliness or isolation
while wrestling with an addiction (food, alcohol, drugs etc.)

WHERE?

on campus: dorms, student unions, outside counseling centers, cafeteria etc.
at a conference, self-improvement seminar, stress-reduction class or training session
in high schools, on the street corner, in front of a library or post office, on a military base, in your office (solicitations to feed the hungry, fight drugs, help the homeless, promote peace, save the environment)
in religious organizations and hospitals
at a dance, party, fast-food restaurant, sports event, concert or weekend retreat
through co-workers or business associates
in your own home through service people, child care workers, housekeepers etc.

BY WHOM?

The friendliest, most likable person you have ever met.
A person too interested in getting to know you better.
Someone who thinks you are wonderful and knows that you have money, connections, influence, talent etc.
Someone who has all the answers for you.

Harmful effects of Cult Involvement . . .

Loss of control over one's life and the ability to make choices
Not permitted to question, analyze or criticize
Emotional and psychological growth arrested - a return to child-like behavior and extreme dependency
Required secrecy about activities from family and friends
Loss of spontaneity or sense of humor
Not permitted to form intimate relationships with people outside of the group
Physical deterioration and abuse

Psychological deterioration (including anxiety, disorientation, paranoia, dissociation and hallucination)
Mandatory servitude and exploitation

"On the Spot" exercise to expose your vulnerability to being manipulated and/or controlled. Have you ever....

Bought something under the influence of a salesperson, taken it home and then realized you didn't want it?
Agreed to something in a discussion or argument that you didn't believe in?
Accepted a drink, drug or food when you didn't really want to?
Made a decision under pressure from others which you later regretted?
Been manipulated with fear, obligation, guilt or faulty logic to do something you didn't really want to do?

Now answer....

Why did you do this?
What action leading up to the event influenced your decision?
Who were you with and how did the person or persons influence you? Did they have leverage over you? What type?
What was the feeling you had right before you gave in?
What was the vulnerability in you which caused you to ignore your intuition in the moment when you made your decision?

Why do cults focus recruitment efforts on college campuses?

Many students are away from home and parental authority for the first time.

College students have limited life experience and are often more idealistic than practical. They are just beginning to seek a personal identity - something other than "I am my parents' child." Becoming a member of a movement with lofty goals is particularly appealing.

They may be feeling insecure, lonely and vulnerable. The cult offers a sense of family and acceptance.
The cult offers authority and structure which is familiar to the student while simultaneously presenting them with an important mission which will award them instant significance.
College students generally have unscheduled leisure time and the opportunity to experiment with different lifestyle options as a method of determining what suits them.
They have assets to offer the cult: youth, energy, enthusiasm, intelligence, talent; and they are hard workers.
They have not yet developed the adult obligations which would preclude them from making a commitment to the cult - children, spouse, career, mortgage etc.

The Benevolent Front.

The process which leads a recruit into a destructive group is usually accomplished off-campus, in a new environment. Cults hide their true natures while luring you. The hook which leads the individual to enter this environment is often conventional and mild. It speaks to common desires to meet new people or hear new ideas. Some opening lines might include:

"Would you be interested in helping to bring love and unity to mankind? Join us for a free dinner and discussion group about world hunger and world peace."
"You can reach your true, inner potential by attending this course on self- awareness."

"This seminar will teach you a new technique for handling stress."
"Come to one of our meetings. It will show you a new direction. I can't explain it because it is so profound that you have to experience it to understand."
"The seminar leader is incredible. You've never met anyone so powerful, intelligent and brilliant. He can inspire anyone to do great things."

However, once the individual has entered cult turf, he is lectured, cajoled, infantilized and undermined. He is pressured to agree that the state of the world, or his own personal condition, is undesirable. Then, the group will claim that they have the perfect solution to the problem.

Recruitment Methods:

1. Casual Contact. Because conversion is an attack on one's emotions, not the intellect, recruiters are taught to target students who are emotionally vulnerable.

They have been known to:

a. station themselves at university counseling centers
b. wander the corridors of residence halls to find students who seem lonely
c. loiter at libraries looking from students reading books on social topics which might give them an opening to discuss such lofty ideals as saving the world
d. approach students who have recently ended a relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend

2. Street-Corner Evangelism. This consists of soap-box lectures on the street aimed at attracting students who would like to be committed to some worthy cause. The intent is to invite the student to a meeting or retreat in order to discuss the topic in more depth. Missions may include Bible Study, World Peace or curing World Hunger.

3. The Cult Group has achieved recognition from the university as a student organization. The First Amendment (freedom of speech and religious expression) leaves Public universities with limited criteria by which they can legally deny recognition to a group seeking to affiliate. In order to do so they would have to prove one of the following (and it's difficult to do this)

(1) The group advocates lawless action and has the means to carry it out.

(2) The group refuses to follow the reasonable rules of the university or the law.

(3) The group engages in acts which disrupt the university or are unlawful.

Although university recognition does not indicate approval, it may imply university acceptance to the potential recruit. Incidentally, mind control, deceptive persuasion and brainwashing are not against the law.

How recruiters work.

They are usually trained.
They are often well-groomed, physically attractive, amicable and charming.
They will use your name frequently to send you the silent message that they know you well and have a personal interest in you.
They will ask personal questions.
They can deliver a prepared response for every one of your questions or challenges.
They will lie when necessary to further their cause.
They will speak quickly, confidently and passionately yet not fully answer your questions.
They will present "either/or" dilemmas to push you into a corner where disagreeing with them is the "wrong" answer. Such as, "If you care about helping the hungry then you will agree to come to our meeting tonight." Implying that if you refuse their invitation, then you don't care about the hungry.
They feel entitled to tell you what's missing in your life and what you need to do to fix this problem.
They are the smiliest, friendliest, pushiest person you have ever met, and they won't take no for an answer.

