Each faith has the right to determine the meaning of its own holidays and its religious symbols. Passover is not a Christian holiday. I really am not interested in a debate about your beliefs. The simple facts about Passover and the meaning historically attached to its symbols used within the traditional meal called the seder, is not about Christian faith or Jesus. I am well-acquaint
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The so-called "Passover" presentation done by JFJ places Jesus within an established ritual observance that predates Christianity by centuries. The claims made that there are hidden meanings behind traditional understandings of the Passover is without precedent. JFJ also does this regarding the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. Again, these holidays and their ritual significance
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The story posted above is very slanted. It sounds like the official Scientology version. See the following links to get the facts as they were reported by numerous news outlets. To better understand the church Jason Scott was in and the Christian perspective about that church see the following: Regarding the abusive leadership of Jason's group read this sermon as deliver
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

The organization "Jews for Jesus" (JFJ) was founded by an ordained Baptist minister and essentially subscribes to that denominational basic theology. See JFJ is an evangelical Christian missionary organization, which targets Jews for conversion and a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. To better understand Jewish objections regarding "Passover&
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The Ross Institute is a nonprofit tax-exempt educational effort. It is not a religious nonprofit. There is no effort to promote a specific religious belief system or theology, but rather to report breaking news with factual information about cults, cotroversial groups and movements. See
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I don't agree with your observations. The police and other authorities look upon no one as "infallible." Psychiatrists are responsible to licensing boards and often state boards/authorities, let alone insurance companies. There are checks and balances in place. There are sections of the Ross Institute website that reflect many psychologists and psychiatrists being sued and ha
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Any group can report alleged crimes to the authorities. Obviously victims and their families are frequently the source for such information. My point is that the CCHR/Scientology has its own troubled history and agenda. BTW--are you associated in some way with Scientology and/or have you ever taken their courses? Just curious.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

It's important to note that Scientology has its own history of abuse allegations and crimes. See Scientology is opposed to all therapy, through the mental health profession. Specifically, they do not accept any psychologist or psychiatrist as a means for treating mental illness or personality disorders. See Scientologists believe they alone have the real answers, not unlike oth
Forum: Clergy and Therapy Abuse

It's important to note that Scientology has its own history of abuse allegations and crimes. See Scientology is opposed to all therapy, through the mental health profession. Specifically, they do not accept any psychologist or psychiatrist as a means for treating mental illness or personality disorders. See Scientologists believe they alone have the real answers, not unlike oth
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Elizabeth-- "Sterling Guy" offers what is essentially the "mantra" of his group. That is, a relationship is the responsibility of the woman and she should essentially accept whatever her man does unconditionally. Obviously, most thinking people would consider this bad advice. Please understand that the actual source of this advice is really Justin Sterling, and that
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

Elizabeth-- You may also want to share information with your husband easily accessible through the Internet. Landmark has a deeply troubled history of lawsuits, out of court settlements, bad press and constant complaints. This is well documented. See Obviously there are many other options for self-improvement offered through college courses, nonprofit community programs and licen
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

See the following links:
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The following links can be helpufl to better define the word "cult."
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Many paranoid conspiracy theory sites look just like what you have put together. But that doesn't mean the theories expressed are about anything with substance and/or real. Though it may seem real to the paranoid webmasters who run them.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Obviously you can say whatever you want. As can others. Sorry, but I looked at your links and that's my opinion. Looks like bizarre conspiracy theories.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The links and statement above demonstrate the kind of conpiracy subculture that exists on the Internet. It seems like almost anything can be attributed to some government conspiracy and the CIA is a favorite tar baby. Jonestown was somehow a "CIA MK-Ultra mind control experiment," according to one such conspiracy theory. Right. Scientology seems to like that one. Such theor
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

There are numerous first-hand accounts written by journalists that completed the Forum. See the following examples:
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

"The Christian Fellowship Churches" mentioned above is led by Wayman Mitchell of Arizona and has a deeply troubled history of bad press, lawsuits, custody battles, church splits and pastor walk outs. See the following links: A good book to read regarding such groups is "The Subtle Power of Spirtual Abuse," which is written from a Christian perspective. Also see
Forum: Destructive Churches

I have received no complaints about Marilyn Manson. I have heard that Marilyn Manson has a "cult following" of devoted fans, but that's about it. Claims about Satanism have often been grossly exaggerated. See
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

There are no links to criticism, critical articles or any negative feedback posted at either Sterling or Landmark websites. Obviously the Open Forum provides a place for you, or anyone, to express opinions.
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

Thank you for acknowledging that MDI "Men's Division International" is a group that provides "suport" for the weekend. MDI clearly is a "tool" used for recruitment and promotion by Justin Sterling for his weekend. Sterling typically grosses about $70,000.00 for a working "weekend." This income has made him a multi-millionaire. Also, despite yo
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

The Sterling Institute of Relationship is a for-profit privately owned company. Justin Sterling, previously known as Artie Karsarjian runs it. Karsarjian or Sterling as he is now called has no credentials as a relationship expert. He has no degree or certification in the field of marriage and/or family counseling. Typically, professionals who offer seminars or "weekends" have both an
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

Obviously many people would disagree with this negative portrayal and analysis of AA. Others seem to feel the program has helped people. Unlike destructive groups called "cults" AA does not have an absolute leader and is in fact not rigidly organized around an established hierarchy that exploits its members.
Forum: Clergy and Therapy Abuse

Despite subjective opinions based upon "experience" regarding Landmark there is an objective historical record. Again, there is not a "sceintific study" to support any of the claims made by Landmark or its grauduates regarding any positive and lasting benefit, which has been proven through peer reviewed scientifically supported research. What have you got to lose? Well,
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

Landmark Education, the Forum, and its previous incarnation EST (Erhard Seminar Training) has a deeply troubled history, which is well-documented through substantial and repeated bad press, complaints and litigation. Anyone considering involvement with this organization in any way shape or form, should read about the group carefully and in-depth from numerous sources before becoming involved
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

There are articles about the Yahweh ben Yahweh group within the database at the Ross Inst. See
Forum: Destructive Churches

Anyone considering Oom Yung Doe should read the published material about them, which includes very serious allegations. See Certainly, the above participant is entitled to express her own opinion about this organization. But other students have gone on the record with sharply contrasting and/or opposite views about this controversial school. Clearly Oom Yung Doe has a deeply troubled h
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

David Koresh actually had no systematic theology or meaningful hermeneutic approach to the bible. He often simply proof-texted. And what was supposedly "revealed" often-contradicted previous revelations and changed constantly depending upon his personal needs, desires and circumstances. Like most psychopaths and/or destructive cult leaders Vernon Howell (a.k.a. David Koresh) basicall
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

There is no factual premise to form a basis for these conspiracy theories. The documentation regarding what happened at Jonestown is overwhelming. See the following links: The political machine of Jim Jones in San Francisco helped to elect politicians. It's no wonder they liked him, until the media began to reveal his darker side and victims. See Jim Jones was a drug use
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

This was so funny I had to discuss it at CultNews.com See
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"