Life is filled with opportunities to practice new techniques for resilience, and many in the medical field have had ample chances to refine their skills in this area from personal challenges. This lived experience with investigations into problem-focused solutions is then commonly shared through science-based pursuits and practices. These mixed techniques increase what we know as personal or societal health through medicine. We all benefit from a more mentally and physically flourishing self and society. Dr. Eva Selhub, M.D. has fostered this idea throughout her career, culminating in a resilience strategy for modern times.  

Dr. Selhub is an internationally recognized resiliency expert who has worked as a physician, author, executive coach, keynote speaker, and spiritual advisor. She has written many books, including Burnout for Dummies, Resilience for Dummies, Your Health Destiny, The Stress Management Handbook, The Love Response, and co-authored Your Brain on Nature. She received her M.D. degree from Boston University School of Medicine in 1994 and has a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from Tufts University.  

Personal Tragedy Leading to Resilience Focus 

In this Influence Continuum episode, Dr. Selhub shared that her initial strategies in resilience occurred after a particularly traumatic period of her life when she experienced an accidental needle stick from a patient who was infected with AIDS at Boston Medical Center. Not an entirely uncommon experience for a medical professional, her year of waiting for results while going on medications to prevent transmission was also surrounded by an apartment fire where she lost everything. She found herself deep in financial debt and then experienced the sudden and additional need to cope with her father having a heart attack. Over time, she moved from a place of “Why me?” to “Why not me?” and realized that the events were not personal. How she handled these extreme stressors was within her control, she eventually discovered.  

As Medical Director at the Benson Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, she began focusing more on self-care, self-love, and co-creation. She noted that patients would be more likely to get off their medicines and reverse disease states by adding specific relaxation and meditation practices. She found techniques that helped people be present in their bodies, maintain physical activity, focus on nutrient-rich foods, and get the proper sleep, which is also central to good health.  

Medical Evidence for Focused Strategies and Time in Nature 

We discussed technology and the overstimulation of neurotransmitters as a theme of modern times and how health appears to be intricately tied to people’s ability to disconnect from computers and experience more nature-based leisure times, such as forest bathing. Dr. Selhub discussed how technologies like computer participation in every interaction is a relatively new feature of society, and our nature-based brains are having trouble with the constant plugged-in state. Taking breaks to relieve the stimulation of the dopaminergic and stress hormone pathways is a commonly needed prescription for modern times.  

I noted the work of people like Tristan Harris and the Center for Humane Technology as examples of organizations bringing our attention to the more significant problem. I have often noted that technology addictions mean that individuals have trouble giving up screens for days or even hours at a time. I asked whether we want to control technology or if it will be technology that controls us.  

Specific Techniques for Staying or Returning to Embodied State 

Dr. Selhub walked us through three techniques for quickly returning to a place within your body and in the present moment during times of significant stressors:  

1. The first exercise focuses on self-awareness. It involves noting contrasts between body states and observing what is felt during each. First, it promotes thinking about a stressful emotion, then one that results in a feeling of awe. She notes that when asked where the stress is felt in the body during a stressful event, people will often state contractions in the chest. She invites people to be mindful of thinking about a beautiful sunrise or another event where they find significant beauty or a sense of awe and how it often leads to a rapid loosening or opening in the chest or other places where tension is carried.  

2. In the second experiential section, Dr. Selhub walked us through a breathing exercise whereby we breathe in on a three-count and breathe out with a six-count. She uses this technique to ensure that all the alveolar sacs of the lungs are adequately emptied and engaged, encouraging deeper breathing. We also discussed many strategies used in relaxation breathing, including square breathing and alternate nasal techniques. We both agreed that relaxation-focused breathing is one of the excellent free strategies people can employ during significant stress.  

3. The last technique we reviewed is called ‘the shield,’ a mnemonic device. The ‘s’ is for slowing down. It involves pausing to take note of what is going on, ‘h’ is for honoring what one is feeling, ‘i’ and ‘e’ is for inhale/exhale, breathing with that feeling. ‘l’ is for listening to the feeling and ‘d’ is for deciding what to do with that feeling. Dr. Selhub often follows this with the suggestion of visualizing oneself shined down by beautiful rays of light from the sun or the heavens. I noted that I used a similar technique in a power force field, with my clients feeling anxious about exposure to undue influence from others. You can listen and be guided to do the SHIELD technique (trademark) on Dr. Selhub’s YouTube channel.  

We closed out our conversation by discussing topics of language, the effect of being triggered by specific conversations or events, and how to maintain resilience despite discomfort or painful experiences. We talked about the need not to avoid the problems of life or the world, as some concerns will only become more problematic with avoidance, but how to approach these stressors with a resilience mindset, understanding that adversity is an opportunity to learn with new tools. Learning to handle adversity is a beautiful thing and a key to living in the 21^st century!  

Resources:  

Eva Selhub, M.D. – Eva Selhub, MD (drselhub.com) 

Dr. Eva Selhub | Facebook 

Resilience For Dummies: Selhub, Eva M.: 9781119773412: Amazon.com: Books 

Burnout For Dummies: Selhub, Eva M.: 9781119894933: Amazon.com: Books 

The Stress Management Handbook: A Practical Guide to Staying Calm, Keeping Cool, and Avoiding Blow-Ups: Selhub M.D., Eva: 9781510730502: Amazon.com: Books 

Your Health Destiny – Eva Selhub, MD (drselhub.com) 

The post Resilience, Flourishing and Developing Healthy Physiologic Responses During Ongoing Stressors: Dr. Eva Selhub, M.D.  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

In a recent episode of the Influence Continuum, I had the privilege of a second opportunity to talk with Michelle Dowd, a journalism professor and author of Forager: Field Notes on Surviving a Family Cult. I watched Michelle’s three-and-a-half-hour interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Joe was utterly fascinated by Dowd’s cult experience and asked many questions, including what a cult is. Michelle mentioned me and my BITE Model^TM. Indeed, I was on Joe Rogan’s show in 2015, and he remembered me. I was astounded to hear Joe say that he thought anyone who was on social media all the time had a mental illness.  

Dowd’s story of being raised in an Apocalyptic survivalist cult on a mountain is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It offers valuable insights into overcoming the psychological grip of cults. This post explores key themes from her experiences and offers practical advice for recovery and empowerment. 

Personal Stories and Anecdotes: Michelle Dowd’s Journey 

Michelle Dowd’s upbringing was far from typical. Raised in an apocalyptic cult on a mountain in the Angeles National Forest, Dowd learned to navigate by the stars, forage for edible plants, and care for the earth. These survival skills were not just physical; they became metaphorical tools for her eventual escape and healing. Dowd’s memoir, Forager, details her journey out of poverty and illness, drawing on the gifts of the wilderness to find her way. 

Dowd shared how she found solace and strength in nature, which was crucial to her recovery. This connection to the natural world was grounding, helping her rebuild her identity and trust in herself. 

The Importance of Critical Thinking 

Critical thinking is a cornerstone of surviving and breaking free from undue influence. Now a journalism professor, Dowd teaches critical thinking and poetry at Chaffey College and the California Institutions for Men and Women in Chino. She has witnessed firsthand how developing critical thinking skills can empower individuals to question and ultimately reject the controlling narratives imposed by cults. 

In our discussion, we explored the Influence Continuum^TM, a framework for understanding the spectrum of influence from ethical to unethical. Dowd’s teaching methods, fostering open dialogue and encouraging personal expression, help students develop a robust internal locus of control. This approach aligns with the belief that individuals should be the masters of their own minds. 

Overcoming Shame and Finding Community 

Dowd’s experience on Joe Rogan’s podcast brought her story to a broader audience, and she received feedback from many women who related to her struggles. These women, often in controlling or abusive relationships, found hope in Dowd’s journey. By sharing her story publicly, Dowd has helped de-stigmatize the experience of being in a cult and has shown that recovery and a fulfilling life are possible. 

One poignant example Dowd shared was teaching poetry in a men’s prison. Initially, the incarcerated men were reluctant to express themselves, fearing vulnerability. However, Dowd facilitated a powerful transformation through patience and creating a safe space. The men began to share their poetry, breaking down barriers and finding a new form of expression. This experience underscores the importance of safe, supportive environments for healing and growth. 

Embracing Creativity and Physical Presence 

Dowd advocates for embracing creativity as a means of healing and empowerment. She described how practices like yoga and creative writing can help individuals reconnect with their bodies and emotions. Teaching yoga, Dowd emphasizes the importance of consent and safe touch, often denied in high-control environments. These practices help individuals reclaim their bodies and foster a sense of autonomy. 

I also highlighted the benefits of creativity, mentioning the book Your Brain on Art, which discusses the positive impact of art and music on brain health. Engaging in creative activities can help former cult members rebuild their identities and find joy and purpose. 

Challenging Controlling Narratives 

Dowd and I stressed the importance of challenging controlling narratives, whether from cults, authoritarian regimes, or societal norms. Dowd’s work in education and her public speaking engagements aim to empower individuals to think critically and question the information presented. 

Beyond Surviving: Moving Forward with Confidence 

Our conversation was infused with hope and empowerment. Dowd’s journey from a restrictive cult to a successful academic and author is a testament to the human capacity for resilience and growth. By sharing her story and encouraging others to do the same, Dowd provides a roadmap for recovery and self-discovery. 

Michelle Dowd’s story is a powerful reminder that, no matter the circumstances, it is possible to reclaim one’s identity and live a fulfilling life. We can all find freedom and empowerment through critical thinking, creativity, and community. 

For those interested in further exploring these topics, here are some valuable resources: 

• Forager: Field Notes on Surviving a Family Cult: Michelle Dowd’s memoir detailing her life in and escape from an apocalyptic cult. 
• Your Brain on Art: A book that explores the positive impact of art and music on brain health. 
• Steven Hassan’s Influence Continuum Podcast: Episodes that delve into mind control mechanisms and recovery from undue influence. 
• Chaffey College: Where Michelle Dowd teaches critical thinking and poetry. 
• Michelle’s recent appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast

The post Insights on Surviving and Thriving After a Cult with Michelle Dowd  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

In today’s world, the concept of cult mind control often conjures images of secluded communes and charismatic leaders. However, the insidious influence of cult-like tactics extends far beyond these stereotypes, infiltrating even the most critical areas of public discourse, such as climate science. In a recent episode of The Influence Continuum, I had the privilege of interviewing David Lipsky, author of The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial. This enlightening conversation delves into how anti-science sentiments have flourished in American society, drawing unsettling parallels between cult behavior and climate change denial. 

The Science of Denial 

David Lipsky’s book explores the history and consequences of climate denial, tracing its roots back to the manipulation tactics corporations use to protect their interests. The denial of climate change, despite overwhelming scientific evidence, is a modern tragedy reminiscent of earlier efforts by industries to sow doubt about the harms of products like tobacco and fossil fuels. 

Lipsky highlights the role of prominent figures and organizations in perpetuating these falsehoods. He explains how the systematic efforts of climate deniers were akin to the brainwashing techniques employed by cults. These tactics were effective and remarkably damaging, delaying crucial action on climate change for decades. 

The History of Climate Science Denial 

To truly understand the depth of climate science denial, it’s essential to look back to the early scientific discoveries of the 19th century. Lipsky’s book provides a detailed account of how scientists like John Tyndall and Svante Arrhenius laid the groundwork for our understanding of climate change. In the 1850s, Tyndall was one of the first to identify the heat-absorbing properties of gases such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, demonstrating how they trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. 

In the 1890s, Svante Arrhenius expanded on Tyndall’s work, quantifying the impact of carbon dioxide on global temperatures and predicting that doubling CO2 levels could significantly warm the planet. Despite these groundbreaking discoveries, the broader public ignored or misunderstood the early warnings about climate change. 

Corporate Interests and the Rise of Denial 

The modern era of climate science denial began in earnest in the mid-20th century, as industries with significant carbon footprints recognized the threat that scientific consensus on climate change posed to their business models. Lipsky details how the tobacco industry’s strategies to cast doubt on the health risks of smoking were used by fossil fuel companies to undermine climate science. 

Key figures like Fred Singer and Fred Seitz, involved initially in obfuscating the dangers of tobacco, were instrumental in sowing doubt about climate change. These scientists were recruited by fossil fuel interests to produce misleading research and promote uncertainty, effectively delaying public and political action on climate change. Lipsky reveals that these efforts were not haphazard but part of a well-funded and orchestrated campaign reminiscent of cult tactics designed to manipulate public perception. 

The BITE Model: Control and Manipulation 

My BITE Model (Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional control) provides a framework for understanding how cults manipulate their members. This model can also be applied to analyze how climate denial has been propagated. Climate deniers have used behavior control by funding scientists to produce misleading research, information control by spreading disinformation, thought control by attacking the credibility of legitimate scientists, and emotional control by instilling fear and uncertainty about the future. 

Lipsky recounts how the denial movement found its most influential voices among scientists willing to compromise their integrity for financial gain. Fred Singer and Fred Seitz, two of the most prominent climate deniers, first collaborated at a conference organized by the Unification Church, also known as the Moonies. This group, notorious for its cult-like practices, played a pivotal role in legitimizing climate denial. 

The Moonies: A Case Study in Influence 

The Unification Church, led by Sun Myung Moon, provides a stark example of how cults can exert significant influence. As a former member of the Moonies, I have firsthand experience and insights into the organization’s operations. The Moonies, adept at using “heavenly deception” to recruit and manipulate members, also extended their tactics to influential scientists. 

I recall how the Moonies would hold lavish events to honor politicians and celebrities, using these occasions to create favorable media coverage and gain credibility. This strategy extended to their involvement in climate denial, where they provided platforms for scientists like Singer and Seitz to disseminate their misleading research. 

This strategy extended to their involvement in climate denial, where they provided platforms for scientists like Singer and Seitz to disseminate their misleading research.  It was a reciprocal arrangement. “The presence of distinguished academics,” the Washington Post reported, “gives Moon the aura of power and influence he seeks.” 

Real-World Consequences 

The impact of these efforts is profound. Lipsky notes that by delaying action on climate change, these deniers have caused irreparable harm. He shares a poignant anecdote about how early scientists, like John Tyndall and Svante Arrhenius, identified the mechanisms of climate change as far back as the 19th century. Despite their groundbreaking discoveries, the efforts of modern deniers have impeded progress and exacerbated the climate crisis. 

Lipsky and I discuss the parallels between the tactics used by climate deniers and those employed by cults. Both rely on undermining trust in legitimate authorities and creating an alternative reality that supports their agendas. This manipulation of truth has left the public confused and paralyzed, unable to take the necessary steps to address the climate emergency. 

Strategies for Resistance and Recovery 

Understanding these tactics is the first step in combating them. I emphasize the importance of critical thinking and skepticism. It’s crucial to question the sources of information, seek out multiple perspectives, and remain vigilant against manipulation. Lipsky’s book provides a valuable resource in this effort, offering a detailed account of the history of climate denial and the players involved. 

I outline recovery strategies for those already affected by cult-like influences. These include exit counseling to restore personal autonomy and establishing support networks to help individuals rebuild their lives. Continued education and awareness are essential to prevent future generations from falling prey to similar tactics. 

