Just finished Captive Hearts Captive Minds. Very Good Read.
"..initially most psychopaths appear quite normal. They present themselves to us as charming, interesting, even humble. The majority don't suffer from delusions, hallucinations, their contact with reality appears normal...
Harder to evaluate, of course, is whether these leaders' belief in their magical powers, omnipotence, and connection to God (or whatever higher power or belief system they are espousing) is delusional or simply part of the con. Megalomania--the belief that one is able or entitled to rule the world--is equally hard to evaluate without psychological testing of the in- dividual, although numerous cult leaders state quite readily that their goal is to rule the world. In any case, beneath the surface gloss of intelligence, charm, and professed humility seethes an inner world of rage, depression, and fear.
The book talks of those who exit cults on their own. Can feel guilt and shame while at the same time still elevating their spiritual leader.
I've been on the fence. About brainwashing and mind control. Then I study what happened at Jonestown. And I change my mind.
This is a link to excerpts from Captive Hearts Captive Minds: [
www.anandainfo.com]