Cults and Anti-Cults, Deprogramming

Cults & Gurus

Cults

Cults seem to get quite bad press with stories of “brainwashing,” “love bombing,” and “recruitment,” but I guess it’s just a matter of marketing. I mean, look at the way one might become a psychiatrist. Is the methodology of recruitment, training, and promotion through the ranks not identical?

• Unification Church (The Moonies) Steve Hassan’s favourite organisation. Probably still the original and best of all the cults!
• Jesus Fellowship Community Trust (formerly Jesus Army) This site describes the closure and redress schemes of the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust, the organisation behind the former Jesus Army.
• Scientology They boast some famous members. Founded by Ron Hubbard, this organisation is HUGE. They’ll sue me if I write anything negative though. Their “auditing” process is hysterical. I’m after an E‑Meter if anyone has one lying around unused anywhere. Great for parties!
• Raelians I like this group. I’m not entirely sure about Rael’s alien abduction story, but just how did he build such an organisation with so many attractive women and high‑ranking scientists? Having yourself cloned is entirely optional.
• Aetherius Society Another UFO‑type group founded by George King; they seek to explain the mysteries of world religions and UFOs.
• ISKCON International Society for Krishna Consciousness – the official site of the Hare Krishna movement. You have seen them in their saffron robes in large cities; here’s a chance to find out a little more about them.
• School of Economic Science They say they offer courses in philosophy and economics, but, errmmm…
• The Family (The Children of God) With the most unusual recruiting methods in the history of cults, “Flirty Fishing” definitely had its merits.

Anti‑Cult

I can’t help but think these anti‑cult groups are scarier than any of the cults listed here. It would be a bit like being “rescued” by a Catholic. Think about it.

• Family Survival Trust A UK‑based charity that provides information and support for people affected by coercive control and cults.
• Exit Counsellors Included here is one‑time NLPer and former Moonie, Steve Hassan. Exit counsellors (or as they prefer to call themselves, “Thought Reform Consultants!!!!”) liberate “victims” of cults and undo the “brainwashing” with, errrr… more brainwashing that they call “deprogramming.” Great stuff!
• Rick Ross If you’ve ever taken an interest in the cult phenomenon, then you’ve undoubtedly heard of Rick Ross. The Cult Education Institute’s site profiles Ross and his work as a leading cult expert.

Gurus

I met some great gurus in India, some making a lot of money, some spreading a sincere message of hope, and others going about their business covertly. Fake or not, I will never forget what Sai Baba has built in his followers and provided for thousands of people and the laughter of Babaji, the cheeky chain‑smoking Sadhu of Varanasi.

• Sai Baba Probably the most well‑known of all the Indian gurus; if you have the chance, go to Puttaparthi and see.
• The Mother The female guru is simply referred to as “The Mother.” An interesting community and town is developing in Pondicherry, South India, based on the teachings of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo. Well worth a visit!
• Amma The hugging guru. Also known as “Mother” Amma is a much‑travelled and unique lady who has a personal touch when it comes to spreading enlightenment and runs extensive humanitarian programmes.

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