A Call to Action 

The conversation between David Lipsky and me is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying as informed, transparent, and active as possible. The political situation in the United States shows the stark difference between Trump and the GOP being influenced by the Koch Corporation and other fossil fuel corporate giants and countries. Climate change is an existential threat that requires immediate action, and understanding the forces that have hindered progress is crucial. By recognizing the parallels between cult mind control and climate denial, we can better equip ourselves to resist these influences and advocate for meaningful change. Please understand that psychological methods are being used to distract, confuse, and make us feel helpless and hopeless. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

Relevant Links: 

• David Lipsky’s Amazon Author Page 
• The Parrot and the Igloo on Amazon 
• How Sun Myung Moon ‘Digested the Scientists’ and Fueled Climate-Change Denial Rolling Stone August 20, 2023 
• Freedom of Mind Resource Center 
• The Influence Continuum Podcast 
•  

The post Unmasking Climate Denial: How Cult Tactics Fuel Disinformation with David Lipsky  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

For those who know Combating Cult Mind Control and my work, you know I was in the Moon cult. However, for people under 50 years of age, many have no idea what the Moonies are about. So, it is important to understand that this cult is still a major player in the efforts to destroy democracy and eliminate the separation of church and state. Anne Nelson’s book, The Shadow Network focused on the secretive right-wing group, The Council for National Policy (CNP). Well, the founding editor of Moon’s Washington Times, James Whelan, was recruited from the CNP. 

The assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe by Tetsuya Yamagami, brought media attention back on the Moon cult. Abe became a target, reportedly because he and his father publicly supported the Moon cult. The assassin was reportedly furious because his mother had given away all the family money to the cult. The assassination brought about a huge public outcry as many top politicians were revealed to be involved with the Moon cult in Japan. Wood was flown to Japan to do interviews to explain that the cult is a destructive cult. The government said they intend to have the cult pay damages to victims of the cult. 

I interviewed former top American political leader of Unification Church, Allen Tate Wood, and wish to expose the mindset of cult psychology. Allen Tate Wood was a four-year member of the Unification Church–aka The Moon organization. He was the Chief Political Officer of the Unification Church in the United States, commander for the state of Maryland, workshop Director and Chief lecturer for the state of Maryland, and an expert witness for the congressional subcommittee investigation led by Donald Fraser into the Korean CIA infiltration into the United States. He also authored  Moonstruck: a Memoir of my lLfe in a Cult to warn people against cult dangers. Wood said he left in 1973 because “they were making people into fanatics.” When I met Allen in 1976, he told me he left the group because “they were making fanatics like you became, Steve.” We instantly became friends. 

In addition, Wood testified in The London Daily Mail lawsuit where the newspaper wrote that the Moonies brainwashed members and separated them from their families. The Daily Mail won the case and the Unification Church had to pay some 2 million dollars. Perhaps most importantly, Wood testified before the US Supreme Court in 1979 and 1981in the case involving Moon’s conviction of conspiracy to defraud the US Government. Mr. Moon was sentenced to 18 months and served 13 in a posh prison in Danbury, Connecticut. 

Allen Tate Wood’s experience with the Moon Cult 

As a young man, Wood openly shared his disillusionment with the Vietnam War and was looking for a spiritual direction. Trying to appease his spiritual appetite, he went hitchhiking across the country and bumped into the Moonies. He says he was a naive 22-year-old boy fascinated by the idea of the Messiah and saving the world. In 1969, the Moon cult was about studying the Divine Principle, praying, and singing; there was no political activity in the US at that time that he joined. 

Sun Myung Moon’s teachings 

Wood believed that Mr. Moon, a Korean, was the “messiah” and said he was young and naïve. He heard things that, in retrospect, should have been big “red flags,” but he missed them. For example, Mr. Moon told him that he was in a prison where the only living creature he ever saw was a fly, but he tore its wings off because he wanted it to stay with him forever – a clue to Moon’s malignant narcissism. Mr. Moon also believed in restoring the sovereignty of God through lying. He justified lying by preaching that Satan owns all human history because he lied to Adam and Eve, and they got separated from God. He claimed that “Lucifer” Satan had a sexual relationship with Eve, and she seduced Adam, introducing satanic blood into mankind. He claimed that Jesus should never have gone to the cross. He was supposed to marry and establish a divine, “sinless” bloodline. According to the teachings, he told members he first married Hak Ja Han in 1960, so their children would be free of original sin. Allen said he later heard Moon had been married twice earlier, even having a child with a former wife. He met Moon’s 24-year-old son in 1970. This was proof positive that Moon was not a pure virgin in 1960. Many women have come forward to publicly declare they had been sexually violated by Moon. Moon held mass weddings where he would match people together, even if they did not speak the same language. Moon told them it was “providential” that he has sex outside marriage, even though he told members to be celibate or faithful to their one spouse. He had another illegitimate son while married to “True Mother” (Hak Ja Han- the current leader of the cult), and this child was given to Bo Hi Pak to raise as his own son. 

Wood found many problems in the cult: Homophobia, Guns, and Anti-Communist activity 

In 1973, Wood stood up in a meeting and asked Moon a question about how to help members who are homosexual. Moon responded that “tell them if it really becomes a problem, to cut it off, barbecue it, put it in a shoebox, and send it to me.” 

As a leader, Wood was sent on a seven-day trip to Korea. While there, Wood was given a tour of a Moon-owned gun factory. He later discovered that Moon was selling these guns on the world market. On that trip, Wood also went to Japan and was the translator to the Japanese head of the group. 

 In America, Moon wanted to mobilize members to support the Vietnam War. Moon asked him to influence faculty and students in universities. Wood was given a large donation from Chuck Colson, who later went to jail for Nixon’s Watergate scandal. The Unification Church was just a tiny front group of many political, business, and religious entities. I discovered that the CIA had helped set up the Korean CIA and that they were used to run counter-brainwashing programs in South Korea – citing North Korean brainwashing. 

Mr. Moon died in 2012, and two sons fight with their mother over billions of dollars 

Two of Moon’s sons have separated and fought with their mother over who has inherited the mission. Sean Moon claims to be “king” and has created a religious cult called the Rod of Iron Ministries. He claims that God wants people to own and know how to use AR-15 assault rifles. Sean Moon went to the January 6^th coup attempt at the Capitol and tweeted that Antifa was making the attack- a lie also pushed by Moon’s newspaper, The Washington Times. His brother Justin Moon owns a gun factory in Pennsylvania to make assault rifles and train people for civil wars. The Moon cult were big supporters of Donald Trump. The cult operates two gun-training compounds- in Tennessee and near Waco, Texas- site of the Branch Davidians compound. 

Sean Moon went to the January 6^th coup attempt at the Capitol and tweeted that Antifa was making the attack- a lie also pushed by Moon’s newspaper, The Washington Times. Trump, Pence, and Pompeo were paid handsomely, and all appeared for a virtual event for Hak Ja Han, endorsing her. Trump reportedly received $2.5 million dollars from the Moonies for a several minute virtual endorsement. This was just a few weeks after the attempted violent coup. 

Disguised cult influence in today’s world and using rationality to break from it 

Wood explains that the Moonie ‘Noah doctrine’ lies at the core of the cult because followers were told to turn off their brains and support the leader in all situations. The teaching controls people’s consciousness by preventing them from thinking about their experiences. In today’s digital age, there can be virtually run cults. Personal data is being collected through digital devices and AI uses this to manipulate and control people. These algorithms are used to control minds and ramp up extremism on the left and the right. 

For Allen Wood, God is not an image, but cult groups recruit by offering an image that is portrayed as the keys to salvation. Connecting the dots later helps explain that this subscription in its true sense means blind obedience: obeying everybody above you without any rational thought. However, a genuine spiritual quest is not obedience, but rather a conscious thought process that awakens the mind. I am grateful to all former members, especially former leaders like Allen Tate Wood for courageously sharing their direct personal experiences and telling truth to power. Former members need to share their stories and so help to destigmatize the fact we were lied to and brainwashed to believe a malignant narcissist. 

Two of my books were translated and published in Japanese and the Moonies were exposed to be the perpetrators of the largest consumer fraud scheme in Japanese history. It was referred to in English as “spiritual sales.” Cult members would scan the obituaries and appear on people’s doorsteps saying their deceased loved one is “stuck in a low level of the spiritual world” and the person needed to pay to have a liberation ceremony. David Lipsky, author of The Parrot and the Igloo, wrote a chapter on the Moonies and how the Washington Times has been the center for propaganda promoting climate science denial for 50 years!  

Resources: 

Allen Wood’s website: atwood7.com 

FOM Resource: The Moon Organization 

Blogposts: 

Born Into and Married in the Moon Cult with Elgen Strait 

The Truth About Sun Myung Moon 

The Moon Organization: 70 Years of Extremism, Power, Money, and Sex 

Why the Reported Sale of the Moonies’ Washington Times for $1 Requires Greater Scrutiny! 

The Moonies and TM Attempt to Reinvent Themselves 

Mooniverse (My Former Cult) is Attempting a Reboot 

Shadow Network: Media, Money, And The Secret Hub Of The Radical Right With Anne Nelson

Video Interviews: 

Steven interviewed by VICE: Ex-Cult Member Explains How He Escaped the Moonies 

Steven Hassan on Evening Magazine -Jonestown 10th Anniversary 1988 

Articles: 

Rolling Stone: How Sun Myung Moon ‘Digested the Scientists’ and Fueled Climate-Change Denial 

Twitter: 

“The Crime That Killed Shinzo Abe – SNA Japan. More detail on the relationship between the Moonies and the Abe family! https://t.co/ckJpYU42M7”

“My sources in Japan tell me the Moon cult is going to have a press conference regarding the assassin. I warn the media that my former cult has a documented history of fraud and illegal activities and to be careful not to believe anything they say without verification.  “

“Shinzo Abe assassin believed Abe was associated with Unification Church… I hope folks are ok that I continue posting pieces on Abe- when they have at least one or two pieces of information that moves the story forward. https://t.co/JTjcrdYEDs”

The post The Moon Cult: An Interview with former top American leader Allen Tate Wood  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

In this week’s episode of the Influence Continuum, I had the pleasure of speaking with my dear friend and colleague, Jon Atack. Jon, who resides in Nottingham, England, is a prolific writer, artist, musician, and world-renowned expert on Scientology and authoritarianism. Our conversation delved deeply into the complexities of mind control, the importance of processing and healing from cult experiences, and the challenges former members face in reclaiming their lives. 

Jon Atack’s Journey and Contributions 

Jon and I have been allies since the late 1980s, united in our stand against authoritarianism and authoritarian regimes. His multifaceted career includes writing novels, poetry, and a translation of the Tao Te Ching. Most notably, he is the author of Let’s Sell These People A Piece of Blue Sky, considered the definitive book on Scientology, Dianetics, and L. Ron Hubbard. During our podcast, we discussed the new audiobook versions of Scientology: The Cult of Greed and Opening Our Minds: Avoiding Abusive Relationships and Authoritarian Groups. 

Jon’s journey highlights the extensive undue influence and mind control tactics used by Scientology to manipulate its members: he spent nine years in Scientology, ascending to the 25th level of Hubbard’s “Bridge to Total Freedom,” a state supposedly granting out-of-body experiences and miraculous abilities. Never a live-in member, Jon became a leader in the exodus from the group when he became disillusioned with the increasingly bullying and authoritarian attitude in the organization. For him, the final straw came when he was ordered to “disconnect” – cut off all contact with – a close friend of his who had been declared a “Suppressive Person,” Scientology’s term for an undesirable. Jon refused.

Processing and Healing from Cult Mind Control 

A significant portion of our discussion focused on the struggle former cult members face in processing the mind control they endured. Understanding concepts such as the BITE Model^TM of authoritarian control, Lifton’s eight criteria for thought reform, Scheflin’s social influence model, and malignant narcissism is crucial for healing. Former cult members should also be aware of how hypnosis also plays a significant role in cult indoctrination, a fact often misunderstood or underestimated. 

Jon’s significant work includes Never Believe a Hypnotist, which uses Ron Hubbard’s own words to show his deliberate use of hypnotic techniques to manipulate followers, contradicting his claim to be de-hypnotizing them. He shared many stories of how some former Scientologists struggle to realize that many of their deeply held beliefs were based on manipulated states of consciousness. The instilled or “implanted” beliefs become the software with which people reason. It is a hard task for anyone, regardless of cult indoctrination, to admit they were wrong; a former Scientologist not only has to admit they were wrong, but they must carefully reconsider an entire worldview based on Hubbard’s unscientific and bizarre opinions. 

Cognitive Dissonance in Scientology 

Jon talks about a former high-ranking Scientologist, who, shown two contradictory accounts given by Hubbard, declared that he “must have had two bodies”, so both stories were true, rather than believe that “the Source” of Scientology had lied. This striking example of cognitive dissonance illustrates the profound undue influence and suspension of critical thinking that cults enforce. Members will make all sorts of logical flip-flops to believe that their leader is not lying to them. 

This behavior exemplifies the deep psychological hold cults have on their members. Such stories underscore the importance of applying the BITE Model^TM to understand how behavioral, informational, thought, and emotional control mechanisms can create such cognitive dissonance. It is vital to examine the doctrine, the beliefs, and the customs of a group after leaving to be sure that these no longer influence you; no longer direct your behavior, your information gathering, your thoughts, or your emotions.

Hubbard taught ludicrous ideas, for instance, that the planet Venus is inhabited by intelligent aliens. The surface temperature of Venus is always in the hundreds of degrees. In the book Scientology: A History of Man, Hubbard says that we are descended from clams. He calls these ancestors “The Boo Hoo” and “The Grim Weeper”. It is important for former members to realize that their leaders were fabulists and made-up stories rather than doing proper scientific research.  

The Importance of Critical Thinking and Reality Testing 

Encouraging critical thinking and reality testing is vital for recovery from cult influence. Jon and I observed that those who leave cults without thoroughly processing their experiences remain vulnerable to other forms of manipulation and never wholly remove themselves from harmful mindsets, such as all-or-nothing thinking and a deep need to take sides, which leads to infighting among exes from all sorts of groups. Learning to question deeply held beliefs and understanding the tactics used by cult leaders liberates former members. 

For instance, every Scientology book says at the beginning that the “misunderstood word” is the “only reason a person gives up a study or becomes confused or unable to learn is that he or she has gone past a word that was not understood”. By focusing on the definitions of words, Hubbard turns followers away from understanding the fragility of his simplistic psychological and spiritual system. It turns attention away from the simple fact that Scientology procedures produce euphoria – or “very good indicators” – creating an addiction-like dependency even though the promised godlike powers never emerge. 

Members often retain the cult’s loaded language, which hinders their recovery, as language often shapes our thoughts. To understand how an authoritarian group can use language to limit thought, Jon recommends that everyone read the appendix to Orwell’s classic book, 1984. Orwell shows how redefinition can inhibit reasoning. Hubbard taught the same idea in “Propaganda by Redefinition of Words.” Reclaiming personal language and thought processes is essential for breaking free from the residual effects of cult indoctrination.  

Overcoming Phobias and Reclaiming Freedom 

Phobias are a universal mind control technique, easily programmed into individuals to instill irrational fears about questioning or leaving the group. For example, Scientologists who have not yet undergone a certain level of training known as “The Wall of Fire” are warned that if they hear about it before they are prepared, they will die of pneumonia within 48 hours. Other groups threaten eternal damnation or some other spiritual calamity to those who leave. Jon and I emphasized that usually, after people leave cults, they lead fulfilling lives once they have escaped the phobia, guilt, and aversion invoked in them. We also noted the necessity of finding out what constitutes a healthy, everyday life beyond the cult’s influence. 

