I am writing to let ‘masterpath’ students know that leaving the ‘path’ does not bring death, doom and destruction. I’m not writing to argue with masterpath students or members that monitor public forums for comment/dialogue about Gary Olsen and his path. I simply want people to know it’s OK to leave, there is no mayhem or psychic darkness (as he would have you believe) after doing so. I was a
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Re: “guru bashing and cult hunting” … lions and tigers and bears, oh my…. Guru bashing – how can we bash what does not exist. Men claiming to be gurus are what they are: pedestrian. Cult hunting – we do not seek what we have already realized. Though it is quite fascinating that a “lawyer” positing a testimony of “spirituality” (bordering on absolutism), cannot see the difference b
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Quotemccalljoeek - I see that folks really take their Guru bashing and cult hunting serously enough to do some research. I am glad there are people working to be objective in their review of various Spiritual pursuits. I think those of you who have commented have some interesting observations. One is appalled that Gary Olsen said 911 was a Karmic event. One is fixated on the murder case involv
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

eek - I see that folks really take their Guru bashing and cult hunting serously enough to do some research. I am glad there are people working to be objective in their review of various Spiritual pursuits. I think those of you who have commented have some interesting observations. One is appalled that Gary Olsen said 911 was a Karmic event. One is fixated on the murder case involving the two C
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Lest a reader come here and believe we are being cruel and harsh towards Landmark Education, Mr Ross's analysis of LGATs , (Large Group Awareness Trainings) sums posted here on December 3rd 2011 matters up. And supports anyone who does not want to participate in any LGAT (whether it be Landmark Education, Choices Seminar, Masterpath or any other LGAT using the same methods. If offered
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

In November 2001, two months after the terrorist attacks of September 11, MasterPath held a scheduled seminar where Gary Olsen spoke to his followers in a presentation titled "External And Internal Terrorism". Here are some quotes from this seminar: QuoteGary Olsen of MasterPath“Do you even think that something like this could happen that was not supposed to happen? How about those w
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

In November 2001, two months after the terrorist attacks of September 11, MasterPath held a scheduled seminar where Gary Olsen spoke to his followers in a presentation titled "External And Internal Terrorism". Here are some quotes from this seminar: QuoteGary Olsen of MasterPath“Do you even think that something like this could happen that was not supposed to happen? How about those w
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuotemccalljoI’m not trapped in circular logic – the answer to all possible questions is that YOU and I contain the True Master for us. Gary Olsen is just a guide and wayshower. AND, nobody can get very far on this Path if they try to worship him or idolize him. MasterPath is the Divine Path to your own Mastership. It's true that Gary does sometimes refer to himself as a guide, conduit, &
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

For those who have the eyes and ears to read and hear what has been written in this thread, a lot of information has been shared by cult expert Rick Ross and some former long time MasterPath students. Having researched MP’s materials and that of other similar paths, I also posted around a dozen links which discuss the correlation between self proclaimed gurus and their followers’ spiritual ex
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Cognitive dissonance & circular logic are concise descriptions of the subconscious rationale used to nurture & sustain belief in a teaching/path like the MP. Reading Mccalljo's posts is a laborious & painstaking process of wading through a mental labyrinth of inconsequent information, and reminds me why so many sincere folks have left the MP. To quote Mccalljo: we simply &q
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

mccalljo: I approved your last post to further demonstrate the cognitive dissonance of people in groups called "cults". Your endless apologies about Gary Olsen and his group demonstrate what many would see as your insistence upon avoiding the reality that you have been duped by a con man. "Social scientist"? This comes across as yet another narcissistic and grandi
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuoteVioletRe: mccalljo's latest post, I rest my case. He is demonstrating better than I could that there is a problem. Mccalljo: Dearest Violet (I say with deepest sincerity) I will leave it to those who have ears to hear to determine what it is I’ve said, and to understand. I also hope those who need to hear what you have to say also receive that which you have to share which may assist t
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Mccalljo: I would hope not (by the way that 3.5 mil ain’t in Gary’s pocket and you can see it’s sittin’ there) – it is not the purpose of Masterpath to do that great work of humanitarian service and, believe me, I’ve worked with homeless people and spent thousands in time and money, hundreds of thousands, because I was taught Love Everyone, Feed Everyone and Serve everyone before I came to Master
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

mccalljo: You are anonymous participant, so no one really knows what your actual profession and CV are, other than the various claims you make here. If you are a lawyer you should know that qualifying an expert is not that easy. And the qualification process required through a Daubert hearing can be daunting. I have been specifically qualified as an expert on cults and "cult like&qu
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Quoterrmoderatormccalljo: There you go again going on and on and barely on topic. No one is interested in your bio and off topic anecdotes. mccalljo new: With most respect to you I'll try to be more on topic in the future. My bio is only in contradisitinction to yours. I am an anthropoligist, a teacher and a lawyer with vast experience over 30 years and I only provide this inform
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Re: mccalljo's latest post, I rest my case. He is demonstrating better than I could that there is a problem. One thing I'd like to reiterate is that mccalljo did NOT explore the other MasterPath threads online, nor did he research the links provided which demonstrate how gurus take control. If he had, he would have been aware of some of the basic facts presented. It is plain to see
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