What are some techniques recruiters may use to convince you to trust them?

Figure out what you want to hear and then tell it to you with sincerity.
Make you laugh.
Agree with you no matter what you say.
Match your pace of speech, physical movement and vocabulary level. (They are sending a silent message that they are the same as you are. (NLP) People tend to trust others who they perceive to be like themselves.)
Find out what's nearest and dearest to your heart and show enthusiasm about it. (Black widow movie - seducing the professor of entomology.)

Why do people respond to cult recruitment?

1. Most people are looking to fill three basic emotional/spiritual needs: love, significance, security

cult supplies sense of family, community and group support - "I feel like I belong in this group; I fit, and they accept me for who I am." Recruits are told, "We are your new family or your true friends."
focused group activities provide spiritual sense of purpose/significance - "I feel like my life now has meaning and direction."
faithful followers are rewarded with approval (only conditional acceptance is available but this can be misinterpreted for real love)
You are told, "You're coming along very well; You're starting to get it."
There may be a hierarchical ladder available for climbing.

2. There are immediate emotional rewards.

The ego is inflated from exclusive inner-circle membership (The Chosen People).
Controlled environment. Structured schedule, thoughts and goals. You give up responsibility for decision making. No mistakes - no anxiety. It is part of human nature to hope that someone else can lift the burden of responsibility from our shoulders and make decisions for us.

3. In the beginning, you feel so good ... it must be the right decision. Pleasure surges while you experience intense feelings of attraction to the group during your "honeymoon period". Thoughts titillate you such as:

My new life will be wonderful.
The leader is the perfect man and I am so lucky to know him.
This group has found the answers to solve all of my problems, and the world's. Anyone who is willing to dedicate themselves to do the necessary work, to come to understand our secret formula, will have guaranteed success, just like I will.
Now I have a group of friends and I fit it.

Who can be fooled?

ANYONE - given the right circumstances which speak to their needs and take advantage of their emotional vulnerabilities.

Limiting Choices

A door-to-door encyclopedia salesman rings a bell in a middle-class neighborhood. (Many, many years before the internet and encyclopedias on CD-Rom for $10!) A young housewife hesitantly opens the door. The salesman begins his spiel.

"Ma'am, this encyclopedia set is a wonderful tool which will benefit your children all during their school years."

She shifts nervously from foot to foot, wishing she could get rid of him but not wanting to appear rude. He continues his fast-talking,

"Now, I know you're thinking it's too expensive and you can't afford it, so I'm going to ask you a favor - just allow me to explain fully the benefits of these wonderful books and our customized payment options which make them affordable on any budget. At the end of my presentation, all you have to do is say "yes" or "no". That's all I ask. Now that's fair, isn't it?"

The housewife answers hesitantly, "Well, I guess so. As long as I'm under no obligation to buy anything."

"Absolutely no obligation whatsoever, ma'am. Like I just said, I only want a chance to introduce you to our fine product line. I have a sales contract here in my briefcase. If after I've explained everything to you, you decide you want to own our excellent products, I'll fill it out, you can sign it, and they'll be on their way to you first thing tomorrow morning. On the other hand, if after you fully understand what my company has to offer, you decide these certified learning materials can not help your children in their education, I'm out the door as if I had never been here. A yes or no answer is all that's needed."

"All right then."

The salesman's request sounds fair but it's not. In the beginning of the interaction he set up the ground rules. He limited her choices to a. yes and b. no. What she didn't realize was that there is another choice, choice c. none of the above, in this case - I'll sleep on it and call you tomorrow if I'm interested. By removing this choice without her even realizing it, he increases the pressure. If he is a good salesman, he can influence her to feel like she wants his product. It is like casting a spell. Under his spell she will desire the product and therefore choose option a - yes. Even if she is concerned about cost (an entire set of encyclopedias cost about $300 back in the late sixties and was usually bought on time, one volume per month) two things will stop her from refusing the offer. The first is the temporary spell he has cast over her (I'm sure we've all experienced buyer's remorse when we've spend too much money on something we can't afford because of an enticing feeling while we were in the store, or flattery from the salesperson.) and the second is that after he has invested, let's say thirty minutes, in his presentation, there is a good chance that his prospect will feel obligated to say yes, especially if the two people have bonded emotionally by exchanging personal chit-chat. It's how we are trained socially. We want to appear like nice people. The salesman uses these social rules to manipulate his prospects and benefit himself. In addition, we are generally afraid of making someone mad at us by opposing them (saying no). We don't know how to say no without feeling guilty. When we don't want to buy something we lie and say we'll think about it to avoid those bad feelings. But the sales man has taken away this escape route. So, many people, fearing that if they don't cooperate, the salesman will disapprove and reject them emotionally, will say yes to avoid the guilt, anxiety and fear they'd experience if they said what they really felt, "I'm not interested."

Establishing Authority by Setting up THE RULES

1. Two Jehovah's Witnesses ring your doorbell. When you answer, they hand you a pamphlet and begin talking about their religion. Social rules obligate most people to be polite: listen until the person is finished and not to interrupt. The Witnesses' behavior has established the rules which you subconsciously feel you must follow, even though you had no say in the matter. These are the rules they've set it place - "You will listen to me. This will allow me to use all of my skills of persuasion and manipulation against you. I am engaging you in an immediate battle of wills, and you might lose if I am very skilled." Once more, this is a battle you did not choose to enter.

