Reply #10: This kind of cult mentality

[jokerman93]

This kind of cult mentality is prevalent all over in America these days. Don't think the Christian Right is the only bastion of authoritarian ideology.

The New Age crowd has its own debilitating undertow with organizations like the Landmark Forum, Eckankar, Scientology and all their offshoots, to name only a few. The pagan movement itself is now populated with archaic cult revivals sponsored by academics and self-styled religionists who tend toward authoritarianism as well.

I was stuck in the Eckankar mire for a number of years, and spent several years disentangling myself from the group as it kept tabs and spread slander effecting my family relationships and employment for some time. The negative effects of that group in my life may never be entirely eliminated.

It's the cult thinking that is the danger here, not necessarily the form or beliefs the cult takes on. seems like Americans are psychologically almost predisposed to cults these days.

I urge anyone with family members involved in such groups to reach out to them with intentional love and support, and keep reaching out.

Real family values...you know?