For anyone interested, the Droid--in his usual salty and irreverent way--throws his spotlight on Jennifer Horton in this article, just presented today: saltydroid.info
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

A while ago in this thread, after Bernie himself made his appearance, I remarked that I didn't have any argument with the basic precepts being touted by the Desteni proponents. I now have to qualify that, based on the fact that it's very obvious to me that I was premature in saying something that open-ended. Although I feel that self-examination and self-honesty are laudable traits,
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hey, sorry Stoic. I could have referenced you by name, but am so tired today from my scrolling, Googling and cross posting, etc. that I got lazy. That being said: Kudos for getting on Ray's mailing list and posting the very incriminating "Still In Business" shingle hanging outside Ray's soon-to-be-liquidated place of business. qd
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteStoicI had a response today from my email to San Diego PD. The email has a confidential disclaimer to it so I shall paraphrase: The truly unfortunate incident was thoroughly investigated and determined to be a suicide. The case has been reviewed and SDPD is confident the findings are correct. I find that depressing, in a way. Maybe they are just hoping to cover their asses. Judging from
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

For the record: I think what pisses me off the most, is that I don't really have much problem at all (if any) with the basic ideas that have been presented in this thread, regarding the beliefs and aims of Desteni. The very high-minded ideal of correcting issues at the personal level, for the benefit of mankind and the world are fantastic, although not unfamiliar in cult circles. I say t
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Well, with the weigh-in of the 'big cahuna', my ears perked up. It reminded me more than a little of the Dave Lakhani debacle. So, now that we have the mention of the "anticult cult", the claims of harmlessness and the daring of a poster to give up their anonymity, there seems to be a familiar pattern developing here. If things run true to form, the big cheese gets a little n
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Out of the three threads on this forum (that I have seen) regarding Desteni, one thing stands out: The apologists (or perhaps 'true believers') are out in force, and disrupting each of the threads with their personal testimonies or sales pitches. To me, that is strong evidence that a 'nerve' has been touched. I never heard of Desteni before, but the actions of those who feel t
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuotecorboyAnyone who uses this to try to do sneak advertising risks being reincarnated as a tapeworm. Thanks, corboy, for not saying "cockroach". I am afraid some of the perps might actually aspire to that! qd
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteChrista This is the only 4 hour film I've ever watched that I was sorry when it was over. The BBC broadcast it in the UK; PBS declined to show it in the US. I'm not sure what that means, but I am sure it means something. The Century of the Self: # Thanks, Christa, for posting that. I'm adding it to the collection of materials that are not to be found in main-stream
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I was glad to read UseYourBrain's post, since my searching for "critical voices" was similar, and helped me tremendously. I was sorry, though, that nobody responded to her question: QuoteUseYourBrainAre there any studies that describe factors that contribute to such a condition, or is this just human suggestability? I have also wondered about this in the past, and have basically
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

There is so much I have wanted to say, about this debacle. But, once again, a number of posters have beat me to it. Thank-you all for saving me from spending what little energy I have left for these clowns like Not-Dr. Illogic. (see, you guys have gotten me hooked on the Salty Droid) Thanks also to Mr Ross for getting right up in this goof's face and hurrying the process of getting him ou
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

This is great news. Great for a multitude of reasons. A light has now been thrown on one of the many flavors of the New Age leaning that has afflicted the USA and the world. One can imagine this to be the first sign of an increased awareness of the true personalities of the hucksters, shaman, self-styled gurus and snake-oil salespeople who have infected the very minds of a whole generation. Very
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Returning to these threads, after some days away, I am once again disturbed by the obvious lack of action against this person and his cohorts. Four of my favorite threads on this forum have shown more than just a little reason to investigate these people and their organizations for genuine criminal activity. With no other explanation, I could easily come to the conclusion that New Wage, Self-Help
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Good afternoon, everyone. I applaud the first postings on this thread by Anticult and Buffman. Directly questioning and engaging a schooled manipulator is what I personally call "walking into the lions den", which I won't do at this point. Myself, I got a massive goddam headache trying to read the last post by Lakhani, on the other thread, and had to stop trying. I perceive that
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteobjektivistI feel like I'm in an old 12 step meeting Do you? Interesting; I feel like I've been snapped at by a skittish creature that I was trying to be kind to. I chose words that came quickly to me, in that I was in a friendly mode. My meanings are not what you got, it seems. On top of that, the comment "I don't need a sponsor, thanks anyway" is beyond rude.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