Now, what if you turn the tables and change the rules? Try asking, "How long will you take to explain your religion? Will you give me the same amount of time to talk about my religion to you? Will you read my pamphlet and consider joining my religion as you are asking me to join yours?" By doing this, you have taken away their advantage and established an equal playing field. They probably won't stick around now that the rules have changed and are no longer in their favor.

2. A tele-marketer calls you and asks to complete a 3-minute survey. The rules have been established immediately. They will ask questions and you will answer. They will take up your time to benefit their cause. They will gain something, you will gain nothing. It's a win-lose situation. But what if you reverse the rules and make them fair? Try asking, "If I have to answer questions about myself can I ask you some questions about yourself for a survey I am doing?" Do you think the telemarketer will respond willingly?

Learn to recognize the tactics of a cult recruiter.

Become suspicious . . .

1. of someone is overly friendly and/or seems extremely interested in you personally. Remember - genuine friendships take time to develop. Don't get drawn in by flattery.

2. if a person claims to be "just like you". This is a common tactic used to disarm mental vigilance. Don't give too much personal information.

3. when the questions you ask are answered vaguely (if at all). People who avoid giving direct answers are usually hiding something.

4. if they won't give you time to think about what they're offering or find out more about their organization.

5. of a person who is offering simple, guaranteed solutions to complex, difficult problems (hunger, poverty, evil, disease etc.).

6. when someone makes grandiose claims such as "saving mankind", "achieving enlightenment", "discovering hidden knowledge", "experiencing spiritual ecstasy", or "following the road to happiness and success".

7. of someone who is always happy, even when common sense dictates otherwise.

8. when a person claims their group is "really special" or has "tapped into a special power or force".

9. if they claim you must make radical changes such as, "You need to destroy the mind to find God", or "You must throw away your past conditioning in order to free yourself".

Remember: You don't have to be polite when someone is pushing you to do something you don't feel comfortable about. You don't owe them anything - you own your time, not them. If they act disappointed, disgusted or mad, that's their problem, not yours. You can say "no" and walk away any time you choose.

You have the right . . .

to doubt

to question and be answered honestly
to define yourself and your actions as good or bad
to formulate your own goals and purpose
to decide how you feel
to decide with whom you spend time
to maintain a sense of your own power in any situation

Three Stages to Cult Enslavement

1. DECEPTION: Recruits are duped into believing that the group is benevolent and will enrich their lives by, for example, advancing their spirituality or increasing their self-esteem and security. Through the systematic use of highly manipulative techniques of influence, recruits, over a period of time, come to commit themselves to the group's prescribed ways of thinking, feeling and acting; in other words, they become converts and members.

2. DEPENDENCY: By gradually isolating members from outside influences, establishing unrealistically high and guilt-inducing expectations, punishing any expressions of "negativity", and denigrating independent, critical thinking, the group causes members to become extremely dependent on the group's compliance-oriented expressions of love and support.

3. DREAD: Once the members state of dependency is firmly established, the group's control over thoughts, feelings and behavior is strengthened by the members' growing dread of losing the group's psychological support and inculcated predictions of doom - if you leave, horrible things will happen. Some groups also use the threat of physical violence to keep members in line.

Destructive Mind Control

Definition: A specific set of actions which influences how a person thinks, feels and acts with the intention of suppressing autonomy for the purposes of exploitation.

Five Conditions

Gaining control over a person's time.
Creating a sense of powerlessness, fear and dependency.
Manipulating rewards and punishments.
Creating a closed system of logic. (Doubts validate the inadequacy of the victim.)
Distracting victim to keep agenda for control hidden.

Techniques of Mind Control present in Cults

1. Group Pressure and Love Bombing: Discourages doubts and reinforces the need to belong through use of child-like games, singing, hugging, touching, excessive smiling or flattery.

2. Environmental Control, Isolation and Separation: Creates the inability or lack of desire to verify information provided by the group with credible sources. The purposeful limitation of communication with the outside world.

3. Thought Stopping Techniques: Introduces recruits to meditating, chanting and repetitious activities which, when used excessively, induce a state of high suggestibility or self-hypnosis. Those who have experienced an induced state of mental detachment may describe it in mystical terms, ie. "feeling at one with the universe or God".

4. The demand for Purity: The world is divided between pure and impure; good vs. evil; saved vs. doomed etc. The group serves the role of judge. Normal urges and tendencies become sinful and shame is used to control.

5. The Aura of Sacred Silence: Questioning of basic dogma is prohibited. The cult's laws are absolute and must be followed without question.

6. Fear and Guilt: Induced by eliciting confessions to produce intimacy and to reveal fears and secrets. Creates emotional vulnerability by overt and covert threats as well as alternation of punishment and reward.

7. Doctrine over person. The value of the individual member is insignificant compared to the value of the group.

8. Dispensing of Existence. The cult decides who has a right to exist and who does not. Those deemed not acceptable have no human rights in the eyes of the cult. Also, who has the right to exist in your life.

9. Sleep Deprivation: Encouraged under the guise of spiritual exercises, necessary training or urgent projects.

10. Inadequate Nutrition: Sometimes disguised as special diet to improve health or advance spirituality or as rituals requiring fasting. Protein deprivation leads to low blood sugar whose symptoms are mental confusion, vertigo, foggy feeling in the head, physical weakness. These sensations of floating or detachment from the world can be misinterpreted as a spiritual experience.

11. Sensory Overload: Forces acceptance of complex new doctrines, goals and definitions to replace old values by demanding recruits to assimilate masses of information quickly with little opportunity for critical examination or reflection.

