Helen Christophi, a freelance journalist working on an article for Political Research Associates about the January 6th failed insurrection attempt, contacted me for an interview. Christophi was interested in cult involvement (particularly the Moon cult) in the planning and execution of that event. One of her most pertinent questions was how the GOP became so
Opening Our Minds: avoiding abusive relationships and authoritarian groups by Jon Atack is available in paperback, Audible and Kindle on Amazon. I am delighted to help bring attention to a new book which I think is a valuable contribution to our field. Disclosure: Jon is a good friend of mine, for decades, and is the leading
Freedom of Religion is one of the basic rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution. Ironically, the most serious current threat to religious freedom comes from those who claim to be most supportive of it. This threat is a highly organized assault on democracy as is evident in a formal agenda known as Project Blitz,
Forty-five years ago, I was deprogrammed from the Moonies. Over two years prior to that, I had been recruited into the cult, had undergone systematic mind control tactics and become a loyal follower of Rev. Sun Myung Moon. I had been fully convinced that Moon was the Messiah, sent by God to save the world.
On May 13, 1985, a group of members of the MOVE cult, and their children, were living in a row house in West Philadelphia. MOVE was a “left” wing, revolutionary authoritarian group. Conflicts between MOVE members and the Philadelphia Police Department had been frequent, but that evening this conflict erupted into tragedy. The City of
Rod of Iron Ministries Stormed US Capitol On January 6, insurrectionists came dangerously close to overthrowing the United States government. The organizations that were instrumental in organizing the attacks on the US Capitol were sophisticated and highly connected with prominent GOP political figures. Hyung Jin “Sean” Moon — the youngest son of Moonie cult founder
The psychological state of fervor and the emotion of awe might not come to mind when thinking about how cults recruit and control their members. However, cult indoctrination and control depend on the exploit of emotions, particularly in the initial stages. Emotions are the drivers for all human behavior, such as attraction or aversion. This
I often find it hard to believe that this year marks my 45th anniversary of freedom from the insidious cult indoctrination of the Moonies. For the 40th anniversary of my deprogramming, I wrote a blog to thank the people directly responsible for the intervention that liberated me. As I reflect, there have been many people
My friend and colleague, John Collins, has done significant work documenting the history of William Branham’s Message movement. A few years ago, Collins and I authored an article on Mind Control and Jonestown as Jim Jones had been influenced by Branham. Collins taught me about Branham and his influence with other authoritarian cult leaders. Cults
I am delighted to talk today with Desiree Kane, who I first met doing a TEDxMid Atlantic program titled Dismantling QAnon. Desiree is a Miwok journalist and activist. We have had several occasions to share our professional expertise and personal commitment to freeing people from undue influence and authoritarian control. In particular, Desiree has helped
Two recent events have brought increased attention to individuals and groups that adhere to what is known as “sovereign citizen” ideology. A group called “Rise of the Moors” made headlines along with a person arrested for the January 6th attack on the Capitol. Sovereign Citizen Ideology Used as a Defense Pauline Bower participated in
The story of Aaron Kyereh-Mireku, a former member of a left-wing Trotskyist cult (IMT), is very important for two reasons. His experience is more proof that anyone can be seduced into a cult, no matter how intelligent, educated or influence-resistant they may be. Further, his story demonstrates that there are cults with left-wing, communist ideology,