Jon spoke about a man who was housebound for 20 years after being labeled a “suppressive person” by Scientology. After reading Jon’s book, Let’s Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky, and engaging in just one hour of conversation, the man reclaimed his life and found a job. It took former high-ranking Scientology official Jesse Prince six years after leaving before he dared read Jon’s book. Jesse recommends that everyone read it at least three times to understand Hubbard and his organization. Jon also talked about helping a former member overcome a deep-seated fear of scented products, which was instilled by Scientology because of Hubbard’s belief that the “psychs” are controlling us through scents. After 16 years away from the group, this seemingly small victory allowed her to begin reclaiming autonomy over her thoughts and actions by questioning the “truths” of the Hubbard ideas she had lived by since childhood. 

The Call for Unity and Education 

Jon and I stressed the importance of former members working together to help those trapped in cults. We highlighted the need for comprehensive education on cult mind control techniques to inoculate individuals against future manipulation. Our shared understanding and resources, such as Jon’s books and my work at Freedom of Mind, are invaluable tools for anyone seeking to understand and escape the grip of authoritarian cults. 

Resources: 

Opening Our Minds: Avoiding Abusive Relationships and Authoritarian Groups 

Scientology: The Cult of Greed 

Let’s Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky 

Jon’s YouTube channel, Jon Atack, Family, and Friends 

Jon’s website 

Jon’s translation of the Tao Te Ching

Jon’s novels, Voodoo Child and Halcyon Daze

The post Ex-Scientologists, Recovery, and Helping Others – A Discussion with Jon Atack  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Jonathon Sawyer is urgently speaking out against involvement of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) in education for a very clear reason. He stated, “More people need to know that those who are discriminated against [sometimes] become those who discriminate.” In psychology, we call this the victim, victimizer paradigm. It is the idea that without healthy self-reflection, people exteriorize or project their own inner “demons” onto others. This cycle of religiously motivated harm is a concern for both individuals and society: “One of the concerns that I have…is that we’re seeing more and more taxpayer-supported religious schools in the United States, particularly at the K through 12 levels,” said Jonathon–“…[and] adolescents, young people, and children are especially susceptible to some of the most…harmful aspects of radical religion.”  

Jonathon speaks from experience as someone who studied in a school associated with the early years of the now Christian nationalist-oriented NAR, where he was convinced that his attraction to men was caused by a demon that needed to be driven out.   He later escaped the school and now speaks about the effects of religious extremism on his own life. He seeks to break the cycle of victim-victimizer discrimination. Jonathon also talks about how losing the boundaries between the separation of church and state may erode children’s safety for healthy identity exploration in religious schools. Jonathon is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Colorado Boulder and works with the National Education Policy Center. He is the author of the important journal article titled (Un)hidden from self: on LGBTQ students and the conspiratorial demonology of the New Apostolic Reformation. He has also authored a chapter detailing his experiences with NAR practices of exorcism in a forthcoming book (2025) edited by L.F. Wilson titled “Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivors` Stories of Conversion Therapy.”  

The Gradual Erosion of Separation of Church and State in Education  

The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution forbids a state religion from being formed. Thus, it has long followed that the separation of church and state protects public schools from religion-focused education or indoctrination. However, we have seen these boundaries crossed repeatedly in recent years through religious extremism, the Trump administration with Betsy Devos as U.S. Department of Education Secretary, and now with a conservative-majority United States Supreme Court. Jonathon and I discussed his advocacy for constitutional protections and curriculum regulation for LGBTQ students in NAR and other religious schools. As Jonathon pointed out, there is currently a push to further privatize education, defund public education, and potentially use more taxpayer dollars that will encourage and possibly even legalize state-sanctioned discrimination against LGBTQ students.  

We discussed how the Seven Mountain Mandate of NAR includes the domination of family, religion, education, media, entertainment, business, and government. “They’re taking this very conquest-oriented way of disseminating their religion,” said Jonathon, “and I don’t think that is good in the long run for sincere believers of any religious persuasion.” I noted that the founders of America intentionally sought a separation of church and state (at the time, separation from the Church of England).  Such separation was a foundational principle of United States governance that is currently being undermined through new forms of religious authoritarianism.  

Jonathon and I then discussed how school boards and education are a new target for the NAR movement, pushing the dangerous idea that democracy is unsustainable while also scapegoating LGBTQ people through the unfounded claim that children are being indoctrinated to become LGBTQ in public schools.  Jonathon remarked that he was taught in the NAR to believe that public schools are “bastions of liberalism where people don’t think [for themselves].” He has found the opposite to be true. Now a strong advocate for public schools, Jonathon deeply values public education as a site where students can learn to engage with one another across differences in ideas and identities. He offers his story with extremism to warn about the painful possibility that future students in taxpayer-supported religious schools will experience the forms of discrimination that he describes. Such discrimination, he says, will inevitably lead to further democratic instability: “I don’t want that for students, and I don’t want that for society,” he stated.  

Preventing Further Erosion of Education and Freedoms 

We discussed how healthy ideas of influence differ from authoritative parenting and education models. I noted that healthy parenting is developmentally appropriate, with thoughts on what will help the child grow up to be true to themselves. Authoritative models seek to clone children, such as from a religious belief, with threats or abuse for disobeying that model. So, we want to create healthy places where ideas can be challenged and scientific principles can be developed based on a community effort.  

I noted the work of law professor Marci A. Hamilton, the founder and CEO of ChildUSA, an interdisciplinary organization fighting for the civil rights of children. In Hamilton’s book, God vs. the Gavel, she discusses religious freedom vs. human rights principles. We then discussed how informed consent ideas required in other disciplines could become mandatory in a religious context, ensuring that people in power were upfront about who they were, what they believed, and the expectations of joining the group. Being forthcoming over financial information would also assist in ensuring appropriate influence, oversight, and consent.  

Jonathon ended the interview by expressing to others the importance of not feeling alone if they’ve experienced “horrendous things in the name of religion.” He recommended that people reach out to those who can help, share their stories as they can, and encourage them to “believe in your goodness, and believe in what you can contribute to society to make it a better place.”  

Resources: 

jonsawyer.org 

Full article: (Un)hidden from self: on LGBTQ students and the conspiratorial demonology of the New Apostolic Reformation (tandfonline.com) 

2024 Theocratic Politics & The New Apostolic Reformation with André Gagné and Frederick Clarkson 

Christian Nationalism Dominionism the New Apostolic Reformation A Discussion with Dr. André Gagné 

Recapturing Religious Freedom & Defending Democracy: Interview with Frederick Clarkson 

The Perils Of Extreme Religious Liberty And Protecting Children With Marci Hamilton 

CHILDUSA: Fighting for Children’s Civil Rights 

God vs. the Gavel: Religion and the Rule of Law by Marci A. Hamilton 

X (Twitter): @jonsawyerco 

The Outsourcing of Discrimination: Another SCOTUS Earthquake? – by Kevin Welner  

Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivors` Stories of Conversion Therapy by Lucas F. Wilson  

The post “Conspiratorial Demonology” in the New Apostolic Reformation: LGBTQ Students and Undue Influence in Schools with Jonathon Sawyer  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Anke Richter co-founded FACT (Fight Against Conspiracy Theories) and is organizing the first cult awareness conference in Australia, DECULT. Anke’s bestseller “Cult Trip: Inside the World of Coercion & control” is about her ten-year investigation into sex cults –from tantra yoga to the Human Potential Movement to fundamentalist Christianity. She is a voice against cults, conspiracies, and undue influence in New Zealand and is working to harness efforts worldwide to fight disinformation and radicalization, especially online. 

As a journalist, Anke has a unique perspective on the anti-cult world. She is not a cult survivor but joined the anti-cult world based on a chance meeting. She met a survivor of the Centrepoint cult at a conference and became interested in learning more about what truly happens in cults.  Anke then noticed the similarities between cults – namely power, money, and sex – and followed her curiosity to research and write about the topic.  

One New Zealand cult many Americans may not know is Gloriavale. People in this cult live in Haupiri on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is a Christian Fundamentalist cult that has been accused of abuse and forced labor. For more information on this relatively little-known cult, watch the documentary Gloriavale.  

Anke is originally from Germany, where there is a more robust network of cult-busting agencies that provide cult education. Germany is ahead of the curve, and Anke is on a crusade to bring successful policies and programs from Germany to New Zealand and Australasia.  

What’s Needed in the Anti-Cult Arena 

In her interview with Steven Hassan, Anke outlines several situations that need to improve in New Zealand concerning cults and coercive control. At the most basic level, government leadership does not know what coercive control and undue influence look like. It’s hard to heal what you cannot identify.  

Two other aspects of combating cults missing in New Zealand involve therapy and the law. Therapists are usually not trained to know what cults are, much less how to counsel those who have suffered from a cult’s coercive control. Also, it’s hard to find cult psychology experts to be expert witnesses for trials in the legal system. Anke and others like her are fighting to spread knowledge and encourage people to use their education and training to expand into the anti-cult world to reduce the impact of cults and fight coercive control.  

Anke delved into the world of cults for a decade, and her research culminated in her book Cult Trip: Inside the World of Coercion and Control. She did not stop there, however. Along with using her career to address the lack of knowledge about cults, she is now taking her anti-cult passion and knowledge to a different stage.  

DECULT: New Zealand’s First Anti-Cult Conference 

Anke is expanding her reach through the upcoming DECULT conference in Christchurch, New Zealand. DECULT is the first anti-cult conference in New Zealand. The conference aims to inform people about coercive control and the harm that cults cause. Anke hopes that people will network and get out of their silos to form relationships that can lead to real change in Australasia. The Conference will also teach attendees how to spot and combat disinformation campaigns run by wealthy cults.  

Anke highlights the connection between cults, climate change disinformation, and online radicalization. The anti-cult movement, at its heart, is concerned with human rights. The anti-climate change disinformation that is at an all-time high online and worldwide is decidedly against human rights and proliferates through undue influence reminiscent of cults. One great example of undue influence and radicalization online is ISIS, which recruits support through online coercion. They take advantage of algorithms and the trance-like state that being chronically online puts people in. The podcast Rabbit Hole from the New York Times is an excellent exploration of how algorithms and being online influence us.  

The role of all anti-cult groups is to inform people about what coercive control and undue influence are to help people recognize when cult mindsets are at play, whether online or in person. Ideally, this knowledge will spread person-to-person, online, and through knowledge-sharing endeavors like Anke’s book and the DECULT Conference.  

People can help combat cults by spreading knowledge about their coercive practices. Former member’s voices can be normalized, and we can destigmatize the fact that even intelligent, educated people from good homes can be deceived and indoctrinated.  

Resources:  

Anke’s book Cult Trip: Inside the World of Coercion and Control  

Rabbit Hole Podcast  

Gloriavale documentary  

Decult Conference  

The post Cult Trip: Inside the World of Coercion and Control with Journalist Anke Richter  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Cults steal many things from their members, including happy childhoods. Our early years should be filled with freedom and fun. However, for children raised in cults, childhood can be filled with hard labor and indoctrination. This was the case for Michael Brown. His parents’ involvement with Scientology marked Mike’s childhood in many negative ways. His parents joined Scientology when Mike was seven, following his father, a former US Marine who was wounded in Vietnam, buying a copy of “Dianetics.” Mike’s dad was searching for ways to heal from PTSD when he joined Scientology. Mike moved to California with his mom after his parents’ divorce, and Mike was made to join the Sea Organization or “Sea Org,” a paramilitary section of Scientology.  

Mike’s mom, Rosemary, worked directly for one of Scientology’s top executives, Ronnie Miscavige Jr., older brother of the organization’s leader, David Miscavige. As a child, Mike was often left in Los Angeles with other Scientology members, being raised by the organization. He rarely saw his mother and was deprived of a proper education. The Sea Org treats children as “adults in small bodies” instead of as growing humans, and he was forced to do hard labor for many years. This is technically labor trafficking, though Scientology’s tax-exempt status as a religion has so far given it a “ministerial exemption” from prosecution. 

Mike tried to escape Scientology’s undue influence when he was 15. As punishment for trying to escape, he was isolated, sleep-deprived, and forced to do hard labor for over a year and a half. Mike reflects that he felt like a prisoner during this time.  

Success after Escaping Scientology 

Mike finally escaped Scientology at age 27 and joined the military. He had little education and no credit history. Despite these odds, he was inspired by his family’s previous military service and flourished in the Army. He was at the top of his class in basic and advanced individual training and became an aircraft mechanic. Mike reflects that he could succeed in the military because the psychological demands placed on a service member during a time of war were lower than his life in Scientology. So, in some ways, his abusive training in Scientology helped him excel in a military environment that required separation from loved ones, sacrifice, and selfless service.  

Mike became a helicopter pilot and instructor. Mike served five combat tours between Iraq and Afghanistan in his nearly 20 years of service. In 2007, he was accepted to attend Warrant Officer Candidate School and became a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter Pilot. He is now a helicopter Instructor Pilot (IP), Standardization Pilot (SP), and Instrument Flight Examiner (IE) with equivalent FAA certifications, leveraging his experience to train the next generation of Army Pilots as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4).  

Mike reflects that the military was less controlling than Scientology for him. On a previous episode of the Freedom of Mind podcast, guest Daniella Mestyanek Young discussed her time in the military, which differed from Mike’s experiences. For Daniella, the military was too like her childhood spent in the sex cult, The Children of God. She discusses these experiences in her best-selling book Uncultured.  

It’s Never “Too Late” to Escape Undue Influence 

When Mike left Scientology, his mother, Rosemary, was made to disconnect from him. Disconnection is an extreme policy of Scientology. Other strict authoritarian groups do disfellowshipping, ex-communication, or shunning. Those still in the cult will no longer have anything to do with those who leave and consider those who leave to be traitors and outsiders. Mike and his mom had been very close. Rosemary had also disconnected from her large Catholic family while she was in Scientology because they criticized the cult. Mike reconnected with this part of his family when he escaped.  

For many years, Mike believed his mother wanted to remain in Scientology. He also admits he naively believed she was being taken care of. However, this was far from the truth. She was, unfortunately, sexually harassed in the course of her work. The perpetrator was allowed to keep his executive position, but Mike’s mom was punished, though she was the victim. When Mike escaped, his mom was punished and was put into the Rehabilitation Project Force (RPF) in Los Angeles. She worked around the clock. This kind of forced hard labor and exhaustion is a common cult tactic. It is tortuous, and people are treated like criminals with no human rights. Rosemary was in her sixties at this time and suffered a heart attack. Mike returned to the U.S. from Afghanistan to visit her in the hospital.  

In the hospital, Rosemary was surrounded by her cult “handlers.” They did not take good care of her when she was released from the hospital. His mom had reached the age to receive Social Security payments. When the people in charge realized this, they made her pay for her auditing, which she was supposed to get for free as a Sea Org member.  

They went on to take her money until there was no money left. They later ran credit card payments for her auditing to get their statistics up. Then they opened credit cards in her name while she still had to work all day for almost no pay.  

She collapsed while working and was put into hospice. In this environment, she stopped being indoctrinated daily and had access to the internet and public media. She had watched Leah Remini’s Scientology and the Aftermath during this time. This let her see others’ experiences and abuse, but she still believed in Scientology’s teachings and in Hubbard himself. However, this belief was shattered, and she realized she had to escape when she watched the documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief. This documentary, produced by Alex Gibney and based on the book by Lawrence Wright, represented the end of Rosemary’s dedication to Hubbard and the Scientology organization. So, she contacted her son for help. 

During Covid, they could change her power of attorney without anyone from Scientology knowing. Mike’s childhood friends, one a “Miscavige” and one a “Hubbard,” helped Mike with his mother’s escape.  