12. Control of Time: Constant busyness with cult assignments leaves no time for natural self-expression, exploration or evolution.

How to recognize when someone has fallen under cult control.

Sudden extreme change in behavior. Different mode of speaking - new words, phrases, pitch, speed etc.
A breakdown in communication with old friends.
Increased secretiveness. Not free to make choices without checking first.
A sudden rush of new friends who are often off-campus and strange.
Increased talk about how society is evil.
Change in personality after a retreat with a group and talk about a conversion experience or life-changing realization.
Inability to engage in intellectual discussion without parroting the scripture or dogma of some organization.
Glazed-over look in eyes or robotic behavior (can be similar to the look of someone addicted to drugs). Refusal to make an emotional connection - to "be real".
Abandonment of former personal goals, hobbies or habits. No time.
Physical deterioration. Low grades. No sense of humor.

Some common myths argued by cults and those uninformed about cultic issues.

1. Only losers and weirdos join cults. If I check out a group and find normal-looking, friendly, attractive and articulate members, then it can't be a cult.

"No one in my family would join a cult!" So you say! The truth is that members of your family would join a club to teach literacy to the poor, a self-improvement seminar or a bible study group. Cults masquerade as benign groups. You won't discover the true nature of the group until it's too late. Generally, very normal people get recruited by another seemingly normal person who claims to share a common interest.

2. This is an issue of freedom of choice. People choose to become members freely.

Freedom of choice means you take time to gather information, weigh pros and cons, then make a reasoned decision without manipulation and coercion. Cults respond to questions evasively or with lies. They quickly alienate members from family and friends to eliminate conflicting opinions or observations from outsiders. A member who expresses doubt is abused or thrown out.

3. Cult members can leave anytime they want.

Cults use phobia indoctrination to train members to mistrust outsiders. They are taught that the cult path is the only way to salvation and leaving the group will surely lead to failure and/or death. If members are told what to think and do 24/7, how could any one of them make an independent decision which opposes the group's agenda?

4. It's an issue of religious freedom.

The issue isn't about the beliefs which members hold, but how they came to embrace them. The manipulation, deception and intimidation used to coerce recruits into a new system of faith is the problem.

5. He (or She) is an adult. He says he's happy. What right do I have to judge?

Cult members are taught use affirmations to convince themselves that they are happy, enlightened, growing, etc.; whatever the cult wants them to believe. Yet, underneath their trained act, they are usually exhausted, deprived of normalcy and possibly physically ill from stress and neglect. Because the connection has been severed from their true feelings, they play their conditioned tapes like robots. Just because a person claims to feel wonderful doesn't mean it's the truth.

How can I tell if a group is a cult?

1. Do the members focus on the leader with unquestioning commitment and extreme zeal and devotion? Does the leader maintain an exclusive relationship with God or The Truth?

2. Does the group discourage or punish doubt, questioning and dissent?

3. Is the group preoccupied with bringing in new members or making money? Is it difficult to find out where the money is going? Is deception and manipulation used fund-raising and recruiting? Do they have front groups with innocuous, charitable sounding names?

4. Does the group employ mind-numbing techniques such as prolonged chanting or meditation, trance induction, extremely long lectures, exhausting work routines or detailed interrogations?

5. Does the group claim special, exalted status for itself, members and leaders? (for example: Is the leader adored as a celebrity, regarded as next to God - a Messiah, living deity or prophet? Are the followers the only ones who will be saved?)

6. Does the group claim that your participation will solve all of your problems, guarantee success, wealth etc.?

7. Is there an arbitrary, perhaps unreasonable rule structure or rigid, strict, bizarre, demeaning (embarrassing) rituals required for participation?

8. Does the group employ Machiavellian logic - the ends justify the means - to rationalize unethical behavior deemed necessary to achieve their exalted goals? Do they promote an "us vs. them", "black vs. white" mentality which separates them from the rest of society?

9. Are group's leaders not accountable to any authority (as opposed to mainstream clergy, political leaders and military commanders)? Is the leadership open to new information from you or other sources, or is everything set in stone?

10. Does the leadership dictate how followers should think, act and feel including requirements for permission to date, marry, have children, move etc.? Is diet controlled?

11. Does the group recommend or require members to cut ties to family, friends, and pre-group personal goals or interests?

12. Are members encouraged to live with or socialize exclusively with other members? Do they seem to be competing for recognition and "brownie points"?

13. Is the power of positive thinking or suggestion a frequent tool to motivate or control? Are members demeaned, judged, insulted, humiliated or disciplined irrationally? Is part of the doctrine self-defamation (you are no good)? Are fear and paranoia taught or encouraged?

14. Are there cookie-cutter solutions to members' problems? Does the group take credit for and successes and blame members' inadequacy for failures? Does the group attribute a spiritual reason to every event in your life, and also to symptoms in your body?

15. Are members exploited financially, physically or emotionally? Is there inappropriate sexual activity or physical abuse (which may include victimizing children)?

16. Are advancing the goals of the group more important than the well-being of its members?

Questions you should ask before agreeing to participate in a retreat or other off-campus group-led event.

1. Is your organization known by any other name?

2. Who is the leader?

3. Are you a student here? Can you give me the names of other students who have been to one of your retreats?

4. Is there another way to get there besides your bus? If I decide I want to leave before the seminar is over, how can I get back to campus?

5. Does your group operate on other college campuses? Which ones?

6. How does your group get its funding?

7. Could I have the names and phone numbers of some students who have been members of your group and left?

The more evasive the answers to these questions, the more likely that the group is destructive and has much to hide.

