I came across this thread and thought it was worthwhile bumping it up to the top of the list of topics. The previous posters are so articulate and insightful, and it's worthwhile material for anyone contempating leaving School. If you're in School, you may want to closely consider Ellen's comments above, about how Robert and Sharon and the other teachers exploit our yearnings for
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Hats off to the previous poster for talking so much with the students still stuck in this fake School! The students left behind in the Boston and New York groups may appear loyal because they show up for class twice week, but I'm sure they have their doubts, too. The more they talk and question and speculate among themselves about whether it's a cult or not, the more likely current stud
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

Hats off to the previous poster for talking so much with the students still stuck in this fake School! The students left behind in the Boston and New York groups may appear loyal because they show up for class twice week, but I'm sure they have their doubts, too. The more they talk and question and speculate among themselves about whether it's a cult or not, the more likely current stud
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hats off to the previous poster for talking so much with the students still stuck in this fake School! The students left behind in the Boston and New York groups may appear loyal because they show up for class twice week, but I'm sure they have their doubts, too. The more they talk and question and speculate among themselves about whether it's a cult or not, the more likely current s
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Note to wassuphere?: I'm so sorry to hear your cousin's reaction, but not surprised. The group has a very strong hold on many of its members. From my vantage point outside of the group, I find it all extremely sad and tragic. The degree of coercion, manipulation and bullying that goes on inside the group is amazing. Anyone displaying any independent thinking or free will is deri
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Note to wassuphere?: I'm wondering if you had the discussion with your family member and how things went? I'm not sure if this sort of method works or not, but I would imagine its worth trying. Many of the older students are so heavily under the spell of Sharon and Robert that they may refuse to listen to you. On the other hand, they may have formulated their own reasons to be suspi
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The group could easily disband once Sharon retires or dies. I’ve been out of the Boston branch of School for several years, but before I left I thought Robert was getting burnt out on the whole esoteric scene. And the younger teachers in Boston lack the charisma to keep the group going. It might be different in New York, but I doubt it. Over the course of years, Robert stopped attending c
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"