Jack: If someone called me an "idiot," it would seem sensible to simply ask why? Having said that, it seems to me that people on this board become frustrated with the circular thinking or lack of common sense, which has so often been displayed by Landmark devotees. And it does seem to be the product of "programming," since it is so clone like, i.e. a lack of critical
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

Jack: There you go again. Your self-serving definition of an "ad-hominem" attack seems to be when anyone criticizes your thinking, or lack of it. Sorry Jack, but that response falls flat like so many others you have made on this board. You don't seem to "get it." FYI--An ad hominem attack, which I am well acquainted with, would be something like citing an u
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

Jack: Your self-serving definition of an "ad-hominem" attack seems to be when anyone criticizes your thinking, or lack of it. Sorry Jack, but that response falls flat like so many others you have made on this board. You don't seem to "get it." FYI--An ad hominem attack, which I am well acquainted with, would be something like citing an unrelated personal histo
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

Jack: See This study by a clinical psychologist about "mass marathon training" like Landmark, covers this issue precisely and professionally. If Landmark really wants to stop people from being hurt and run credible programs they would address the issues raised within the above linked study. There is no reason to take needless risks with Landmark, given their history and the
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

Briggs: All the information about Landmark is readily available through the Internet. See the following link: Read the press articles and reports. And go over the previous links posted, which work just fine. Landmark has been linked to breakdowns, family estrangements, divorce etc. It is simply not the way you have chosen to paint it. There are many first-hand accounts from peo
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Briggs: You do seem to be way in over your head and becoming increasingly embedded in Landmark. Your testimonials almost sound religious. In this sense Landmark is exposed as a philosophy or belief system, rather than an educational program. And the organization uses people like you to proselytize or promote its indoctrination, much like a missionary. But the crucial difference between a
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Jack: When people post encyclopedia links it also seems like running up the flag to salute. That is, when some people can't make a meaningful point within a discussion, they start citing the encyclopedia. Many would see this as a tacit admission you have no wind in your sails. You seem fairly embedded in Landmark because it makes you feel good, which is an interesting point. T
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

The article Briggs posted is about as good as it gets for Landmark in the press. Anyone doing meaningful serious research will find that Landmark/EST has received far more negative press. And that historically, the piece linked above is the exception, not the rule. See What's interesting about this report, is that even though it is essentially a positive somewhat promotional accoun
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Again, note how "Rookie" does not specifically answer the repeated questions. Silence in this situation seems to indicate that "Rookie" is just another name used by "Siam,." FYI--Siam is a diehard Landmark devotee that previously attempted to disrupt/spam this board with nonsensical rants and flames. Subsequently, Siam was banned from the board and now appa
Forum: Abusive and Controlling Relationships

It sounds like Briggs is really hooked. Obviously, there are many people who have not only tried Landmark that are critical of its practices, but have taken advanced courses beyond the initial Forum and even made staff, that have subsequently become critical. The organization has a deeply troubled history that is well-recorded by constant complaints, lawsuits and bad press. BTW--it is a
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Note that "Rookie" did not specifcally answer the above questions. Instead, he made a statement about Scientology, which was not specifically responsive to all the questions and somewhat evasive. Why not answer all the questions directly and to the point Rookie? Are you uncomfortable with answering the questions for some reason? Just curious
Forum: Abusive and Controlling Relationships

Rookie: Your posts sound somewhat familar. You wouldn't happen to be a certain persona non grata named "Siam"? Please spell out in very plain language what your purpose is on this message board. Why did you specifically decide to post here? Also, are you a former participant in Landmark? And if so, what is your take on that organization and advice to others about it?
Forum: Abusive and Controlling Relationships

Rookie: Your posts sound somewhat familar. You wouldn't happen to be a certain persona non grata named "Siam"? Please spell out in very plain language what your purpose is on this message board. Why did you specifically decide to post here? Also, are you a former participant in Landmark? And if so, what is your take on that organization and advice to others about it?
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

"Cults" or "cult-like" groups are everywhere. And yes, they are even in West Virginia. See the following links:
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Because Daron just wants to promote links to his website and go on proselytizing. He seems to see this board as a place to advertise.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Here is the key sentence that provides meaningful context. "They say they are not a cult , but they appear to have some indoctrination techniques and many of the characteristics of coercion of the subtle type described on this site." For reference see the following links: The term "lifestyle" is only offered as a quote, not an issue or proposed focus for discu
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Please note that two topical threads have been started. One about online games of concern. Another about online communities. I don't think anyone indicated an interest in your lifestyle. And such a discussion is really not the point of this disussion board. No interview is necessary.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Please post here if you are interested in this subject. Let's keep this thread focused.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Please post here if you are interested in this subject. Let's keep the thread focused.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Shi: Again, as said repeatedly before and posted through links. A "cult" is not always destructive, it could be benign, and this distinction is based upon behavior not belief. A destructive cult might be formed supposedly based upon BDSM, just as many have been formed that are supposedly based upon Christianity. I am not aware of such a BDSM cult. See Tyger: This thre
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Can we move on now?
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Shi: Please understand that there will be no "flame war," this board is moderated. Read the rules. "By clicking the Agree button, you warrant that you will not post any messages that are obscene, vulgar, sexually-orientated, hateful, threatening, or otherwise violate any laws."
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Corboy certainly covered all this. The links previously posted offer working definitions of cults, cultic relationships etc. Movie stars, rock singers and celebrities have "cult followings." This thread started over concern about "online games" expressed by a parent. Parents have the right to exercise discretion over their minor children, regarding what they do on
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Just trying to bring this thread back to the actual educational purpose of this website. This is not a sex site. The links preivously posted offer criteria to evaluate a group spefically pertaining to the theme and purpose of this website.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Here are some definitions regarding "cults" and "brainwashing" See the following links: Not all "cults" are bad, some are essentially benign. Some relationships have been called "cult-like" or "cultic." Lifton offers eight criteria to determine if a thought reform program is ongoing. He says if six of the eight criteria are
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Let's not get into a flame war. If that occurs I will have to stop letting some posts through. Insulting each other isn't very educational and this is an educational site.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thanks Corboy. I have received very serious complaints about Kalinda alleging that she abuses members, is quite manipulative and controlling and exploits people financially. She apparently extracted her teachings from various sources and lives very well off contributions and fees for services with residences in Hawaii and California. The group also opens communal houses where members res
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Has anyone heard of a religious sect or "cult" called the "Miracle of Love" located in San Diego? It is led by a woman who calls herself "Kalindi La Gourasana." See
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

As you admit, "I am the same Landmark devotee and a real flamer and fanatic." Thanks. Now everyone on this board can clearly understand where you are coming from and what your agenda is. FYI--your flames will not be posted.
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

Siam: This is pretty much the same lame old sing-song apologetic any hard core Landmark groupie offers, though you seem to be trying to water it down a bit for this board. However, if you are the same "Siam" and Landmark devotee that posts at alt.fan.Landmark, you are actually a real flamer and fanatic. For the record, when people repeat the course it clearly supports the concl
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"