Ten Steps to Critical Thinking

1. Recognize DEMAND CHARACTERISTICS: These are situations which use social pressure to compel you to act or respond in a specific way, removing your free choice.

2. Remember you have the right to SAY "NO".

3. Recognize FALSE DILEMMAS: If you are presented with two possible choices, you can add "none of the above" to the list.

4. You have the right to SLEEP ON IT. Recognize pressure to decide quickly. Don't make a decision under duress.

5. Suspect a HIDDEN AGENDA. Everything they are saying sounds true and good, but what are they leaving out? and why?

6. Recognize FAULTY LOGIC. For example: A causal fallacy - just because event "A" preceded event "B", doesn't mean "A" caused "B".

7. Know WHAT BELIEF a person REPRESENTS. Ask blunt questions and don't accept vague answers.

8. Recognize FLATTERY. It is a popular tool for manipulation.

9. CHALLENGE the AUTHORITY's claims. Assert yourself and ask questions.

10. RETAIN your SELF-WORTH. You have the right to be who you are, even if it's different from the rest of the crowd.

11. Remember that if it seems TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, it probably is!

Remember ....

RE: self-help and therapy groups: A healthy therapy reconnects you with your own sense of destiny, purpose and value. It does not insert a new set of morals, spiritual beliefs and goals. It's goal is to bring you back to yourself, the greater you. You are not a robot to be reprogrammed.

RE: political or charitable groups: The point of joining a group with a common mission (UWSA, raising money for a charity, a sports team, a corporation) is that the members join forces so that they can all (as can the larger circle in the world) benefit from co-operating, dividing duties and sharing individuals' unique strengths and talents.

In a group with a laudable mission as a front the only benefactors are the people who set up the scheme or who are at the top of the hierarchy. The workers are exploited, not fairly compensated for their input and in the end prevented from developing themselves, pursing their natural interests and talents and sometimes stripped of all of their resources and then abandoned when they no longer have anything to offer.

Vulnerable Characteristics

People are vulnerable to manipulation if they:

Are naive, gullible and unassertive.
Have low self-esteem or standards for self. Lack self-confidence.
Are a peace-keeper at all costs.
Have an intense need for attention or recognition.
Can become worshipful of others.
Are looking to be led.
Lack skills in logic and critical thinking.
Are under stress.
Have a compulsive personality.
Are in a transition in their lives or have recently had a traumatic experience. (death of a loved one, personal illness, break-up of relationship, relocation, emotional isolation, homelessness, college student)
Are alienated from family. Lack an emotional support system.
Have an emotionally unstable background.
Tend toward dependency and make pleasing others a priority.
Are between the ages of 18 and 30.
Are idealistic.
Are looking for quick solutions to their problems.
Are impressed by deep thoughts and lofty concepts.
Are disillusioned with the world or their culture.
Have an unfulfilled desire for spiritual meaning and purpose in life.
Are attracted to trance-like states of mind.
Can tolerate double standards and contradictions.
Have no frame of reference for moral behavior.
Have self-destructive habits, self-abusive thoughts, or are trapped by addiction.
Lack knowledge about methods of deception.
Are unaware how groups can manipulate people.
Are unaware of how the mind and body can affect each other.
Can be manipulated by the power of suggestion.
Give great credibility to what feels good or right.

BEYOND BAD BEHAVIOR . . . THE SOCIOPATHIC CULT LEADER

A "sociopath" is defined as one who feels no moral obligation whatsoever.

Risk or harm others with no remorse - EVIL.
Never comes clean for a crime (against self or other). Simply changes behavior after exposure. NO GUILT; NO RESTITUTION
Rationalize destructive behavior.
Outlook is Machiavellian. (The ends justify the means.)
Uncooperative, unreasonable, self-serving attitude.
Self-centered view of the world and tremendous insecurity which they never grow out of.
Control others' behavior to please/serve them.
Egotistical. Refuse to self-examine. Lack of humility.
No one else's opinion has any validity.
Never put themselves in the other person's shoes.
Driven and motivated by fantasy. Never learn from their mistakes.
Make sure that you never discuss their weaknesses.
Skilled manipulator and convincing actor. Chameleon-like behavior.
Talk is filled with illogical justifications - babble.
Fight Dirty

table-turning (accuse you of what they're doing)

finger-pointing (it's always all your fault)

answer a different question

never give in

avoid, deny, change the subject

false accusations keep you always on the defensive

Their allegiance is to being right/winning, not to the truth or fairness.
Have no problem lying, manipulating, exploiting or stealing.
Crave attention and recognition, not love and intimacy.
Cold, empty, shark's eyes.

PERSONAL RULES OF AN ABUSER/EXPLOITER

1. What's mine is mine; what's yours is mine.

2. I own you. Your purpose in life is to please me, flatter me and be my obedient serf. Your only loyalty is to me.

3. You are no good . . . but I, from the goodness of my heart, put up with you anyway. And you don't even appreciate me!!

4. You must be meek and obedient, never dissatisfied. One hint of criticism and you're out (or dead).

5. You must constantly ask my permission to exist.

6. Anyone who criticizes me is automatically wrong.

7. You must confess your sins to me so I can use them as weapons against you later.

8. I don't have to practice what I preach, but you do.

9. I will make sure that you are so dependent on me that you will never be able to leave.

Cult's arsenal of weapons

1. Our biologically programmed survival instinct directs us to put the group's needs above our individual needs (tribal consciousness). Vulnerability to embrace a sense of obligation to the group.