Mike is now raising awareness about the scams that older people can be susceptible to within Scientology and other destructive cults.  

Resources:  

Mike Brown’s YouTube Channel 

Daniella Mestyanek Young’s Book Uncultured  

The Convergence of Cult Experience and Military Indoctrination with Former Army Captain Daniella Mestyanek Young 

The California Elder Justice Coalition 

The post Raised in Scientology, He Became a Military Helicopter Pilot and Rescued His Abused Mother with Mike Brown  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Rev. Dr. Todd F. Eklof has been the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, WA, since 2011. He’s appreciated for his mind-altering sermons, compassionate soul, and social activism. Unitarianism and Unitarian Universalism have traditionally been known as liberal religions, defined by their commitment to individual dignity and freedom of expression. They promote diversity and inclusivity and encourage their members to engage in the “free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” However, Todd has had a different experience. He believes the organization has undergone a significant policy change, with the value of autonomy and freedom of expression becoming less critical. As a minister, he was not allowed to discuss his concerns openly and was attacked when he did speak out. As a result, he was “disfellowshipped.” 

Rev. Eklof started in the ministry as an ordained Southern Baptist minister but left the Christian faith while still in seminary as a young man, explaining, “I simply outgrew it.” He then started a 16-year career in TV news and corporate video production. He became a Unitarian Universalist (1988) and reentered the ministry in 1999 when he began serving the Clifton Unitarian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, until 2011. 

He’s been widely appreciated for his environmental and gay rights activism, in addition to engaging in the areas of criminal justice reform, restorative justice, the peace movement, as well as immigration and racial justice. Eklof has two undergraduate degrees, one in Philosophy, the other in Communications, a Master of Arts in Religious Studies, and a Doctor of Ministry. He is also a certified American Philosophical Practitioners Association (APPA) member, completed Singularity University’s Executive Program in 2018, and has been a member of Abundance Digital Community ever since. He and his spouse of 35 years have a 32-year-old son and a 28-year-old daughter, along with Chester and Wiley, their two canine companions. 

Todd’s Censoring and Disfellowship 

Todd became worried about specific issues in his church and decided to use his pulpit and voice to address them. He felt a moral responsibility to speak out and was further motivated by reading Coddling of the American Mind. It took him ten months to write his book, during which time he addressed concerns surrounding the changing nature of Unitarian Universalism and the Association’s departure from its core values. Todd knew that there would be consequences to writing this book, but he felt that it was his duty to start a reasoned and well-informed discussion. The book was self-published and remains the best-selling book in the religion. 

After the release of The Gadfly Papers: Three Inconvenient Essays by One Pesky Minister, Todd’s professional credentials were eventually removed by the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Ministerial Fellowship Committee. The book discusses Todd’s concerns about the Association’s shift towards dogmatism, prioritizing emotion over logic and reason. He believed the Association had moved too far into political correctness and emotional “safety.” Todd’s critique was met with backlash and personal attacks, leading to him losing his credentials as a minister and being labeled “ethically unfit for ministry” and an “uncooperative bully.” Despite this, the large majority of the 400 members at Todd’s Spokane church chose to support him and stand with him as a congregation. The resulting outcry highlighted issues within the church and its unwillingness to stand up to scrutiny. 

Exploring United Unitarianism alongside the BITE model 

Todd is impressively level-headed, holding philosophical depth, and is committed to dialogue on differing perspectives. He wanted to have an open discussion with the Unitarian Universalist Association, but instead, his character was defamed, and his membership was revoked. He has been sharing and quoting from books and the BITE model with concerned members to help show how the church has changed. They have found examples of controlling behavior and a change in the autonomy of congregations. Ministerial training has become stricter and more controlled, and pulpits are only fulfilled through the Association’s set processes. Todd and others are worried about the financial exploitation, manipulation, and dependence that have become evident through these processes for ministerial accession. 

Information Control and Psychological Warfare 

Todd values the freedom to express his opinions and debate even with those with differing views. He expressed his concerns to a church that claims to uphold the values of truth-seeking and freedom of expression. Unfortunately, instead of a healthy discussion, Todd was met with personal attacks from hundreds of members of the Association. They tried to control the information by instructing members not to read Todd’s book and to sign a letter distancing themselves from him. 

A legitimate group should be able to withstand scrutiny and allow for a discussion of differing opinions. Todd’s character and career were publicly attacked, and community figures were discouraged from talking to him. When a group shows such rigidity in responding to scrutiny, it becomes evident that they have control issues central to the BITE model. Censoring information and refusing to engage in dialogue with those who care about the group’s welfare only exacerbates the problem. 

Many organizations often attack and pursue individuals who disagree with them. We are currently in a state of psychological warfare where experts and critics are being targeted along with democratic institutions. It is crucial to have a range of ideas from diverse perspectives. If we value our freedom, we must create a space for diversity because life is complex and nuanced.  

Tolerance and open discourse on differing opinions have been crucial for humanity to progress. The Unitarians, in 1568, brought about a religious toleration law that allowed individuals to enjoy their right to religious expression without persecution. This led to the Enlightenment, the spread of democracy, and the period of expansion and invention in the 1800s. However, there have been times in history where there has been a backlash against logic and reason, particularly in response to Enlightenment and a move towards postmodernism. This allows for the truth to be subjective, and everyone’s feelings become what matters. As Todd argues, there is often a rejection of external reality, and intellectuals who favor reason and logic are demonized. This is what he experienced when trying to address issues within Unitarian Universalism, where many members attacked his character from an emotional standpoint instead of critically evaluating his writings and addressing the issue. 

Creating an Open Discourse 

If someone is questioning their membership in a group and wants to confirm factual information, it’s essential to seek differing perspectives. This is especially crucial if the group tries to control information that disagrees with their beliefs. To do this, review the BITE model, research Robert Lifton and mind control, and ask the individual to reflect on their identity before they join the group. Ask them if they knew then what they know now, would they have joined the group? 

If you’re concerned about someone you know being in a high-control group and want to talk to them about it, approach the topic carefully. Take a respectful and curious approach and allow the person to outline the group’s beliefs and behaviors alongside the BITE model. Trying to argue with someone who is in a coercive control group will only confirm their indoctrinated beliefs and make them feel persecuted. It’s essential to be patient and not be forceful or demanding. 

Todd concludes that he hopes individuals can learn to think for themselves. We often hold our emotions as thoughts we believe to be accurate, allowing them to influence our worldview. We can then moralize our thoughts to internalize them as true and righteous. This can lead to persecution of those who disagree. With the rise of social media, we now have the opportunity to curate access to content that suits our worldview. However, we should remain open to hearing from others and become tolerant of differing opinions. 

See Todd’s assessment of the UUA using Steven’s BITE Model.

Resources:

Books 

The Gadfly Papers: Three Inconvenient Essays by One Pesky Minister, Todd F. Ekloff  

The Gadfly Affair: A 21st Century Heretic’s Excommunication from America’s Most Liberal Religion, Todd F. Ekloff  

Combating Cult Mind Control: The Guide to Protection, Rescue and Recovery from Destructive Cults, Steven Hassan  

The Cult of Trump, Steven Hassan  

The Coddling of the American Mind, Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt  

Relevant blogs 

Cancel Culture by Anyone (Left or Right) is Bad 

The Cult of Trump: Some Frequently Asked Questions 

The Netflix Docuseries “The Family”: A Review by Steven Hassan 

Websites  

BITE Model of Authoritarian Control   

Unitarian Universalist Association  

The post Ex-Communication from Unitarian Universalism: the World’s Most Liberal Religion with Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

My guest on this episode of The Influence Continuum was Pamela Ryckman, who wrote the book Candace Pert: Genius, Greed, and Madness in the World of Science. Science and health institutions can mimic cult-like behaviors and dysfunctional systems when the structures within them become overly competitive and focused on limited resources to obtain professional goals. Ideals of collaboration for the good of the public can become crushed under systems of harmful competition and dogmatic attachments to old-fashioned ideas. The life story of Candace Pert, who discovered the opioid receptor, is a clear demonstration of how women and minorities have often been undermined, excluded, or driven out of that system. Virtually unheard of by most, her life work included significant discoveries in mind-body medicine, HIV treatments with Peptide T, and volumes of scientific research and publishing over her time working within the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Mental Health.  

Pamela Ryckman is an Emmy-winning producer and writer focusing on women in the workforce. She noted how the story of Candace Pert’s life work provided an ideal launchpad to discuss some of the most pressing issues plaguing science and healthcare today. Ryckman is also the author of the book Stiletto Network: Inside the Women’s Power Circles That Are Changing the Face of Business, which discusses the secret society of the world’s most powerful women shaping an underground movement for change. She has written for The New York Times, Financial Times, Washington Post, and many other publications.  

Exploring Problems in the “Cult-like Nature of the Scientific Establishment”  

Candace Pert was a brilliant, cunning maverick in the medical science field whose discoveries continue to shape important aspects of health in society today. However, as Ryckman described during our conversation, Pert has virtually been forgotten by the world despite her paradigm-shifting work in the medical field. Her discoveries linking the mind and body are only beginning to emerge as foundational elements of our scientific understanding of holistic health. Unfortunately, Pert has received little recognition as the pioneer and founder of this research and its continued contributions to medicine today.  

As Ryckman reminded us, many women and minorities have often been excluded from the course of history, especially in scientific fields, and their discoveries were co-opted or overshadowed by those in white male society. Her biography about Candace Pert provides an excellent opportunity to analyze further the systems and cultures that continue to propagate these areas of discrimination. Some aspects of the scientific medical community that we discussed as problematic include competition for limited financial resources, dogmatic attachment to scientific findings, the importance of prize-winning lineage, and “publish or perish” cultures.  

The results for Pert included being snubbed from recognition of her work as the discoverer of the opioid receptor, with much of the accolades going instead to her advisor and mentor, Solomon Synder. Furthermore, as an individual suffering from Bipolar Disorder, Pert’s condition was often exacerbated by a scientific community focused on deprivation of sleep and nourishment, with competition for limited resources always at the forefront of professional survival. As Ryckman named it, it is often the “cult-like nature of the scientific establishment.”  

The Genius and Madness of Candace Pert Under Dysfunctional Systems 

Throughout Pert’s career, this dichotomy of genius combined with madness propelled her forward while working within a dysfunctional system. As Ryckman described one of her research goals for the book on Candace Pert, she sought answers to the questions, “What happens when rules are broken, and standards break down? What happens when the very institutions charged with upholding public health are, to their very core, rank with sickness? What turns a good woman bad?” Ultimately, as Ryckman stated, Pert became both the victim and propagator of modeled white male behavior within the system. Toxic leadership qualities prized in the scientific communities for men became critical of Pert’s organizational pursuits in many ways.  

Pert’s work during the AIDS crisis once again illustrates the backdrops of prejudice and discrimination often found in the medical science fields. Ryckman discussed limitations or cuts in funding due to the initial association of HIV as a problem only in homosexual populations. Only when the virus began to infect blood supplies and affect children did money begin to be made available for research. Pert was then asked to investigate why AIDS affected the brain and caused symptoms of dementia. She researched receptors in much the same way as she had with opioids despite resistance by the established community. Her discovery of Peptide T was initially overlooked and buried but later was distributed through her unauthorized coordination with the underground ACT UP grassroots political group working to end the AIDS pandemic.  

Turning Competition into Collaboration for Health 

As we wrapped up the interview, Ryckman and I discussed the unfortunate side effects of cut-throat competition in the medical science field. We emphasized how the tragic aspects of Candace Pert’s life demonstrate an opportunity to explore a different system of science that works more collaboratively. Ryckman encouraged people to use Pert’s story to take a closer look at healthcare and other systems and ask the question, “Are they healthy?” Finally, I reminded everyone how necessary it is to be committed to good values- to aspire to goodness, to help others, and to continue thinking about future generations. In this way, we also advance towards a healthier world.  

Resources:  

Home – Pamela Ryckman 

Candace Pert by Pamela Ryckman | Hachette Book Group 

Stiletto Network (harpercollinsleadership.com) 

The post The Life of Candace Pert: Dysfunction in Medical Science and Research Communities with Pamela Ryckman   appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

A former British Police Detective, Undercover Operator, and recognized international expert on human trafficking, Julie Jones is the founder and CEO of Human-I Intelligence Services, an international consultancy specializing in cybercrime investigations and online open-source intelligence (OSINT). She has conducted diagnostic studies in 7 countries to date, analyzing and advising on institutional and judicial capacity to fight human trafficking, organized crime, money laundering, and corruption and providing input on national cybercrime policy related to human trafficking. Julie was recently appointed Senior Police Consultant on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence for the National Police Force in Guyana. 

Julie has developed and delivered training in sexual and gender-based violence, human trafficking, trauma-informed and victim-centered practices, major case management, strategic and criminal intelligence, cybercrime, and OSINT. She is a passionate and tenacious field investigator and conducts active operations globally with a focus on human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, stalking, and cults.  

A bestselling author of the book How to Become a World Class Investigator, international speaker, and former cast member of the award-winning factual reality UK TV series Hunted, Julie continues to work closely with media agencies as a consultant and researcher. She is a licensed private investigator in British Columbia and sits on the Advisory Council for the Anti-Trafficking Intelligence Initiative. 

Early Career  

Her career started 27 years ago as a British police officer, and she served for many years doing everything from undercover operator to detective to field intelligence officer. Being a field intelligence officer was the most interesting and set her up for the work she does today. This was in the late 90s or early 2000s when that technology was still in its infancy, particularly for investigations. Her job involved three main tasks at the time. She was responsible for going into prisons and interviewing sex offenders to gather intelligence about methodologies and grooming tactics. She was also responsible for dealing with potentially dangerous offenders in her division and keeping track of the offenders in the community and those coming out of prison. Lastly, she was responsible for dealing with covert human intelligence sources, which entailed finding info from people, infiltrating gangs and groups, and organized crime. That developed her passion for intelligence, humanity, and technology.  

Technology was starting to be used more and more to investigate crimes. It was groundbreaking when, in 2004, they solved an armed robbery using social media. She immediately became passionate about using technology and how it could change law enforcement and society.  

New Opportunities in Canada 

Julie wanted to learn as much as she could about technology and law enforcement and found that there was a Canadian company doing training on intimate intelligence. She took a leave of absence to explore the intelligence side of technology. For two years, she studied with a Canadian company called Conlon. It was all about the future of crime, technology, and cyberpsychology. Because of that, she never returned to being a police officer and stayed in Canada. She stayed with the company for 12 years, teaching this information worldwide to law enforcement agencies, governments, the military, Fortune 500 companies, and NGOs. The focus of the education was how to use the internet as an investigative tool.  

Creating Her Own Company 

While Julie enjoyed teaching, she started to miss being on the front lines as an investigator. So, she reentered the investigations industry and started her own company. But it was a male-dominated “old boys network,” so no one would help her, even though they knew her and were past clients. To them, she was a competitor. Luckily for her, she started doing a factual reality TV show that raised her profile.  

Julie gained a lot of attention from young women because of the show. She would receive hundreds of emails daily from female viewers who felt they could do what she does and wanted to know how to break into the field. This prompted her to write her book, How to Become a World-Class Investigator, which detailed how to enter the industry.  

