There are so many threads to read on this site so I hate to start a new one but I'm looking for some feed back on this study.

This is a study that many talk shows, on the radio, discussed last month.

The manipulation that happens in some of the churches is frightening. Enough emotional abuse to ruin good people and their families.

Maybe it boils down to knowing the difference between a healthy church and a cult.

If that it so, then why do so many smart people get caught up in cults?

How do you know the difference?

It is very difficult and there is no black and white demarcation. We are by nature gregarious and wish to be thought well of and loved. Love is wonderful experience but as most will tell you it is also a bondage to independence. Churches , clubs , extended families are membership groups and on a larger scale society is a group with rules and expectations.None of us are free to do as we like and belonging places an extra demand on our time and resources.
Retain your independence but be tolerant and considerate of all you know is about the best advice I can offer.