2. We all possess basic human needs: family, sense of belonging, specialness, unconditional love, structure, sense of control. Our personal circumstances may engender unfulfilled holes in our lives. The cult will create the illusion or promise that emotional needs will be met.

3. Due to our particular psychological insecurities, most of us can be manipulated to experience Fear, Obligation and Guilt, the tools of an Emotional Blackmailer. Cults use some form of Emotional Blackmail to keep us in line.

4. Social programming imprints our minds with: obligation to play acceptable roles, inability to assert ourselves or challenge authority, desire for approval, fear of disapproval and abandonment (don't make waves), vulnerability to peer pressure (Milgram's shock experiment - 65% obedience), fear of making a mistake or appearing incompetent. Cults rely on our social weaknesses to recruit and maintain our cooperation.

5. There is a part of many of us which can become an arrogant know-it-all. It resists self-examination, enjoys feeling superior to others, craves attention and praise, believes in its omnipotence (manifest destiny), is lazy (resists struggle and legitimate work) and seeks a free ride (greed). Cults fill these immature needs.

6. A hypnotic state of increased suggestibility (alpha brain-wave) can be induced in any person in a variety of ways. Our bodies are machines which respond to rhythmic sound and light at specific frequencies and we may be manipulated covertly by a skilled practitioner. A state of reduced stress or emotional release feels good and may even convince us we are having a "spiritual experience". Brainwashing begins with the "Power of Suggestion".

7. Suggestibility, compliance and helplessness may be induced by impairing the well-being of our bodies with fatigue, nervous system overload, unbalanced sugar metabolism, adrenal gland over-exertion from perpetual fear-induced "fight/flight response".

8. We adopt new habits from repeated stimulation and small increments of reward/punishment conditioning. Once new neural pathways are created in the brain, it is difficult and painful to change them.

9. Our souls crave understanding of the invisible world (spiritual enlightenment). Cults may seduce the spiritually undeveloped with false doctrines and twisted truth.

10. Our high schools should have, but never offered a course entitled Manipulation Techniques: What the Con-Man doesn't want you to know. Therefore, most of us are vulnerable to: faulty analogy, causal fallacy, double-talk, nominalization (generalization allows you to paint your own canvas), especially when delivered with confidence. The Law of Reciprocity or Machiavellian Logic may be also be twisted.

11. We respond readily to what feels right (75+% of communication is non-verbal) (subjective reality) rather than employing the "scientific method" of analysis (objective reality). In addition many of us are unskilled at discerning an evil intention behind a seductive mask.

12. Many of us never learned the difference between conditional and unconditional love.

Phobia Indoctrination:

Definition: A persistent, irrational fear of an object or situation.

The cue triggers a closed cycle of fearful images, emotions and thoughts. The body's fight/flight response is triggered causing panic (racing heart, shortness of breath, dry mouth, cold, clammy hands and nausea.

Most common coping mechanism: avoid the trigger at all costs. examples (fear of public speaking, heights, snakes, dark, drowning)

Methods of installation

1. Induce an altered state of consciousness. (information enters with no critical evaluation)

2. Make direct statements and speak with authority and confidence.

3. Make indirect statements which allow you to fill in the blank with your own worst fears.

4. Fabricate stories or use causal fallacy to reinforce your point.

5. Use existing fears as threats. (If you leave your children will hate you.)

The Battle for your Mind - The Birth of Conversion

"Conversion" (conditioned acceptance of an idea or belief) may be interpreted as a euphemism Brainwashing - create conditions that wipe the brain slate clean so that the mind accepts new programming.

1. Work on the emotions until they reach an abnormal level of intensity. (fear, anger, excitement or nervous tension)

2. Introduce a sustained, repetitive beat (45-72 beats per minute - close to a human heart rate). (gospel music, tribal drums, vibration in lighting levels) This generates an eyes-open altered state of consciousness - the "alpha" brain state - in a large percentage of people. In this relaxed, alpha state, one is 25 times more suggestible than in alert "beta" brain state of normal consciousness. In fact, suggestions are absorbed as commands to be acted upon accordingly (as long as they don't conflict with the primary morality of the individual). Watch for signs of trance - relaxed body and slightly dilated pupils.

3. Speak with a "voice roll" - the patterned, paced style used by hypnotists to induce trance. Sounds as if the speaker is talking to the beat of a metronome (45-60 beats per minute).

4. Initiate "catharsis" - the purging of repressed emotion. (eg. when a revival preacher touches congregants on the head and they cry out and fall backwards)

5. The brain-slate is temporarily wiped clean and new suggestions may be implanted, especially if they promise safety, rightness and rewards.

Dramatization of Cult Recruiter's Manipulation Tactics

SCRIPT #1 (WHERE THE STUDENT RESPONDS TO THE RECRUITER)

This typical conversation between a cult recruiter named Jennifer and her selected target (A student named John who is seated alone at a table, reading a book).

Takes place in a student lounge.

Jennifer: (looking over the student's shoulder and noting the book's title) Hey, I read that book last year. It's interesting, but tough to get through. I bet you have a lot of work. Sometimes the pressure can really get to you.

John: Yeah, I'm swamped. Seems like I've been living in the library for the past month!

Jennifer: School can sure be hard to deal with sometimes.

John: You got that right!

Jennifer: (sits down at the table) I'm Jennifer. What's your name?

John: John

Jennifer: Are you a freshman, John?

John: Yes.

Jennifer: Welcome to our school. What state are you from?

John: New York.

Jennifer: Wow, I'm from Ohio. I bet New York is really exciting.

John: It can be. Especially the city. There's so much to do.

Jennifer: What is your favorite thing to do, John? Were you active in any groups while you were in high school, you know, through the church or local politics?