Complimentary Work 

When Julie and I were getting to know each other, she was reading Combating Cult Mind Control, and we realized our expertise could help each other. She had worked with gangs and domestic violence victims, and when reading my book, she realized that she could use the BITE model as a framework for a better understanding of how people’s minds can be controlled. And sometimes, my clients need a PI like her, someone with a nuanced understanding of how to make people feel comfortable. She is rare not only because she is a female PI but also because she knows the technology so well. She understands how bad actors can use mind control techniques with coercive control, manipulation, brainwashing, and hypnosis and how it manifests online. She knows exploitation can happen very quickly or very slowly over time.  

Trafficking and Consent 

While the term human trafficking is used frequently today, there is still a lot of misunderstanding about what trafficking is. Trafficking is not just forced sex. It can be forced labor, forced begging, or forced pregnancy. It doesn’t necessarily mean one has to cross international borders either because a person can be trafficked in their own home. An example could be a child who goes to school every day but is trafficked when they are at home. 

One subject that she focused on in her teaching and training is the subject of acquiescence, when one has given in and doesn’t fight. This is an issue for a lot of rape and trafficking victims where they don’t feel they can say “no.” When a person feels they can’t say “no” and just go along with something, it is not consent. It is acquiescence. Unfortunately, courts can take a very black-and-white view around consent, and if you didn’t say no, then you must have meant yes. Also, there can be a grey area where you agree to something that turns into something different, which isn’t informed consent. 

Trust Pods 

During our discussion of brainwashing, manipulation, and coercive control, I brought up my idea of “trust pods,” which I frequently recommend. It is creating a group of people that you trust to consult with to “reality-test.” Whenever one comes across something new, you know you are not alone and can ask others, “What do you think?” It is very beneficial to have trustworthy people to talk to, to look at new ideas with each other, and to share thoughts and concerns in our age of constant media content. It is also good to have people in your “pod” play a rotating role of “contrarian.” It is their role to be the hard skeptic and ask hard questions, recommend further research, or state it is “bad news.” We must be careful and inform consumers of this constant content to ensure we and our loved ones are not being influenced negatively.  

Resources: 

Human-i Intelligence Services

How to Become a World-Class Investigator

FOM Human Trafficking resource page

Ending the Game – Trafficking Education curriculum

The post How to Become a World-Class Investigator – Fighting Human Trafficking with Julie Jones  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

In an era where information is as potent as any physical weapon, psychological operations (psyops) have become a cornerstone of national defense strategies. The U.S. Army’s approach to recruitment for its psyops division offers a stark illustration of the importance of these tactics. A recruitment video, described as “foreboding” by the Army Times, reveals the strategic depth and the intense nature of psychological warfare, underlining the tagline “Who’s pulling the strings?” This blog explores the implications of such recruitment strategies, the nature of psychological warfare, and the ethical considerations it raises. 

Psychological Warfare: A Modern Arsenal 

Psychological operations involve using psychological tactics to influence perceptions, decisions, and behaviors. These operations are designed to sow confusion, demoralize enemies, and secure the support of neutral or even hostile populations. They are critical to modern military strategy, extending beyond the battlefield to influence political and public arenas worldwide. 

The U.S. Army’s Psyops Recruitment 

The Army’s psyops recruitment video offers a glimpse into the secretive and influential world of psychological warriors. By asking, “Who’s pulling the strings?” the video dramatizes the power of psyops personnel and highlights their role in shaping global narratives. Such advertisements are a double-edged sword; they serve as both a recruitment tool and a public demonstration of the Army’s capabilities in psychological manipulation. 

Recruitment as a Psyop Itself 

Interestingly, the recruitment process can be viewed as a psychological operation. The video aims to attract individuals with specific psychological traits who can understand and influence the human psyche. It also aims to instill a sense of importance and exclusivity in potential recruits, suggesting they could play a pivotal role in global events. 

Methods and Media in Psyops: 

Leveraging Media 

Media manipulation remains a primary tool in psyops, as seen in the strategic dissemination of recruitment videos. By controlling narratives through media, operators can subtly and effectively steer public opinion and political decisions. 

Cyber Operations 

With the advent of digital technology, cyber warfare has become a frontline in psychological operations. Social media, hacking, and data leaks are used to undermine confidence, spread misinformation, and manipulate public sentiment. 

Strategic Communication 

This involves disseminating particular messages and suppressing or framing information in ways that serve specific strategic goals. It’s about creating a favorable environment for policy and action, domestically and internationally. 

Ethical Implications 

The ethical dimensions of psychological warfare are complex. On one hand, psyops can reduce the need for physical combat, potentially saving lives. Conversely, they manipulate truth and influence free will, raising significant moral questions. With its ominous tone, the recruitment video raises questions about transparency and the psychological impact on its audience. 

The blurring lines between information and influence, war and peace, necessitate a robust ethical framework. International law offers little guidance on the limits and governance of psyops, making developing such standards a pressing issue. 

Conclusion 

As the U.S. Army continues to refine its recruitment and operational strategies in psychological warfare, the need for public awareness and ethical debate grows. The power to influence minds across the globe carries great responsibility. Ensuring that psychological operations do not compromise the foundational values of truth and democracy is crucial. As we move deeper into an age where information is a key asset, fostering resilience against manipulation becomes essential for maintaining societal integrity and individual autonomy. 

Understanding the role of psyops involves recognizing their strategic use by the military and grappling with the broader implications for society at large. By promoting critical thinking and media literacy, we can equip individuals to discern better and withstand psychological manipulation, safeguarding the very fabric of our democratic life. 

Resources:

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2022/05/17/foreboding-army-psyops-recruitment-video-shows-whos-pulling-the-strings

FOM blog & interviews: 

QAnon and the BITE Model (Control of Behavior, Information, Thoughts and Emotions) 

QAnon Chaos and the Cross: Christianity and Conspiracy Theories with Dr. Michael Austin and Dr. Gregory Bock June 8, 2023 

Dismantling QAnon: A TEDxMidAtlantic Must-Watch Program October 29, 2020  (Note: This video was flagged as hate and taken off the internet. It was a respectful analysis of QAnon as a psyop, part of 4^th and 5th-generation psychological warfare (psyop). We have been trying unsuccessfully to get it back up. If you can assist, please contact our office. 

The QAnon Media Ecosystem Is Not Helping People to Exit. October 29, 2020 

How to Help People Involved in QAnon–A Reddit AMA: QAnon Casualties January 15, 2021 

4th Generation Warfare and The Christian Right: A Discussion With James Scaminaci III August 28, 2020 

January 6 Violent Coup Attempt: Two Years Later January 17, 2023 

Conspiracy Theories: Their Origin, Effect and How to Debunk Them with Mick West 

The Allure of Conspiracy Theories and How to Dispel Them with Dr. Michael Shermer 

QAnon, Chaos, and the Cross: Christianity and Conspiracy Theories with Dr. Michael Austin and Dr. Gregory Bock 

UFOs, Anti-Government Conspiracy Theories, Covid-19, and Indoctrination With Author and Journalist MJ Banias

Conspiracy Theories, Cults and How to Help Friends and Loved Ones with Debunker Mick West

The COVID-19 Pandemic, the Religious Right, and the Threat to Our Government and World Health: A Discussion With Anne Nelson

Dr. Robert Jay Lifton on Trump, Democracy, COVID-19, Climate Change Crisis and the Election

The post Unveiling the Shadows: The Role of Psychological Warfare (Psyops) and Military Recruitment  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Russell Johnson is a former member of the Korean martial arts cult Chung Moo Quan. After much negative publicity, its name was changed to Oom Yung Doe. Now a professional security consultant, activist, and podcaster, Russell got involved with the cult as a teen and was involved for eight years. We first met in the early 90s when he contacted me after reading Combating Cult Mind Control. My book helped him understand how he had been manipulated in the cult using primary BITE model tactics. I have been on his podcast, Deceived, about his experience in the Chung Moo Quan cult. He is currently working on the development of a documentary series about the cult.  

Russell’s Journey in Martial Arts

Russell grew up in a rough neighborhood where violence was common. While he had a wonderful mother, he was from low-income housing, where he experienced childhood violence, which was traumatic. When he was 16, he sought training in martial arts and found the Chung Moo Quan school at a local strip mall. They lied to Russell and told him the school was one of many worldwide, led by “Master” John C. Kim. The school staff claimed that Kim had mystical powers and could do supernatural things like jump from high buildings and survive or heal people with his spiritual powers. They told him that Bruce Lee was a former student of the “Master.” Bruce Lee was known as one of the greatest martial artists of all time. This made Russell feel like he found the “real deal.”

When he first became involved, Russell went through an indoctrination process, which included beatings. The “Master” of that school took a dominant role and made students take a totally submissive role. Russell was taught about the belt levels and was told that as he received more and more training, he could work his way up to be a Black Belt. This meant a considerable commitment of time, money, and obedience. Of course, he had to spend more money on more classes. Despite the traumatic indoctrination process, being in the group did have some of a positive influence on him. Like most teenagers of the time, Johnson had drunk alcohol and smoked pot. He had performed poorly in school. Russell was told that to be in the group, he had to give up the drugs and drinking and get straight A’s. So that’s what he did immediately, and within one semester, he went from Ds and Fs to As.

His Role as Victim and Victimizer

It wasn’t long before Russell went from victim to victimizer. I experienced this same phenomenon as a member and then leader of the Moon cult in the early 1970s. He was manipulated out of money to give to the school. He had to convince new recruits to do the same. Russell was expected to give these recruits the same bullying and physical abuse he had been given. He found it amazing that once you made a person feel pain, it worked to create a dominant-submissive role. There was even a release form that people had to sign that if you died from anything in the class, the school was not responsible. Russell called it DDM–death doesn’t matter–and if you were to die, it’s your problem. Even if there were a court case citing violence, everyone at the school had to defend the instructor and the school, not the victim. These practices cultivated a model called “true, right, and correct,” the school’s version of the “ends justify the means.” 

A Life-Threatening Injury

The Head Instructor of his school would sometimes leave a list of tasks for Russell to do after the school closed for the day. Once, the Head Instructor wrote a list but forgot to put it where Russell would see it. So, the next day, the Head Instructor was angry at Russell for not doing what he expected would be done. So, he angrily punished and ordered Russell to do 100 repetitions of an extremely difficult type of pushup. It caused blood in his triceps to pool, so his arms swelled to a dangerous level. The Head Instructor of the school tried some acupressure, but it didn’t help. That Head Instructor said he had to wait for a National Instructor who would arrive in a few days and would heal him. Russell understood he couldn’t go to the hospital; it would mean he didn’t trust the school or the “Master.” Still, he was in so much pain he decided to sneak away to a hospital late one night to get some painkillers till the National Instructor could see him. The hospital diagnosed compartment syndrome, a hazardous condition where blood is pooled in an area and cannot flow freely. By the time he got to the hospital, his kidneys were close to failing. The doctors wanted to operate but Russell refused to let them until the Head Instructor arrived at the hospital say that the National Instructor gave permission to operate since he was already there. Russell would spend the next 16 days in the hospital, skin grafts from his leg to close the wounds, he got out on a Saturday and by Monday he was back to teaching class his arms in bandages and needing others to help him dress. 

Blackballed

When he could go back to the classes at the school, each member asked him the same questions: didn’t he know that the school would be able to help him, and why didn’t he trust the school? If Russell were in the changing room with new members who didn’t know about the injury, the other teachers would make them turn their backs on him so they wouldn’t see his scars. Once, two new students saw the scars and told Russell they had heard about a student who didn’t trust the school to help. Then, he realized that he was being treated as a bad example. He was punished for his “lack of faith.” Johnson knew he could have died if he hadn’t gotten medical treatment, but he stayed in the cult and continued training. 

Becoming a Black Belt and Meeting the Master

When Russell finally got his black belt, it wasn’t what he thought it would be. He thought it would be something much more, somewhat like what Scientologists are made to believe “going clear” would be. Then, after eight years of training, the opportunity to finally meet Master John C. Kim arrived. Russell went to the event to see the Master and saw all the other remembers in line to meet this short, stocky Korean man with gold chains, an Adidas tracksuit, shank-skinned cowboy boots a “porn star” mustache, and permed hair. He noticed that his very stern instructors acted like children around the Master. These instructors also had permed hair, a “pornstache,” and even spoke broken English like Master Kim. 

Johnson was always working several different jobs, not sleeping much, and always having to pay more money to the school. The school wanted to know his budget and made him feel guilty if he earned enough money to buy things for himself, even if it was much-needed clothing.

Getting out

Not long after seeing Master Kim and becoming a black belt, Russell realized he had been deceived. Kim was not a respected superior martial artist. Everything he had been promised wasn’t real. Kim did not have supernatural healing powers.  Before Russell was to enter the school, he had to call and ask for permission to come in. One day, after making the call, like a light bulb switching on in his head, he heard a voice in his head telling him that something was wrong. As he put the phone down, he said out loud, “Fuck it, I quit.” He would spend the next six weeks hiding in the darkness of his apartment, in a complete psychological breakdown.

After a couple of years, Russell underwent reconstructive surgery on his arms. The day after leaving the hospital, his phone rang, and it was an instructor from the school wanting to talk to him about returning and the possibility of Russell owning a school. Despite being in a lot of pain from the recent surgery, Russell’s anger toward the school led him to seek advice from an attorney.

The attorney suggested that Russell had been in a cult. Russell went to the library and obtained a copy of the original “Combating Cult Mind Control.” He recognized that his behavior, information, thoughts, and emotions (the BITE model before it was officially called that) were being manipulated. Russell learned that after he had left the school, a Chicago investigative reporter named Pam Zekman did an exposé called “Chung Moo Quan: The Cult and the Con.” Upon viewing the series, Russell understood that everything he had been told was a lie, and that Chung Moo Quan was a destructive martial arts cult. He eventually went public with his story and helped bring the school to trial. Kim was convicted.

Resources:

Russell Johnson’s podcast Deceived

Court TV The Case Against John C Kim: The Cult Of The Chung Moo Quan 

Martial arts school owners convicted UPI ARCHIVES DEC. 10, 1996

John C. Kim Dead at 82 Chung Moo Quan Martial Arts Master Cult Leader

Ep: 12 CBS Reporter Pam Zekman Exposes Chung Moo Quan As A Cult

The post Leaving a Martial Arts Cult with Russell Johnson appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Empowering patients or clients to have authority and control over their medical experiences is vital to beneficial therapeutic care. Likewise, well-crafted use of professional communication skills in setting expectations about clinical procedures and outcomes can mean the difference between a traumatic medical visit versus one being remembered with gratitude. Clinical studies show that clinicians trained in hypnotic skills can effectively help patients be more receptive to well-placed suggestions that may help reduce discomfort, eliminate the need for certain medications, lessen the side effects of treatments, and offer moderation over anxiety.  

Dr. Elvira Lang-Anderson, MD, PhD, is an award-winning interventional radiologist and founder of Comfort Talk®. This skills-based program fosters improvement of patient satisfaction, optimizing outcomes, and the ability to complete medical procedures through rapid rapport and “word choice” techniques. She has studied patient/provider interactions and their impact on health outcomes, staff satisfaction, and the results of different techniques on the overall efficiency of healthcare systems.  

She has also earned the Ernest R. Hilgard Award for Scientific Excellence for her lifetime of published work. Through her publications and work as the Past President of the New England Society of Clinical Hypnosis and the Society of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, she focuses on providing training for licensed healthcare professionals within the scope of their practice. She is the author of Patient Sedation Without Medication and Managing Your Medical Experience.  

