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"

It has been "proven otherwise," but I understand your reluctance to accept that. See And Obviously, when Mormons disagree with what the church claims is somehow "historical" they risk "excommunication," no matter how compelling the evidence is. Much has been published in newspapers about the controversy surrounding Temple Square. It has regularly come u
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

First of all, in answer to your question all posts that are not in violation of the rules are posted. But RI reserves the right to delete posts and/or refuse to post those that violate the stated rules. Also, a "flame war" taken to excess will not be tolerated. Having said that, You are free to share your views and I welcome your opinions. Obviously you are a devoted Mormon
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

For a better understanding of these comments see the original article at What is a cult? See Is the Book of Mormon historical or fiction? See the following links:
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Anyone who reviews the section about Animal Rights and Environmental Extremists mentioned in the previous post above can readily see the focus is essentially on criminal conduct. See It is clear that some of these groups also operate in a "cult-like" manner and there have been claims that they "brainwash" their members. See PETA has become increasingly radical a
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I would just like to quickly clarify something. This Forum is a place for people to generally discuss various issues connected to the subjects and group categories listed. If someone wants to praise LGATs or whatever, that's their right and/or choice. Though obviously most people posting are not really praising or promoting such programs. Having said that, I think it's rather obv
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

Please see the following links: I hope this information is helpful. Rick Ross
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

There is a large section within the website. See There is also a personal testimony about the group within the book by Ronald Enroth titled, "Recovery from Churches that Abuse" Zondervan Press. Another website with information about the group is-- Christian Research Institute also prepared a report about the group during about 1990. They would not recommend the group.
Forum: Destructive Churches

The former members of the Geftakys Assembly apparently felt they wanted a site exclusively devoted to their group experience. They have moved their discussion over to the other site, which is linked from my Links page. Rick Ross
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

There are many articles about "cults" at colleges within my archive. All you need to do is go to the search page and enter "college cults" or "cults on campus" and a listing of articles will come up as search results. Some of the most common groups recruiting at colleges that have been called "cults" are: International Church of Christ Sri Chinmoy T
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

There is a section about the Master Path on my website. See Olsen has hurt quite a few people over the years. Good to hear you are moving on. Rick Ross
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

There have been so many scandals regarding multi-level marketing it's quite important to be very careful. A website that can be useful is "What's Wrong with Multi-Level Marketing." See The author of this study carefully reviews the most common problems seemingly inherent within many multi-level marketing schemes. Another website exclusively archives breaking news abo
Forum: Multi Level Marketing and Commercial Schemes

There are two articles that mention him within the archive. See the following:
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Were you involved with a church, synagogue or religious institution that you thought was destructive? This new section is for those who feel they were in something destructive and/or abusive, but that it perhaps did not quite fit the definition of a "cult."
Forum: Destructive Churches

I have never heard of either Steve Brazell or Bill Coolidge. I have no idea what this man Brazell is even talking about. Nothing happened in 1992 that I can recall. Sounds like a made up story. I have been to Yuma once on a case, and it had nothing to do with CFM or these men. I have information about the CFM posted on my website and it's been up for some time. I also testified in a
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Yes, there are many families struggling with Amway problems regarding loved ones. I have received many complaints. See the following links: I am very sorry to hear of your situation.
Forum: Multi Level Marketing and Commercial Schemes

It sounds like your daughter is planning to have her marriage ceremony in a temple, which means non-Mormons may not attend. I am sorry to hear this. It is sad when family cannot attend a wedding. She might have opted to have a wedding outside of one of the Mormon Temples so relatives and family could attend the ceremony.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Certainly people leave LDS, including those who been raised in that religion. I have heard the joke, that one of the largest categories on Mormon membership roles is, "baptized address unknown." Be patient and understanding with your daughter. Make sure that she knows you are there for her and would assist her if she needed help. It is vitally important to keep the lines of communica
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The "baptism of the dead" is the Mormon practice of having ceremonies to baptize those deceased into Mormonism. Supposedly the dead then have the right in the hereafter to reject or accept that baptism. Mormons believe this is their way to help the dead. This is largely what motivates Mormons to spend so much time tracking ancestors and maintaining historical archives regarding families
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The Supreme Court has decided to hear a case regarding cross burning by the Ku Klux Klan. Essentially, some ordinances have been instituted in various parts of the US prohibiting or limiting cross burning within their jurisdiction. Is cross burning a right of free expression? Do you feel the Klan has a right to express itself through cross burning events held in public?
Forum: Hate Groups

Do you think "brainwashing" is real or just imagined? Can someone be brainwashed or this used as an excuse to explain away mistakes and bad decisions? What is the difference between legitimate religious conversion and "cult brainwashing"? Where is the line between religious indoctrination or instruction and "brainwashing"?
Forum: Coercive Persuasion and Undue Influence

How do you think religious organizations should handle clergy abuse and sexual misconduct? Should clergy ever be given a second chance? Should their confessions to fellow clergy be protected? What rights should victims have? Where do you feel the churches currently involved in abuse scandals went wrong? Or do you feel their critics have gone too far?
Forum: Clergy and Therapy Abuse

Is someone controlling you right now and abusive through a relationship? Were you once in a relationship that became abusive? How did you get out? How did you recognize that the relationship had become abusive and/or destructive? What was your awakening point to that reality?
Forum: Abusive and Controlling Relationships

What cult were you in and how did it affect your life? How did you cope after leaving and what advice or insights do you have for others?
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Are you the member of a family affected by a cult? Is your loved one involved in a destructive group? What coping skills have you developed? How do you deal with the situation day-to-day?
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families