John: Yes, my whole family was very involved in our church. We had a fund raiser every year for the hungry in our community.

Jennifer: Wow, John, that's great. It sounds like you really care about people and want to make a difference for those less fortunate.

John: It always made me feel good. I kind of miss those times.

Jennifer: It sounds like you shared a lot of good spirit with others. Helping is one of the best ways I know to feel good about yourself. You know, the world could use a lot more people like you. There is so much pain and injustice in this world we live in.

John: I know what you mean.

Jennifer: You know, John, I am a member of a student organization called "Coalition for World Peace". We meet once a week and discuss some of the big problems our world faces. We brainstorm about how we, as motivated citizens, can do something to make a difference. We get involved in fund-raising, mentoring and educational seminars. I bet you would fit right in, John. We could certainly use an experienced person like you. In fact, we're meeting tonight, in about an hour, across campus. How would you like to come and see what we're all about?

John: I'm kind of busy tonight. My parents are really pressuring me to get good grades. They want me to get a job, be a big success. You know? And I have three papers due in the next few weeks. It sounds great, but maybe some other time.

Jennifer: Come on John. So many people are suffering. Are you really saying you'd rather go out and make money than help? Think of all the kids who can't even go to college, who spend their lives worrying about where their next meal is coming from. We're the lucky ones. We have so many great opportunities to develop ourselves, and also to give back to those less fortunate. The meeting isn't very long and you'll still have plenty of time to finish those papers. In fact, I think a few people there have taken this course. I bet they could give you some hints on how to get a better grade. Just give it one shot, John. You won't be disappointed.

John: Well.... I'm not sure.

Jennifer: You know, we talk for awhile on some important issues, you could even bring up some of your own, and then we order pizza and hang out. You might even meet some new friends. I bet you need a break, John, after all of your studying. Come on. I'll stop back in half an hour and we can go together. I'd really like to get to know you better too. You seem very nice.

John: Well, I guess I could drop the books for a few hours. It does kind of sound like fun. OK, I'll see you soon.

Jennifer: (winking) See ya.

SCRIPT #2 (WHERE THE STUDENT RESISTS THE RECRUITER)

Jennifer: School can sure be hard to deal with sometimes.

John: Yes, it can be a lot of work. (He is polite but his eyes return immediately to his book.)

Jennifer: (sits down at the table) I'm Jennifer. What's your name?

John: John. (looks uncomfortable because he doesn't want to be disturbed)

Jennifer: Are you a freshman, John?

John: Yes. (answers hesitantly)

Jennifer: Welcome to our school. What state are you from?

John: I'm from New York.

Jennifer: Wow, I'm from Ohio. I bet New York is really exciting.

John: It can be. (begins to wonder why this person wants so much to talk to him)

Jennifer: What is your favorite thing to do, John? Were you active in any groups while you were in high school, you know, through the church or local politics?

John: Yes, my whole family was very involved in our church. We had a fund raiser every year for the hungry in our community.

Jennifer: Wow, John, that's great. It sounds like you really care about people and want to make a difference for those less fortunate.

John: It always made me feel good. I kind of miss those times.

Jennifer: It sounds like you shared a lot of good spirit with your fellow church members. Helping others is one of the best ways I know to feel good about yourself. You know, the world could use a lot more people like you. There is so much pain and injustice in this world we live in.

John: Yes, that's true.

Jennifer: You know, John, I am a member of a student organization called "Coalition for World Peace". We meet once a week and discuss some of the big problems our world faces. We brainstorm about how we, as motivated citizens, can do something to make a difference. We get involved in fund-raising, mentoring and educational seminars. I bet you would fit right in, John. We could certainly use a person like you. In fact, we're meeting in about an hour, across campus. How would you like to come and see what we're all about?

John: I'm kind of busy tonight. My parents are really pressuring me to get good grades. They want me to get a job, be a big success. You know? And I have three papers due in a few weeks. It sounds interesting, but maybe some other time. If you have a phone number to call for the next meeting time, I'll write it down.

John: (cutting her off - resenting the pressure) I don't think it's an either/or situation. I can help people in lots of ways and still have a good career. I don't mind donating money or doing volunteer work in my spare time. But right now, I need to study.

Jennifer: (sensing resistance and changing subject) You know, we always have a party afterwards. It's a lot of fun and good food too. I'd really like to get to know you better, John. (pausing and looking into his eyes flirtatiously)

John: (resisting the seductive pitch) Well, thanks for inviting me, but tonight's just not good. I need to hit the books and stay there. Maybe some other time. It was nice meeting you and now I really have to get back to my studies. (averts eyes and tunes her out)

Obedience to Authority

Some system of authority is required in order for any social group to function, therefore we are trained to be obedient to authority. In the late 1960's Stanley Milgram, a Yale University psychology professor, constructed an experiment to measure the degree of obedience in a cross-section of population. His universally accepted moral premise was that - One should not inflict suffering on a helpless and innocent person. He tested the conviction behind this premise against the power behind our sense of obligation to be obedient to authority. The experimental set-up included three people: a subject who played the role of "teacher", a scientist (the authority), and a second subject - really an actor who acted as the "learner".

The teacher sat in front of a board with approx. 20 switches indicating shock levels from mild (15 volts) to severe (450 volts). He was given a sample shock at the mild level, and then instructed to repeat a series of words to the learner which the learner was required repeat back correctly. When the learner made a mistake, the teacher was supposed to administer a shock (as punishment). Each successive error required a shock of the next higher level. The shock switches at the severe end were labelled "danger severe shock".