Hypnosis in Mind-Body Interactions, Suggestibility, and Influence 

Dr. Lang-Anderson and I talked about how words influence perceived outcomes. If patients are told that a procedure will be painful or traumatic, they are likelier to experience that result. We discussed how, alternatively, when a patient receives a suggestion such that a particular numbing medication might be “warm,” “cold,” or have a “delicious sense of tingling,” that person is less likely to be traumatized in the interaction. We also talked about how using such word choices is both truthful and may create curiosity in the patient instead of a state of anxiety.  

I noted how suggestibility can be exploited in cases of Undue Influence. Conversely, within a practitioner’s health-promoting professional scope and ethical means to improve patient outcomes and overall experience. Dr. Lang-Anderson founded Comfort Talk® to assist healthcare professionals in gaining such skills to assist in self-hypnotic relaxation, as well as potential reduction in pain, anxiety, drug use, or complications in medical procedures. We also discussed how such techniques can be used to empower the patient, assisting them in reclaiming their mind and body autonomy in medical settings.  

I recalled how clinical hypnotherapy assisted me in recovery through my diagnosis and treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma 17 years ago and my work with the late Max Shapiro, PhD, a clinical hypnosis specialist. The suggestions that the biopsy procedure would go “smoothly, efficiently,” with “minimal blood flow,” and exhibiting the results of everyone being amazed at how fast I would recover precisely produced those results. I had weekly sessions, which I recorded and listened to on my iPod nano-, especially when I had trouble sleeping or was experiencing a lot of anxiety. Such experiences demonstrate the intricate connection between the mind and body. I encourage people to learn self-hypnosis skills as they can help them be their “best selves.” 

Clinical Trials Show Improved Completion Rates and Reduction in Anticipatory or Pre-Operative Anxiety  

In clinical trials, it has been found that patients with higher anticipatory or pre-operative anxiety often report higher levels of procedural pain. This link between pain and anxiety has many outcomes, including effects on overall patient satisfaction, willingness to complete procedures, and operational efficiency. We discussed how the Comfort Talk® staff training and mobile application is now leading the way in reducing reliance on pharmacologic solutions, such as narcotics, and assisting in anxiety reduction within procedures such as MRI, biopsy, or dentistry.  

The Comfort Talk® Pro mobile application uses self-hypnotic word sequences combined with topics including relaxation, confidence, comfort, and peace, resulting in anxiety reduction and greater efficiency in medical procedures. Comfort Talk® Training Options are available to help ensure institutions and their providers are adept at utilizing techniques and clinically proven word sequences to improve outcomes. Three levels of training are offered, including online, live, and trainer training, to help ensure appropriate use in clinical practice.  

Ensuring Professional and Research-Backed Hypnotic Suggestions for Patients

Therapeutic alliance and building a trusted professional relationship with patients or clients are cornerstones of successful outcomes in a clinical setting. There can be an overreliance on pharmacological use, such as opioids, to reduce pain when other techniques are not available or widely understood. Clinically proven self-hypnotic suggestions and professionals trained in word sequences showing anxiety and pain reduction have the potential benefit of improving the overall patient experience, as well as clinical efficiency.  

Dr. Lang-Anderson and I wrapped up our interview by discussing challenges in current healthcare environments, such as increasing cases of practitioner burnout. We discussed how resetting that situation might be achieved through a renewed focus on patient empowerment, clinical efficiency, and ensuring that people are supported in controlling their minds and experiences.  

I reminded listeners to be cautious about hypnotic programming suggestions from unverified sources, ensuring that phobia indoctrination isn’t an aspect of hypnotic care that we want. We want to focus on clinically proven therapeutic hypnotic suggestions that empower the individual to stay in control of their mind/body spaces, as we have proven that hypnotic suggestions, word choice, and other techniques can significantly influence that individual. At the Freedom of Mind Resource Center, we seek to help ensure that influence benefits the individual in their empowerment and supports people in letting go of what does not serve their best interests.  

Resources: 

Comfort Talk® Pro App – Comfort Talk 

Comfort Talk® Clinical Trials 

Training Options – Comfort Talk 

Books – Comfort Talk – Patient Sedation Without Medication and Managing Your Medical Experience 

New England Society of Clinical Hypnosis 

Society of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 

The post Supporting Patient Comfort Through Rapid Hypnotic Techniques with Elvira Lang-Anderson, M.D.  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

“America right now needs some exit ramps,” Jason Van Tatenhove said as we discussed his former role as national media director for the Oath Keepers, a group known for its far-right anti-government militia. While Jason would ultimately decide to leave the group in 2016 due to increasing racism and Holocaust denial within their membership, the Oath Keepers would go on to participate in the United States Capitol January 6^th attack, led by followers of Donald Trump. Jason eventually testified before a U.S. House Select Committee about his position in media propaganda for the organization. He described their attempts at paramilitary tactics, plans for insurrection, and his relationship with Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, convicted of seditious conspiracy and evidence tampering.  

Jason publicly speaks about his concerns for continued paramilitary training groups and recruitment tactics in future election cycles, including the 2024 presidential race. His book, The Perils of Extremism: How I Left the Oath Keepers and Why We Should Be Concerned about a Future Civil War, discusses the unsettled state surrounding extremism in America today and provides an insider view into the tactics used to recruit, train, and further radicalize persons with former military backgrounds, first-responders, and individuals who may otherwise feel disenfranchised by United States Democracy at this time.  

Storytelling as a Device for Influence 

As a writer, artist, and father of daughters with concerns about the future of his country, Jason often finds himself asking what stories we are telling, noting which stories pull us in and how propaganda has historically been used to persuade. Jason’s involvement with the Oath Keepers began with his interest and participation in the Bundy standoff of 2014, an armed confrontation between cattle rancher Cliven Bundy and law enforcement. He now admits that the story pulled him in and came under influences like Infowars, Rush Limbaugh, and other right-wing media, as well as people who he was communicating with daily. He connects his longing for camaraderie in the group with a desire to reconnect with an estranged father and noted that he was also struggling with finances during a time of caring for his ailing wife. 

I noted that this is a typical story in cult recruitment, experiencing a challenging transition time and having that vulnerability used to influence new members into further involvement. We discussed my Influence Continuum and how such moments can lead to undue influence and recruitment. Jason would eventually be offered a paying job within the Oath Keepers, where he stated that, for the first time, he didn’t have to choose between medicines for his wife and presents for his children. He also noted that while he’d previously worked standard journalism jobs, he found a lack of legitimate media employment was a driving factor in his decision.  

Retrieving Friends and Family from Cults, Militias, Extremism and Mind Control  

Jason is now concerned by the continued influence and propaganda of modern storytellers like Alex Jones. He stressed the need for storytellers on the side of sanity, empathy, and human connection and wondered about places for sitting around the fire to talk on that side of America. In his 2022 testimony, he noted the possibility of future violent extremism in America under the influence of far-right paramilitary groups.  

We talked about Jason’s question of how to build in “exit ramps” for people who got “sucked in” and topics of Cult Deprogramming. I shared my experiences with the Moonies cult and how, at this time, one son of the deceased cult leader is still active in the Rod of Iron Ministries, a gun cult, while the other is a gun manufacturer. I noted that it’s essential to realize that anyone is vulnerable to cults and undue influence, and we discussed the challenges to exiting.  

I spoke about the importance of not denigrating the leader of a friend or family member’s cult or doctrine, as this would be rejected right away. Instead, techniques such as reminding a person of who they were before the cult and reminding them of their earliest memories of the cult or leader before they were sucked in is helpful. Assisting individuals in tracking back their memories to illustrate how specific thoughts were implanted can sometimes jog earlier memories. Jason and I agreed that cutting them out of social circles or making fun of them is not helpful to the individual. In my experience, warmth, respect, kindness, compassion, and acts of listening go a long way toward opening further dialogue, and in future dialogue, there are opportunities for change.  

Newsworthy: March 24^th 2024: Oath Keepers’ son emerges from traumatic childhood to tell his own story in a long shot election bid

Resources:  

Van Tatenhove, J. (2023). The Perils of Extremism: How I Left the Oath Keepers and Why We Should Be Concerned about a Future Civil War. Skyhorse Publishing. 

I Love Losers – by Jason Van Tatenhove (coloradoswitchblade.com) 

Perils of Extremism: Coloradan Jason Van Tatenhove on his former life with Oath Keepers | KUNC 

Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection | Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection | Georgetown Law 

Influence Continuum – Freedom of Mind Resource Center 

The post Defining Exit Ramps for Militia Members with Former Propagandist Oath Keeper Jason Van Tatenhove  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

In a revealing dialogue, Denise Brennan, a former high-ranking member of Scientology as Larry Brennan, sheds light on the intricacies and inner workings of the organization alongside cult expert Dr. Steven Hassan. This conversation, which took place in February of 2013, delves into the origins, practices, and controversial leadership under David Miscavige, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the enigmatic world of Scientology.  A proud transgender woman who transitioned later in life, she passed away in August of 2014 and is sorely missed by all who knew her.

The Guardians Office and Legal Maneuverings 

Denise Brennan’s involvement in Scientology’s legal department, particularly the Guardians Office (now known as OSA), positioned her at the core of the organization’s legal and corporate strategies. Under direct orders of Hubbard, Brennan outlined her role in creating “corporate shell games” designed to protect Scientology’s assets from legal actions and government scrutiny, showcasing the organization’s complex structure to safeguard its financial interests and maintain control. 

Encounters with L. Ron Hubbard and David Miscavige 

Brennan’s interactions with Scientology’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard, and his successor, David Miscavige, highlight these leaders’ profound influence on the organization’s direction and practices. Hubbard’s orders, relayed through Miscavige, dictated significant restructuring and policy implementation, reflecting their authoritative control over the organization’s operations. 

Scientology’s Transformation into a Religion 

A pivotal aspect of Brennan’s revelations is the strategic transformation of Scientology into a recognized religion. This maneuver, aimed at legal and financial benefits, involved meticulous rebranding efforts, including promoting religious ceremonies and attire. Brennan’s account underscores the calculated nature of this transformation, emphasizing its role in Scientology’s survival and expansion. 

The Personal Toll and Organizational Abuse 

The conversation takes a personal turn as Brennan shares the emotional and psychological toll of her involvement in Scientology. From witnessing Miscavige’s physical abuse of members to experiencing the organization’s oppressive practices firsthand, Brennan’s narrative is a harrowing account of the dark side of Scientology. Her journey towards leaving the organization and embracing her true identity as a transgender woman illuminates the struggle for freedom and authenticity faced by many former members. 

The Path Forward: Awareness and Healing 

Dr. Steven Hassan and Denise Brennan discuss the importance of raising awareness about Scientology’s practices and supporting those affected by its influence. By sharing personal stories and leveraging the growing body of literature critiquing Scientology, they advocate for understanding, healing, and freedom from the organization’s grasp. 

Conclusion 

Denise Brennan’s candid discussion with Dr. Steven Hassan offers a rare and insightful look into Scientology, challenging the organization’s public facade and revealing the complexities of its operations, leadership, and impact on individuals. As more stories like Brennan’s come to light, the path toward healing and justice for former members becomes increasingly apparent, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Please see the book Brennan put together in the first link in the Resource center below.

Resources:

The Miscavige Legal Statements

Larry Brennan, Nancy Many and Steven Hassan Discuss Scientology (note: Larry Brennan was Denise’s pre-transition name)

Denise Brennan’s obituary in Tony Ortega’s Underground Bunker

The post Unveiling Scientology: Insights from Denise Brennan and Dr. Steven Hassan  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

As a Protestant, Matthew D. Taylor, Ph.D., is a Senior Scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS), where he specializes in Muslim-Christian dialogue, Evangelical and Pentecostal movements, religious politics in the U.S., and American Islam. ICJS produced a 30-minute documentary, Spiritual Warriors: Decoding Christian Nationalism at the Capitol Riot, featuring Dr. Taylor. His new forthcoming book, The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement that is Threatening Our Democracy, tracks the role that Christian leaders played, particularly those from the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) networks, in instigating Christians to participate in the January 6th Capitol Riot. 

Taylor’s work with the ICJS 

The Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS), founded in 1987, is an independent, impartial non-profit group in Baltimore, MD. Matthew participates in its efforts to facilitate interfaith dialogue  and dismantle religious bias. ICJS provides free resources to the public to further interreligious understanding and foster pluralism and inclusion. By approaching interfaith conversations that value and treasure differences, Matthew explains that they are not aiming to homogenize the Abrahamic religions. The institute seeks to gain insight from religious differences in world views. There are moments of friendship and kinship when similarities are found, and while these do not remove the differences, they help us live through them.  

Spiritual Warriors in the Capitol Riots  

Matthew’s research is featured in a new documentary called ‘Spiritual Warriors: Decoding Christian Nationalism at the Capitol Riot‘ which received a Gold Award from the 2024 Spotlight Documentary Film Awards. The short film is an easily digestible version of Matthew’s work unearthing Christian leaders’ identities in the January 6th, 2021, Capitol Riot. Many Christian groups participated, and Donald Trump was the instigator, so the event displayed a visible Christian spiritual ethos. Matthew aims to understand both the rise of New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and how NAR ideas began to filter into mainstream American politics. For a longer, deep-dive into the NAR, Matthew has also created an audio-documentary series titled “Charismatic Revival Fury” that traces the origins of the movement and how it became involved in January 6^th. 

The Rise of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)  

The NAR started as a theoretical concept about a new form of non-denominational church governance led by modern-day apostles and prophets and evolved into a movement of leadership networks in the early 2000s. This movement is marked by charismatic spirituality, non-denominational church leadership, practices like speaking in tongues, prophesying, and a revival of apostles and prophets to instigate global Christian revival. Over time, these networks became politically radicalized and began infiltrating right-wing politics in the United States and other countries.  

Matthew explains how they endorsed Trump in his rise to power and became the vanguard of Christian Trumpism. They offered theology and prophecy frameworks to lead Christians to support Donald Trump and motivate them to political action.  

The apostles and prophets of the NAR are part of a set of leadership and mentoring networks centered on the work of a maverick seminary professor named C. Peter Wagner. Wagner died in 2016. Those who endorsed Trump proclaimed a prophecy that God wanted Trump to be the president, but that believers must make this happen through spiritual warfare and battling the devil. Supporters were encouraged to facilitate the presidency through activism and combat in the spiritual realm. Matthew explains how, in many ways, the events of the Capitol Riot came about through people believing these prophecies and the need to enact them as ‘spiritual warriors.’ The NAR movement radicalized believers to think that they could get Trump back in office and follow the “prophecy.” Matthew’s research found that in December 2020, fifteen NAR leaders met with unnamed Trump officials at the White House and were instrumental in the Capitol Riot events.  

NAR interpretation of scripture (hermeneutics) 

Matthew notes that while NAR leaders seem to be well-versed in the Bible, their interpretations deviate significantly from mainstream Christianity. They utilize prophecy as a way to read into biblical passages messages that back up their political motivations. 

As a Christian, Matthew observes how Jesus actively told followers to avoid any earthly power being bestowed on him in the New Testament. Jesus encouraged his followers to be servants of all people and said that serving others is the path to greatness. Matthew disagrees with the NAR mode of church governance, which tends toward authoritarian and coercive leadership. However, he notes that their beliefs are within the boundaries of  Christian orthodoxy. He describes many of their extreme beliefs as “bad interpretation but not heretical.” 

