I'm interested in knowing of anyone's experiences with UPC. I was a member for a brief time a very long time ago and had no idea they were considered a cult! Very legalistic yes, but not a cult. Can someone enlighten me please as to why?
Forum: Destructive Churches

Thanks so much! ALL excellent advice, I'm going over to start reading right now! No, there was never any proof that our leader had actual knowledge. He did speak Nahuatl, the Aztec language as did all of his friends from Mexico that started out in the group with him (they all eventually disappeared to parts unknown). But of course, not knowing Nahuatl from French, none of us ever would h
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Without knowing anything about the leadership of this church, it's hard to say. Nearly all religions claim that their way is the only way, so you certainly can't go by that. It definately sounds like a fundamentalist church, pentecostal or charismatic in nature. The thing is, some of these churches are ethical and straight up, others aren't and it's all in the leadership.
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

I think it all boils down to one sentence, regardless of family issues, upbringing or whatever, we end up in cults because we want to belong!
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thanks, very well said! :D
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I was involved with 2 different cults based on Native American beliefs. I am Native for those of you who may wonder. I bounced back and forth between these two groups for several years and had to rebuild my life when I finally left both for good. ALL of my friends were in the groups, so I had no friends, no support system whatever. Of course I was shunned and can only go back by pretty much
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I too am native. I can tell you with authority, don't go there! There is a lot of power in these types of ceremonies, etc and it isn't always of a positive nature. It may SEEM harmless enough, but you are messing with powers and principalities that are older than mankind and these plastic shaman types have no clue what they're doing. It's extremely dangerous and not at all
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

First, be assured that my prayers are with you. What a nightmare! I don't know if there are any battered women's shelters in this town, but if so, I would highly recommend contacting them. They are experts in this sort of thing. Even if your daughter does not have to stay in the shelter, they provide counseling, can tell her what to do to be less likely to be found, and in some case
Forum: Destructive Churches