Any idea how one can watch that documentary if they don't subscribe to HBO? (and they're outside of the US)?
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I just found out the real reason my friend is so interested in these Raelians. She's dating one of them... He started flirting with her the second time she attended their meetings, and she fell for it. He is younger than her, so she feels very flattered. I knew from reading articles on them that they used pretty young women to attract men to the group, and now it's confirmed that th
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Their main goal is to build an "embassy" for the Elohim to come back here and "save" us. They say that Rael is the last prophet, and only those who follow him will be saved when the earth is destroyed by war and pollution. Isn't that a classic strategy: tapping into people's fears? Unfortunately, it works well. It's impossible to communicate with my friend. Even
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Well, I had a long discussion with my friend last night. I presented her with quite a bit of information. I didn't want to overwhelm her, but I did present her with enough information to give her a clear picture of this group. She dismissed the testimonials as coming from jealous or resentful individuals, and she believes the media made up or exaggerated some of the other stories. We tal
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

One of my posts didn't go up for some reason. A couple days ago I posted a link here to a video about Thailand. A bit off topic, but I thought it illustrated well how easy it is to be tracked down through one's social media accounts. This is not the exact same link, but the same video: http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/tourism-thailand-slammed-for-creepy-ad/story-e6frf
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

ultraspring, This link doesn't go to a regular webpage. It links to a word document. For me it downloads it automatically. Check your downloads folder maybe?
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I've been reading a lot on them. Yes, they are really out there in their beliefs. I have found a LOT of information on weird stuff that they teach or do, but it is difficult to find people who claim to have been "brainwashed" by them, or who had difficulty leaving the group. Most of the articles out there paint them as eccentric but fun-loving and liberal, making them seem
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

This is one of the most heartfelt and moving posts I have ever read. Thank you so much for sharing this. I hope you mother sees this. Whatever she decides to do, she will always know that you love her, and you will know that you have done everything you can. Wishing you peace one way or the other.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Wow, this is a lot to digest... Thank you.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Does anyone have information on this group? The name of the leader is Rael (original name Claude Vorilhon), and they call themselves Raelians. Seems like an international organization. I've only read a bit about their philosophy (which involves aliens) and there is no doubt in my mind that it's all nonsense. But I have a friend who is getting involved with them and I'm wondering
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Misstyk Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Bodh Gaya attracts sexual predators, sadly. > Spiritually-minded young tourists visiting the > sacred site are easy prey, as their defenses are > down, and they tend to be naive and trusting. > There have been incidents over the years of > Tibetan and Bhutanese monks assaulting young women > maki
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Here's another one for you: Japanese woman accuses Indian tourist guide of drugging then raping her: police A Japanese woman has accused an Indian tourist guide of drugging and then raping her in the historic city of Jaipur, police said, the latest in a series of sex attacks on foreigners in the country. The 20-year-old told police the guide offered to show her around Jaipur on
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Wow. Stumbled upon this post while researching traveling to India. These guys have manipulation down to a science! This was such an elaborate scam, it's scary.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"