NAR beliefs are becoming more mainstream  

NAR beliefs have become increasingly mainstream in the last decade in United States Christianity. They have infiltrated right-wing Christian theology and the evangelical movement so that NAR styles of ‘strategic spiritual warfare’ have become very popular among other evangelicals. Matthew notes that, as a scholar, he does see NAR beliefs as extreme but that they radicalize people through theological interpretation and prophecy.  

NAR Leaders Supporting Trump’s Rise

During Donald Trump’s presidential run in 2015, mainstream Evangelical elites did not want to be associated with him or his views. However, Matthew notes that polls consistently showed that many grassroots evangelicals supported Trump from very early in the campaign. As a result, Trump asked Paula White, his religious advisor, to bridge the gap between him and evangelical leaders. White is a charismatic televangelist with ties to many NAR leaders, so she brought televangelists, NAR prophets, and other charismatic Christian leaders to meet with Trump and serve as some of his core religious advisers. This was the beginning of fringe leaders entering the inner circle of the religious right on a national level in a process that continues today. 

Comments as a Protestant Christian Scholar  

Matthew explains that he is not anti-charismatic.  However, he feels that NAR leaders and the theologies and prophecies they propagate pose a ‘grave menace’ to democracy. This view is not because they are charismatic or even claim to be prophets but because they hyper-politicize and orient their religious views around politics.

NAR leaders are radicalizing their followers to influence politics and even attempt to take control of sectors of society to Christianize America. While the First Amendment allows religious freedom, which we all deserve, we also exist to have civic duties and responsibilities in society. Matthew reminds people that he wishes to humanize true believers on the religious fringe while highlighting how they can threaten pluralism and democracy. We should want to live in a multi-religious democracy where all civilians have freedom and equality. Christian supremacy aims to take away the rights of people to live out their values and differing beliefs. We must remind ourselves that we are all entitled to differing religious beliefs that can coexist harmoniously in society rather than impose our beliefs on one another.  

Resources: 

ICJS  Documentary: Spiritual Warriors: Decoding Christian Nationalism at the Capitol Riot 

Matthew D Taylor, Scripture People: Salafi Muslims in Evangelical Christians’ America (Cambridge University Press, 2023) 

Matthew D Taylor, The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement that is Threatening Our Democracy (Available for pre-order now and out in September 2024) 

Matthew’s Substack 

The Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS)  

Twitter  @TaylorMatthewD 

Charismatic Revival Fury 

Mike Johnson Is Mainstreaming the Spirituality that Gave Us the Capitol Riot 

Relevant FOM blogs:

Christian Nationalism, Dominionism, the New Apostolic Reformation; A Discussion with Dr. André Gagné 

2024 Theocratic Politics & The New Apostolic Reformation with André Gagné and Frederick Clarkson 

The post Right-wing Christian Movements Threatening our Democracy with Matthew D. Taylor, PhD  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

In this enlightening episode, I speak to Ryan McBeth, an experienced military veteran and a recognized figure in cybersecurity, military analysis, and artificial intelligence, to explore a range of thought-provoking topics. Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge from his 20 years of service as an anti-armor and heavy weapons infantryman and his prolific work as a software architect, novelist, and YouTube content creator. 

Ryan appears on NEWSMAX as an intelligence consultant and consults for Veloxxity on Information Warfare and OSINT. He also performed C4ISR intelligence collection for various government customers and currently consults on intelligence collection and analysis methods. 

How did the New York Times get it so wrong? 

It can be challenging for news organizations to get military news stories accurate. Ryan critiques The New York Times’ reporting on a significant incident in Gaza, tying it to a broader issue of the media’s lack of military understanding. McBeth highlights the importance of having basic military knowledge to assess better and accurately report on complex conflicts. Ryan is critical of the New York Times’ tweet and headlines, which misrepresented an airstrike that hit a Gaza hospital. He explains his analysis in more detail on his YouTube channel. 

There have been many inconsistencies and a lack of expert commentary in the reporting of the Israel-Gaza war, leading to the publication of controversial articles. Ryan explains how a lack of military representation in media can lead to misinformation. For example, the percentage of staff at the New York Times who are veterans or those with a military background and understanding is a tiny minority.  

Ryan provides data for the percentage of veterans in media in the New York Times and other news organizations. He explains how military expertise in media organizations is essential for a better understanding of war zone topics when reporting to the public. Misinformation in the media has widespread negative consequences and can influence bias globally.  

Importance of education and civic awareness in countering misinformation and promoting informed decision-making. 

Few people in the population have served in the military, around 0.6%. Ryan explains that the information and expertise American veterans can offer society is a wasted resource. He passionately speaks about the nobility of military service and citizens’ broader civic responsibility in a democracy. He highlights the transformative and positive impact that military service can have on individuals and society. 

Ryan wishes to dispel the general public’s negative connotations against joining the military. It should be considered a valuable career choice, as those who join save lives daily, stop drug cartels, and defend America through cyber security. We are part of a wider community and country and should look after each other. There is a need for national unity, respectful discourse, and the dangers of viewing politics as a divisive, team-based sport. 

The potential benefits and challenges of implementing AI in military combat

Ryan McBeth shares insights into AI-driven systems such as the Aegis and Patriot missile systems, emphasizing how AI can act as a force multiplier and improve decision-making processes in military operations. Ryan shared his perspective on using AI in military operations and the potential benefits and challenges of implementing AI in combat. He now works for Aero Med Lab as a consultant and military liaison, aiming to send whole blood packets using drones powered with Artificial Intelligence to wounded soldiers in warzones. 

Using advanced algorithms, AI can accurately identify targets, reducing the risk of civilian casualties and collateral damage. For instance, equipping tanks with AI-powered thermal imaging can help distinguish between friend and foe, ensuring that firepower is directed accurately. While integrating AI into military combat presents significant advantages in terms of operational efficiency, decision-making, and combat effectiveness, it also introduces ethical, legal, and strategic challenges that need careful consideration. Balancing these benefits and challenges is crucial for the responsible and effective utilization of AI in military contexts. 

Misinformation and authoritarian control 

We discussed the challenges of information warfare and delved into the complexities of navigating misinformation and the role of social media in modern conflict. We both advocate for more science-based education and critical thinking skills to combat disinformation. I spoke with Ryan about the influence of misinformation and authoritarian control. We discussed the impact of media consumption on individuals and emphasized the importance of critically evaluating information before sharing it.  

We also addressed the potential manipulation of emotions through media and the need to be cautious of polarizing content. Additionally, we delved into the appeal of authoritarian leaders and the potential influence of strong communication skills in political leadership. Our conversation highlighted the significance of informed media consumption and critical thinking in navigating today’s complex information landscape. 

Conclusion 

Ryan McBeth’s insights challenge listeners to think deeper about the connections between military, technology, and societal issues. His emphasis on continuous learning informed citizenship and the value of military service resonates throughout the conversation, prompting a reevaluation of personal contributions to societal progress and national unity. 

Ryan’s concluding point is that we should be careful of the media we consume and its’ intended influence on our thinking. We should be careful of what we consume and share without being adequately informed and researching a topic. He explains, “If something gives you a very emotional feeling when you read it online, you might be being manipulated.” Pause before you read and share the information. Check the source. Authoritarian leaders and news sources want polarisation, and they want you to feel overwhelmed, confused, and uncertain when consuming information so that you can be unduly influenced. 

Steve’s note: Apologies to Ryan Mcbeth for not posting this much sooner. I continue to find his analyses, especially in the Israeli- Hamas conflict very helpful. I continue to grieve for the horrific violence and the rising anti-semitism as well as Islamophobia. People need to understand the powerful forces who wish to impose authoritarian rule and who think nothing of the preciousness of all life on earth. I continue to be an idealist and hope for a two state solution, where religious extremists go back to the fringe. This can only happen by more people being willing to not operate from simplistest all/ nothing, us/them, good/evil frames and realize life is precious and that our beautiful world can be made extinct by malignant narcissists who seem to only care about power, money and sexual exploitation.

Resources: 

Ryan’s Website  

Ryan McBeth- How the New York Times Gets it Wrong  

Social Media, Cyber Warfare, Data Mining and AI Used to Target, Manipulate, and Control People 

Beware the Metaverse: Dr. Rand Waltzman discusses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet   

Ryan McBeth’s Social Media:

YouTube 

SubStack  

X/Twitter 

Discord 

Instagram  

The post Discussing Military Insights, AI, and Influence with Ryan McBeth  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

The 2024 First Edition of the Routledge International Handbook of Clinical Hypnosis is a compendium of state-of-the-art neuroscience focusing on practice-oriented aspects of clinical hypnosis in healthcare settings. It contains the work of 90 contributors from the global field. Dr. Julie H. Linden, Ph.D., was the lead editor, along with Giuseppe De Benedittis, Laurence I. Sugarman, and Katalin Varga. This is the essential textbook on clinical hypnotherapy, which has experts from many fields. Here is a complete list of contents and authors. 

I was fortunate to co-author two chapters of the book concerning the dark side of hypnosis with the late law professor emeritus Alan W. Scheflin, my dear friend, colleague, and mentor. Alan wrote one of the first books on MK-Ultra and co-authored many essential volumes, including Memory, Trauma, Treatment, and the Law.   

Julie is the Past President of The International Society of Hypnosis, American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, and Greater Philadelphia Society of Clinical Hypnosis. She received the Josephine Hilgard Award from the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis twice and was awarded the ISH Benjamin Franklin Gold Medal in 2018. She is a co-author with Laurence Sugarman, MD, of Changing Minds with Clinical Hypnosis: Narratives and Discourse for a New Health Care Paradigm. Julie was an early pioneer of pediatric hypnotic pain management (1975). She has worked with patients in burn units, during medical procedures, in emergency rooms, surgery preparation, chronic illness, and many other circumstances where benefit from clinical hypnotic techniques might be found.  

Exploring the Power and Many Sides of Hypnosis 

One of Julie’s earliest memories when she understood the true power of hypnosis on the embodied mind was during a time when she worked in a burn unit. She recalled a young boy who had been admitted after a horrific scalding accident. The boy was having a terrible time getting through the critical debridement procedures due to the pain and fear he was having. By working with him on imagery and visualization, Julie discovered that the boy could then complete the procedures with tolerable pain levels and significantly less anxiety. The result gave the boy the ability to heal optimally and a long-term return to a full range of motion.  

Over time, Julie discovered that clinical hypnotic techniques were helpful in a variety of situations, including pain management, irritable bowel difficulties, childbirth, surgical techniques, and more. She described a situation where she was assisting a 7-year-old girl with stomach pain on waking up every morning. There was no medical evidence to explain the discomfort, thus it seemed a functional symptom. School was the primary source of the girl’s anxiety. Julie remembered having the girl practice a very successful technique using visualization to connect the “elevator” from her digestive system to her mind so she could talk about her worries. The results were very successful.  

Storytelling, Metaphor, and Connecting to Universal Wisdom in Clinical Practice 

Dr. Linden is an expert on utilizing therapeutic metaphors. We discussed how metaphors and storytelling often help people connect with their bodies and how past traumas can make people feel disassociated from bodily sensations. I mentioned one of my first teachers of hypnotherapy, Stephen Lankton, and his book Tales of Enchantment: Goal-Oriented Metaphors for Adults and Children in Therapy, designed to help clinicians with storytelling in clinical practice. Julie and I discussed other professionals specializing in cultural competencies, therapeutic metaphors, and resourcing awareness in clinical settings.  

Julie believes in utilizing the healing possibilities by tapping into our deep spiritual wisdom when we learn how to access our mind-body connections. She reminded listeners that we are not helpless victims even when victimized. We both agreed that personal empowerment was essential to the healing process.  

Truths and Myths Surrounding Hypnotic Trance State and Undue Influence 

In this interview, we also talked about public perception surrounding hypnotic trance states. I stated that, unfortunately, a lot of people still imagine a stage hypnotist swinging a watch when they think about definitions of hypnosis and trance states. However, real hypnotic states can be potent tools to direct the mind, whether for beneficial or nefarious purposes. Therefore, people must learn the difference and be careful about who they choose for intentional clinical suggestions.  

Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize hypnotic elements used in all forms of influence, such as advertising, thought control, persuasive speech, or addictions to technology. Dopamine addiction is a critical element of our electronic world, and influencers are seeking to control our minds by understanding and utilizing this fact. Influencers count on us to continue to scroll endlessly and buy whatever they’re selling, so we must learn skills and tools to recognize their tactics and control our minds. 

Julie spoke about the continued increased interest she sees in medicine surrounding clinical hypnotic techniques. We discussed how important and beneficial that could be when prescribing physicians and their ability to offer patients alternatives or integrative therapies for traditional pharmaceutical-based treatment plans, such as pain management. Julie seeks to continue to travel the world, lecturing and training others on the enormous potential for hypnosis to be integrated into healthcare practices. Alongside this effort, we at the Freedom of Mind Resource Center shall continue to ensure individuals are fully empowered to understand how to safely use hypnotic techniques in medicine, with appropriate informed consent, and recognize and avoid inappropriate uses of mind control.  

Resources:  

Website – Dr. Julie H. Linden, Ph.D. 

Routledge International Handbook of Clinical Hypnosis 

The International Society of Hypnosis 

American Society of Clinical Hypnosis 

Greater Philadelphia Society of Clinical Hypnosis 

American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis  

Changing Minds with Clinical Hypnosis: Narratives and Discourse for a New Health Care Paradigm 

FOM resources: 

BITE Model of Authoritarian Control 

Evaluating Undue Influence: Scheflin’s Model as a Framework 

The Therapeutic Use of Hypnosis to Improve Health and Recover from Trauma with Laurence Sugarman, MD 

Hypnosis, Guided Meditation, Deep Visualizations-Consumers Beware Steven Hassan PhD 

Unethical Use of Covert Hypnosis to Rape by Steven Hassan 

The post Clinical Hypnosis and its Benefits for a New Health Care Paradigm with Julie H. Linden, PhD  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Analyzing online content and how people interact with that content is essential to understanding the process of online radicalization. Bad actors worldwide use social media to post content to arouse emotions and create chaos, distrust, and polarization. With algorithms instantly and repeatedly feeding similar content, it is easy to go down a rabbit hole of authoritarian creation, resulting in undue influence. Dr. Stuart Shulman is the founding Editor of the Journal of Information Technology & Politics. He holds a Ph.D. in American Politics (Oregon 1999) and is currently the founder (2009) and CEO of Texifter, a software business serving academic, commercial, and government clients. DiscoverText is a web-based text analytics platform for improving human and machine learning. His past work includes extensive teaching and leadership roles, building externally funded teams for collaborative interdisciplinary research. His projects involve qualitative, quantitative, survey, and social media data and human annotation at scale, information retrieval, and machine-learning methods.   

I had the pleasure of meeting Stuart while working on my doctorate. At the time, I wanted to know whether there was a scientifically valid quantitative way of validating my BITE model using online data. Thankfully, one of my professors at Fielding Graduate University introduced me to Dr. Shulman. 

When we first met, Stuart was analyzing data on Twitter, now X, using technology developed for federal agencies sorting public comments about proposed regulations. Academics have completed hundreds of studies using the same platform to examine Twitter data. While working on these projects, Stuart started noticing stories that he found interesting. They were not necessarily true stories, but they were told in ways that were compelling and even addictive and invited others to participate. Even though these stories were offensive, dangerous, subversive, and upsetting, he couldn’t look away, which surprised him. He saw how easy it was to be drawn in and be harmfully influenced by online content that is rapidly fed to us online.  