mccalljo: There you go again going on and on and barely on topic. No one is interested in your bio and off topic anecdotes. If you really are a lawyer and then you have been through court proceedings that accepted expert testimony. you should understand that it is a judge in court who"declares" a witness as an expert. You may not like that, but there it is. And my exper
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Quote: mccalljo What I understand you to be saying is that you don’t want to acknowledge that I could be loving in this discussion by use of loving and conciliatory words because that would automatically give you a disadvantage in the discussion. Your perception of what I’m saying is incorrect. I actually do not see your loving and conciliatory words as having any advantage whatsoever. The
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

It should also be noted that being a student of MasterPath doesn't work out well for everyone. The story linked below involves two MasterPath followers. The man named, Francisco Castillo, was a 5th initiate of Gary Olsen (which apparently means he was a long time student who had advanced spiritually according to MP's system). In 2009 he was charged with brutally murdering his fr
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuotemccalljoWhat I understand you to be saying is that you don’t want to acknowledge that I could be loving in this discussion by use of loving and conciliatory words because that would automatically give you a disadvantage in the discussion. Your perception of what I’m saying is incorrect. I actually do not see your loving and conciliatory words as having any advantage whatsoever. The fact th
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

mccalljo: You are here as a group apologist, as your very long rambling defenses of Olsen and his group demonstrate. You say that Olsen made a mistake "teaching about" what? This supposed admission lacks any meaningful substance and instead demonstrates your lack of criticism. And also adds to your seemingly endless defenses of almost anything Olsen does, which proves your app
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Quoterrmoderatormccalljo: You appear to be a deeply loyal follower of Olsen and his "Master Path" group. And you are here as an apologist to defend your group and leader. I am not an apologist for the leader - take me to your leader - this sounds like a computer speaking - we will assimilate you! I am trying to be funny here so bare with me. No - he needs no defense and neither
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

old quote chopped: ground for philosophical or logical discourse as people base their lives on much more. Most important is the Love coursing through every nook and cranny of the creation in such measure as it is almost unbearable to know how it embraces us unconditionally. That said, and knowing that you and I are operating in the context of that most omnipotent of all powers and this discussi
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Just wanted to add that MasterPath does not contribute to humanitarian causes...not only that, but Gary essentially advises against it. He preaches about karma, but does not support the idea that charitable acts have a positive karmic effect. His position is that everyone is where they are supposed to be, including homeless, hungry, etc. and that we are not really supposed to mess with the perfec
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

mccalljo: You appear to be a deeply loyal follower of Olsen and his "Master Path" group. And you are here as an apologist to defend your group and leader. But based upon your answers you admit that there is no meaningful financial transparency or accountability through any bylaws and/or published financial disclosure at the Master Path. You claim that Olsen says he can be fired
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Quoterrmoderatormccalljo: A few simple questions. How long have you been associated with Gary Olsen and the "Master Path"? Two years Are you aware that Gary Olsen copied/plagiarized his teachings from Paul Twitchell and Eckankar? I was into Eckankar in my teens - Gary Olsen has not plagarized Eckankar - Eckankar is the extension of the Light and Sound Teachings in India and P
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuotemccalljoDearest Violet, nice thoughts in the context of a philosophical debate, however, I would posit this is not the ground for philosophical or logical discourse as people base their lives on much more. Most important is the Love coursing through every nook and cranny of the creation in such measure as it is almost unbearable to know how it embraces us unconditionally. That said, and kn
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

mccalljo: A few simple questions. How long have you been associated with Gary Olsen and the "Master Path"? Are you aware that Gary Olsen copied/plagiarized his teachings from Paul Twitchell and Eckankar? Is there an independently audited financial statement, which is published, that discloses in detail how much compensation Gary Olsen receives through the Master Path. Is
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Dearest Violet, nice thoughts in the context of a philosophical debate, however, I would posit this is not the ground for philosophical or logical discourse as people base their lives on much more. Most important is the Love coursing through every nook and cranny of the creation in such measure as it is almost unbearable to know how it embraces us unconditionally. That said, and knowing that yo
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuotemccalljoThis Thread is interesting because it really has some practical and truthful information about the 501(c)3 status of Masterpath. I am a lawyer with a busy litigation practice and I have a Masters in Anthropology. I've studied many spiritual communities and I've represented several people involved in a variety of alternative and mainstream religious paths. I've been
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families