No big deal? On the contrary; YES, big deal. Methinks the 2-posting apologist doth protest too obviously. qd
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Quoteobjektivist ....... I'm grateful to have found this site to hear about what really goes on behind closed doors. Welcome, objektivist. Thanks for sharing your recent experiences. You are not alone; this story (mine is a bit like yours) is not at all uncommon. I only came here a little over a year ago, after nearly going to the next level with BKI, after doing "The Work" onlin
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

"Dr." Daniel G. Amen wrote a recommendation on a book I had by Guy Finley, years ago; it seems he is endorsing the "Letting Go a Little Bit at a Time" book now. QuoteAmen:"Letting Go: A Little Bit at a Time is filled with big ideas that just might change your life. Wise, witty, and important." - Daniel G. Amen, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Change Y
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuotebuffmanOn page 3 he suggests that you use subliminal persuasion to get what you want, "whatever it is that you want...money, sex, power, fame, or anything else." Note that he only suggests things that are associated with abuses of power and corruption. He doesn't suggest "becoming a better parent," or "becoming more kind and compassionate," or "s
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Baxter-man speak with forked tongue. Him say he not endorse Katie, while telling people to try out and see if fits. Hmm. Him say "looks" like something of interest for members. Him repeat what Katie does. Him say, "Just try it out." Him not to be trusted, Kemosabe. (I just LOVED Tonto, in those old Lone Ranger episodes, didn't you?) qd
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hi Sparky, TAC and friends. Thanks for opening this up for discussion, as I was into LOL Foundation (good name, when abbreviated, eh?) Ken Roberts, (I think THERE is the connection---you'll be amazed when you've done the homework) and their various 'companies', selling both wealth building and spirit building. In that Guy only charged a few dollars to hear his talks, and w
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thanks, chicky monkey, for sharing your experience. It's now on this board for all the world to see. People now, and in the future, will get another personal account, critically examining Byron Katie's shenanigans, from someone who was right there in it. Also, your posting bumps this particular thread, which I believe to be important. You mentioned how your Googling on your cellphone
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteQuote from Dangerous PersuadersThis is achieved by using all kinds of cognitive distortions of reality eg all or nothing thinking, over generalising, disqualifying ignoring and discounting contradictory information, emotional reasoning, combined with enough rules and regulations to make ordinary living inevitably plagued by guilt about thoughts as well as actions. Unfortunately this process
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteChrista Whether you think so or not. And therein lies the big point! Just my two cents, but the names troll, sock-puppet, disruptor, distractor, trouble-maker and the like are just descriptions. Their handiwork is evident to us, whether they are aware of what they are doing or not. I challenge the individual known as TarSpiel to go to the beginning of this thread and use his brain (t
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Actually, I'm surprised that RR left this new thread up, since it was born out of what appeared to me to be a snide, "baiting" sort of question. Thanks, corboy, for taking a little time, and using some creativity, to use the question to lay out a nice perspective of what would NOT be cultish. You seem to have hit the nail on the proverbial head--a number of times! qd
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

It's both sad and interesting that that quote actually has an effect on me. It plays on my previous Eastern religion studies and I have to immediately shake it off. So, I imagine Katie having explosive diarrhea and shitting herself. That will work for the moment. Brings me to a question: I think it's important how TAC and others pick apart the techniques, after these things are quoted i
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteThe Anticult Fortunately now, versions of various LGAT releases of liability are posted on the internet, so people can look at them before they arrive. Some of the LGAT releases are posted, from PSI seminars, Landmark, and others. Landmark waiver PSI seminars waiver THE SCHOOL FOR THE WORK WITH BYRON KATIE - RELEASE OF LIABILITY AHA! Here's how, folks. Go to the bott
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

It's a fantastic idea, and should be implemented immediately. Unfortunately, the links don't work even when copied and pasted, much less 'quoted'. One might need to jot down this page number so that links can be reposted in the quoted text. Excellent idea, and one I will be using shortly, given the climate of this thread, lately. qd
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteI think there has been a bit of a misunderstanding. I was not saying that you need to understand a cult or new age speach to leave it but understanding and knowledge is needed in order to leave it behind. It is entirely possible that we are talking about two separate issues. My concern, I guess, is that there is a danger in over-thinking something that one is trying to divest themselves of
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuotenotanantiGnosticHi QuackDave, Your perspective is helpful, however remember that knowledge is power. You can't just leave something without understanding what you are leaving, so you don't just get stuck back in it again or something like it. Recognizing newage speak/mumbo-jumbo isn't all that difficult. How much understanding does one need to see it, avoid it and drop it
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"