Even lions and hyenas love their young. So, how dangerous religious cults really are? They will rob you off your emotion, sensibility, your intellect, your humanity, your relationships with other human beings. Religious leaders are blood-suckers. They will leave you bone-dry, dull, ignorant and boring. Even parents will give up their children, and those nothing much to give, will give the last sh
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

What really sickens me is not so much about cult leaders like Chris Butler, like you said Rama, followers who raise children to sacrifice them into slavery of this one pathetic charlatan, is so totally brain-dead. It's one thing to join a group for some personal gratification, like wanting to be belonged, be seduced to an exotic lifestyle, or as mundane as meeting potential love interest; th
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

My heartfelt condolences to you, Rama. Thank you for being brave. You're a beacon of hope to many folks who still have dear ones in the fold. It's really sad to hear stories like yours, but I'm sure it's all worth it. Your struggle is much appreciated. I'm sure you're an inspiration to the whole anti-cult movement. I share your indignation. Please try to find peace i
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Alright. CB or not CB, I don't think that's not very important, anymore. But thanks for the little GBC history, that's very accurate. For the record, at least the public is enlightened with what sort environment the Iskcon had during the 70s. They are like goons and mafiosis clad in saintly fashion. We need more accounts like this. Thanks Zeuszor.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

here's tirtha and judge for yourself.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Daruka's got a hooked nose, and tirtha is blonde. Unshaved head and turtleneck? Just look at the features. That guy is definitely CB.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Vera wrote: Most people do not know how easily they can be manipulated into ecstatic states. All Jagad Guru had to do was to stand up and lead a kirtan. Jumping up and down and periodically smiling at a follower and throwing a flower garland at him would drive the chanters absolutely wild! Singing, dancing and playing music is a lot of fun in itself. Add to that the programmed fantasy that you
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thanks Vera for all your posts, it hurts to look back at what really attracted me about that cult. I can't believe how stupid of me as a young man to have stooped down that low to think that I had gained entrance into something exotic and sublime. CB deliberately misled young people like me into that illusion that no matter how farther down he lowered the bar, we would still reach down just
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hey Dassi, I apologize for being so rash in condemning us for our wrong choices. You're right, it's too easy and simplistic to blame those who were duped by the lies and deceitful tactics gurus and politicians employ. I don't know what to say about blind followers who after learning that they've become tools for propagating lies still hang on to their dogmas. I still stand by
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Here's one more: I ain't gonna google Siddhaswarup no more All I wanted to know, what the guru is up to What I get, ten thousand hits or so Of nothing but quotes from the guru, oh no Ah, I ain't gonna google Siddhaswarup no more Googs, you're fun guy!
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I’m not gonna spam for Siddha’s websites no more He asked me to go online always, be such a geek Go on Craiglists.com plug 300 ads a week I just hate spam because I’m a vegetarian freak Ah, I’m not gonna spam for Siddha’s websites no more Sorry, I can't help it!
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I just made it all up. The message and the parallelism is that you are responsible for choosing your leader. I've no sympathy for the American people for bringing George Bush to the world as well as for the SoI members for following a twit. Hokey?
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Dassi, I left in early 80s. I also misspelt the word sang. It should be sung. Sri Guru is one of my favourite sanskrit chant songs. I heard of Prahlad and company recording same chant song in a sing-along fashion ala We Are the World with respective solos. It wasn't that bad really, it just shows how we have become phonier and phonier (you're right); or maybe I'm just too sentiment
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

In my case I hit my head accidentally on one of those hanging beams in the chanting hall in Maui. Just kidding. No way I'll ever go back bowing down before that fraud again. It's one of the biggest regrets in my life. Muhammad Ali said, "he who in his fifties, still sees the world the same as when he was in his twenties, wasted thirty years of his life." I was paraphrasing.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thanks Dassi for explaining about cognitive dissonance. I used to be a member of this group. What I may add when dealing with cult members in general is the difficulty to bring the discourse to the rational level. Firstly, people of faith have technically rejected rational thinking when they embraced a dogma, and any attempt to merge the two together is simply a big waste of time. I think when di
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"