In reality the learner was an actor and wasn't receiving any shocks, but the teacher believed that he was receiving the shock. As the experiment proceeded, the learner made errors on purpose. As the shock levels increased, the learner began to complain and eventually to beg the teacher not to administer the shocks anymore. He screamed and cried, sometimes even stating that he felt he was about to have a heart attack from the pain. However, if and when the teacher hesitated about continuing the process, the authority - the scientist in a white coat, commanded him to continue despite the learner's pleas for mercy. "The experiment must continue to completion," the teacher was told.

I hope you will all be horrified to learn that 65% of the subjects (over 200 were tested) completed the experiment and administered what they believed were real shocks all the way up to 450 volts labelled "danger severe shock". In fact, 100% went as far as 135 volts which was labelled as "strong shock". And what makes it even worse is that they could not stand up to the authority figure even though this particular authority had no leverage over them. There was no threat of physical or other retaliation for disobedience. No personal, emotional issues to confront. They were not in Hitler's Germany during World War II where their lives were at stake if they refused to follow the leader's orders. The teacher had absolutely nothing to lose in return for rescuing the learner! The worst that could have happened had they defied the process was the possible loss of the $4 payment they were promised for participation. How effective is our social training, how deep is our commitment to the unspoken social contract that we are to be obedient to the authority, how profound is our fear of social rejection that we would continue to torture an innocent person rather than risk disapproval? What does that say about our capacity to promote our innate humanity rather than capitulating to social training?

Now I'm sure you're all thinking that you would be different and do the right thing - have the guts to stand up to the scientist-experimenter and refuse to continue the experiment, but if you found yourself in that social war-zone you might discover you're weaker than you think! Anyway, this should give you an idea of the powerful hold our social programming has on most people. We call it the "Sheep Factor". People are trained to be followers - very few of them ever break that training and live by following their own inner morality and intuition rather than under the influence of external social and individual authoritarian powers. Cults use a person's vulnerability to authority to influence and cajole new recruits into doing things they would rather not do.

Here are some common examples where authority is established immediately and rules outlined to be followed: school classroom, doctor's office, theater, police station, hospital... in fact any institution or organized social group.

The Decognition Process - making the mind unwilling or unable to think rationally or construct logical arguments.

1. Alertness Reduction: Cause the nervous system to malfunction through low blood sugar levels (removing protein from diet) and inadequate sleep.

2. Programmed Confusion: Mentally assault someone in a state of reduced alertness. Deluge of new information, lectures, discussions groups and assignments. Eventually reality and fantasy may merge and perverted logic is likely to be accepted.

3. Thought Stopping: Adopt techniques which cause the mind to go flat. An altered state of consciousness achieved by focusing on something simple. Continued use brings feelings of elation and eventually hallucination. Three primary techniques include: marching (rhythmic beat), meditation and chanting.

Sustained practice of thought stopping can bring a person to a point where, in a fixed alpha brain state, all thought ceases and takeover is complete. This empty-headed person/robot/puppet will now only do as "they are told" and has become the ideal rank and file cult member. The cult will tell them that they have achieved "nirvana" or "enlightenment" but this euphoric state of "no thoughts" is simply a predictable physiological event which results from perpetual self-hypnosis.

Steven Hassan's "BITE" model for Mind Control

(Behavior, Information, Thought and Emotion)

1. Behavior:

Physical Reality: where, how and with whom you associate; clothing, hairstyle etc.; eating and drinking; sleep; money; leisure time
Ask permission for decisions
Report thoughts, feelings and actions to authority
Rewards and punishments (behavior modification techniques)
Creativity, individuality discouraged
Rigid rules and regulations

2. Information:

Lying or distorting information
Spying
Forced confessions used as weapons
Extensive use of propaganda
Forbidding access to contradictory sources of information

3. Thought Control:

Doctrine becomes map of reality
Us vs. Them thinking
Loaded language (buzz words or thought terminating cliches)
Only proper thoughts encouraged (no challenges accepted)
Use of hypnotism to produce altered states (control of blood sugar levels)
Implantation of false memories
Thought stopping (shuts down reality testing: denial, rationalization,
justification, wishful thinking, chanting, meditating, singing, humming)
Rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking and constructive criticism.
No alternative belief system allowed.

4. Emotional:

Use of guilt (all problems are your fault)
Use of fear (disapproval, abandonment, withdrawal of money etc. physical threat)
Suppression of natural creativity or expression of spirit
Irrational and inconsistent punishments
Phobia Indoctrination: (no happiness, fulfillment or safety outside of situation; terrible consequences for leaving; fear of rejection by family, friends; never a legitimate reason to leave - no graduation)

A particularly dangerous cult may:

1. Conceal criminal acts or backgrounds of the leaders.

2. Approve of destroying enemies (murder).

3. Sexually seduce subjects as a means of spiritual advancement. Use sexual abuse as a means of control.

4. Regress subjects to a child-like state of dependency and total obedience. Use physical or mental punishment for subjects who stray.

5. Insist that they and they alone are right and have all the answers.

6. Inculcate the fear that leaving the group or disobeying the leaders will cause disease, insanity, death or eternal damnation to self or loved ones, in essence locking them in a psychological prison.

7. Create extreme and bizarre accusations against parents or others in order to alienate member from family and emotional support system.

8. Discourage or disallow medication attention even if ailment is life-threatening.

9. Physically detain or kidnap subjects to keep them from leaving group.

10. Stockpile weapons and maintain guarded premises to keep outsiders away.

11. Drive followers to madness or suicide.

12. Murder dissenters or perceived enemies. Commit mass murder or destruction.