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"

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"