Background 

Stuart was raised in Canada with his Canadian mother and American father. Even though he lived in Canada throughout his childhood, his friends considered him an American immigrant. He went to college in America, where he got his PhD in politics.  Because of his experience of having both nationalities, he was interested in what Canadians thought of the United States and what Americans thought of Canada. He found that, for the most part, Americans ignored Canada, even when it came to politics. Canadian politics were never discussed in his political science classes and was rarely covered in the U.S. news. So, when he noticed a lot of posts about the 2019 Canadian election that were from purported Americans, he looked a little deeper. 

Political Posts from Bad Actors 

Stuart did find it interesting that suddenly Twitter users with flag-bearing identites claimed to be American but were commenting on the Canadian election. He thought that was unusual, so he looked deeper into who was posting #trudeaumust and, more generally, at the four major candidates. He discovered lots of open QAnons as well as links to Russian-backed propaganda websites and uniformly pro-Russia actors. These were the people, troll farms, and bots who planted seeds of distrust and discord, started malicious stories, and spread them with the intention of influencing our elections. 

Fourth-Generation Warfare and How It Is Used to Radicalize People 

While researching my book The Cult of Trump, I learned about William Lind, an American military strategist who partnered with Paul Weyrich of the Christian Right. Fourth-generation Warfare tactics aim to make people distrust experts, science, and institutions like democracy. This creates discomfort and uncertainty within the masses, making them more vulnerable to something that would explain the world and give them certainty. With the loyalty of the masses, they can more easily dismiss the separation of church and state and push a theocracy, undermining democracy. Along with those, they want to try to bring back old views of male domination, decrease access to women’s health, abolish gay rights, and discriminate against all who don’t share their objectives.  

Online Radicalization: Signs of Violence to Come 

A year before the January 6, 2021, insurrection, there was a dramatic uptick in online talk about violence and insurrectionism in the Biden Twitter data. Shulman had documented enough evidence of “digital soldiers” that he was invited to brief the US and UK intelligence community on February 12, 2020. Stuart also prepared over 100 Vimeo educational videos about plans for violence, trying to educate people to be careful.  

2020 Election 

In December 2019, after the Canadian 2019 election, Stuart began collecting posts regarding Biden before he was the nominee. Biden wasn’t doing particularly well then, but he noticed millions of tweets about Biden, most of them negative. When Stuart looked closer at who was posting the most viral tweets, he discovered that most of them were from a man named Charlie Kirk. Charlie Kirk is one of the leaders of Turning Point USA. This conservative non-profit focuses on high school and college students who want to promote “the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government.” Stuart decided to investigate why Charlie Kirk had the most viral tweets of anybody. Again, he found the same digital markings of QAnon.  

Stuart learned about Alternate Reality Games through all this research into viral posts on Twitter. Alternate Reality Games (ARGs) are online narratives where participants leave “breadcrumbs” or clues to encourage followers to add thoughts and stories, creating more intrigue and suspense. The government is very limited in what they can do about this, so the stories easily keep circulating.  

Humans and Technology 

Stuart’s work involves teaching people new technology that helps them create better solutions, but a human must be involved in the process. He does not give people a magic button, which he sometimes feels people want. He believes a threat to American politics is the uncritical assumption that there is a magic button, for example, AI, to handle whatever threats arise. This is where my framework of the influence continuum comes in, where decisions are made freely with critical thinking ethics and based on the healthy side. This is also one of the reasons why I do what I do. I aim to educate the public about the undue influence that can affect anyone. I have hope and optimism about the future because of this work and the vital work of others, such as Dr. Stuart Shulman.   

Resources: 

DiscoverText

On Twitter/ X @stuartwshulman

Dr. Shulman’s Researchgate profile

The post Online Radicalization with Data Scientist Dr. Stuart Shulman   appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Anthony Davis is a British broadcaster, journalist, and voiceover artist. He was born in London and has been based in Los Angeles since 2017, where he works remotely from his home studio with networks worldwide. Since November 2021, his collaborations with the MeidasTouch media network, including the Five-Minute News, The Weekend Show, and America Uncovered, have exploded his reach across the US as a trusted voice in news commentary. 

In the UK, he hosted Drivetime on the Smooth FM network for a national audience of 6 million listeners. For almost a decade prior, his nightly news talk program on LBC radio was London’s most popular late show. Anthony has voiced the 2021 Emmy award-winning Nike’ You Can’t Stop Us’ commercial, racking up over 50 million views on YouTube in just three days and winning the coveted Film Grand Prix in Cannes for best commercial. Anthony created the daily morning podcast Five Minute News, for which he won a 2021 Communicator Award from The Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts in New York, a VEGA award for Best Host, a 2022 Gold MUSE award, and a 2023 W3 Gold award. 

Fact-Based Journalism

Upon relocating to the United States, Anthony Davis discerned a void in the market for the fact-based journalistic approach prevalent in the UK. He observed a diminution of regulatory standards over decades, notably under the GOP’s influence, culminating in the normalization of disinformation, famously branded as ‘alternative facts’ by Kellyanne Conway during the Trump administration. 

Davis cites instances such as Sean Spicer’s falsifying crowd size during a press conference, which symbolizes his departure from journalistic integrity. This erosion of factual reporting has contributed to skepticism and confusion among the American public, highlighting the urgent need to return to evidence-based journalism.

Is there a decline in American democracy?

Davis highlights concerning trends indicative of a decline in American democracy, citing the elevation of figures like Mike Johnson, a far-right Christian nationalist, and Pastor Jack Hibbs, whose inflammatory anti-trans rhetoric underscores the entanglement of religious extremism with political institutions.

Anthony argues that inviting religious far-right speakers into the very heart of American democracy shows the shift to unionize the right-wing church and state. Anthony feels America fell to a dictator when Trump’s misinformation about the election campaign was spread, and peaceful protestors in Portland were militarized. This erosion of democratic values poses a grave threat to the foundation of American governance, necessitating concerted efforts to safeguard the integrity of democratic institutions and uphold the principles of justice and equality upon which the Constitution was founded.

Misinformation through the media

Drawing parallels with Russian propaganda tactics, Davis underscores the harmful effects of misinformation campaigns on public discourse and democratic processes. He advocates for enhanced media literacy and critical thinking skills to counteract the proliferation of false information, emphasizing the importance of discerning reputable sources amidst a landscape rife with misinformation. The propagation of misinformation represents a grave threat to the integrity of democratic governance, undermining public trust in institutions and fostering societal division and discord. Davis calls for a concerted effort to combat the spread of misinformation through education, media literacy programs, and the promotion of fact-based reporting.

The Influence Continuum and BITE model, as well as the characteristics of malignant narcissism, should be taught to everyone so that we can make clear, informed decisions that are not influenced by undue influence.

Trump and the Supreme Court

Trump states he did not instigate the insurrection and should not be denied presence on the ballot. Anthony argues that even the conversation surrounding whether Trump should be on the ballot if he provoked the insurrection must be the most significant news topic of the month. Even FOX News cannot escape covering the Supreme Court debating this. Many of Trump’s internal cabinet, even those who are part of the religious right, have spoken out against Trump. Trump’s former Attorney-General, Bill Barr, said he was ‘dangerous,’ ‘despicable’ and should not be near the presidency. 

Empowering Civic Engagement Through Voting 

Anthony and I agree that voting is crucial in halting the fall of democracy, as it is likely that Trump will be on the ballot. We, the American people, can stop his potential re-election. Anthony points out that everybody must be an activist to show up on polling day and cast their vote. The downside is that the electoral college system is skewed in favor of Republicans. There have been tricks in the background, such as gerrymandering and redrawing boundaries, which have given unfair advantages.

Alva Johnson was influential in the Trump 2016 campaign before she left and began speaking out after she was freed from the NDA she was told to sign. She talks of RVs driving to win over communities that were previously ignored. These were isolated populations who had never voted before. Alva’s vision is to reverse engineer Trump’s campaign tactics and register those who have never voted, empowering citizens to vote in line with their values.

Davis calls upon citizens to exercise their right to vote and actively participate in the democratic process, recognizing it as a fundamental tenet of citizenship and a bulwark against tyranny. Citizens’ values, not the party they support, should inform their vote. We should be voting for freedom and democracy rather than becoming distracted by controversial political leaders. 

Anthony’s Notable Insights

Reflecting on his career in the US, Davis highlights the work of Jared Yates Sexton, whose critical analysis of neoliberalism and racial disparities offers profound insights into contemporary America. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the African American experience. He calls for a concerted effort to address systemic inequities perpetuated by institutional privilege. Davis advocates for a more inclusive and equitable society, one that recognizes and confronts the legacies of racial injustice and inequality that continue to shape American culture. He calls upon individuals to confront their own biases and privilege and to actively work towards dismantling systems of oppression and inequality.

Through his advocacy for fact-based journalism and civic participation, Davis exemplifies the indispensable role of media professionals in shaping public discourse and safeguarding democratic values. Anthony is available for US and transcontinental political journalism and analysis.

Resources:

MeidasTouch Network  

MeidasTouch Youtube Podcast

Patreon – The MeidasTouch

Instagram – @MeidasTouch

Facebook – MeidasTouch

X/Twitter – @Meidastouch    

MeidasTouch Merchandise Store

Breaking the Silence: Alva Johnson’s Journey as a Director in the 2016 Trump Campaign

The BITE Model of Authoritarian Control: Undue Influence, Thought Reform, Brainwashing, Mind Control, Trafficking and the Law

.

The post Navigating Journalistic Integrity in an Age of Misinformation with Anthony Davis  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

The Trump University scam started years before Donald Trump ran for President, though many people are just now learning about the extent of the deception. Using fraudulent claims and high-pressure sales techniques, the University scammed many people into enrolling for courses for increasingly higher prices. Some victims lost their savings, and at least one victim lost their home. 

So, how can regular people receive justice when high-powered people and organizations wield deception and cult-like practices? That’s where Tristan Snell comes in. Snell is a lawyer and legal commentator featured on MSNBC, NPR, in the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. He served as Assistant Attorney General for New York State, leading the investigation and prosecution of Trump University. Snell has developed a playbook for going up against Trump and others like Trump in court.  

The Scam of Trump University: Making America Grift Again 

The Trump University grift followed the same playbook as many predatory organizations, like Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) organizations. Victims are hooked through legitimate sounding offers, like a weekend sales course for $1,500. However, once the victims attend the weekend sales course, they are pressured into buying more courses for more money to achieve goals too good to be true. It’s a classic bait-and-switch.  

These techniques are similar to what people who have escaped Scientology report experiencing in terms of spending more and more money to achieve a goal that keeps moving further and further away. It’s human nature to stay with a course of action once you have invested time and money towards that course of action, even if abandoning it would logically be more beneficial. This is what’s known as the Sunk Cost Fallacy, and it’s the reason many people stay in cults or other groups that are harmful.  

Trump University used Trump’s cult-like following after the success of his show “The Apprentice” to lure people in. The University made promises like doing a meet and greet with Trump to excite prospects and get them to sign up. However, the meet and greet would, in reality, only be taking a picture with a cardboard cut-out of Trump. Trump is continuing to run scams today. He plays on peoples’ fears primarily through social media and disinformation. The scams look different than Trump University, but the fear and false promises are the same. For example, the Trump campaign recently sent a text message offering trips to Mar-A-Lago for a $10 donation to the campaign. His followers don’t realize they are donating to his defense fund, not his campaign, and they will likely never visit Mar-A-Lago. 

Using the Law to take on Predatory Organizations 

In his book Taking Down Trump, Tristan Snell outlines how he has been successful up against a high-powered person like Trump. Snell highlights how courage and persistence helped him keep going until he was successful against Trump. He overcame many obstacles to bring the case against Trump, including legitimate reasons not to continue. Snell also highlights the importance of staying focused on your case and facts when going up against people like Trump. One of the tactics used by organizations like Trump’s is to distract, whether it’s to distract the judge or jury from the most essential facts. Or it might be to distract the public by filling their social media feeds with disinformation. Managing the audience’s attention through misdirection is a powerful way to control what people see.  

So, how can people who have been defrauded use the Law to bring about positive change in the face of fraudulent organizations? As Snell points out in his Freedom of Mind interview, the common law approach to situations of undue influence blamed the victim, and it wasn’t easy to get convictions. However, statutory Law now allows for more consumer protection against undue influence. The statutory standard is much easier to prove and can lead to more companies being held liable. Even with these statutes, though, the hard part is making sure people know their rights and are empowered to bring civil cases when they have been harmed.  

For more information about Tristan Snell’s book, the case against Trump University, and continuing education about statutory Law, follow Tristan on social media and check out his book, Taking Down Trump.  

Resources:  

Taking Down Trump: 12 Rules for Prosecuting Donald Trump by Someone Who Did It Successfully Tristan Snell 

Order Tristan Snell’s book, Taking Down Trump 

Follow Tristan: Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and Twitter 

The post Taking Down Trump: 12 Rules for Prosecuting Donald Trump by Someone Who Did It Successfully with Tristan Snell appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

In this era of political polarization, the landscape in the United States is marked by the rise of Donald Trump as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election. This despite Trump facing numerous legal challenges–including over his involvement in the January 6^th attack on the United States Capitol. However, Trump and his supporters are but the most visible element. Part of the reason for his rise is a profound tale of our time. The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is increasingly taking over the religious right movement and, in turn, influencing the Republican Party, which holds implications for Christianity and the future of democracy. 

The NAR is closely aligned with those who are on a mission to take over democracy worldwide under the guise of “religious freedom.” Not only are they backing Trump, but Trump is backing them. This movement of politicized Neo-Charismatic Pentecostals (NCP) seeks to assert dominance through their Seven Mountain Mandate, which we’ve previously discussed. There is a possibility that Trump could once again serve as a conduit for their agenda at the nation’s highest office, amplifying the impact of this cult movement towards religious theocracy through the legislative and judicial branches of government at all levels. The theocratic end goals are clearly laid out through Project Blitz, a state-level legislative program primarily led by NAR operatives. André Gagné and Frederick Clarkson returned to my show to discuss the NAR, its background, and ways to educate people worldwide about it.  

The Growth of the Politics of Theocracy 

André Gagné is the author of the new book American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and the End Times. His book was originally published in French but was fortunately released in English for broader distribution. André is a Full Professor and Chair of the Department of Theological Studies at Concordia University in Montreal. He has a conjoint PhD from l’Université catholique de Louvain (Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium) and l’Université de Montréal, a M.A. and B.Th. from l’Université de Montréal. 

Frederick Clarkson, a Senior Research Analyst at Political Research Associates, a progressive think tank in Somerville, Massachusetts, joined him. Frederick has written about politics and religion for four decades, appearing in many publications from Mother Jones, Church & State, and Ms. Magazine to The Christian Science Monitor, Salon.com, and Religion Dispatches. 

In this episode of the Influence Continuum, we discussed the rising power of apostles and prophets in politics and governance. We also explored the roots of NAR through C. Peter Wagner, an American evangelical missionary focused on charismatic leadership, was a professor at the evangelical Fuller Theological Seminary for three decades. He began the push for running churches like businesses and the focus on the idea of “spiritual warfare” towards the end of his life. We talked about how new apostolic leadership views their religion in relationship to other Christian organizations as not fully practicing with spiritual and theological correctness, thus putting themselves in a position of being the only right religion to follow.  

As Fred noted, this leaves the NAR with a frightening view of political control, where their religion is the only valid form of Christianity. Demonstrating their views, he stated, “…there are political implications for that. So, if you’re a progressive Catholic priest, you’re not really a Christian. If you’re a pro-choice, pro-marriage equality Protestant, you’re not really a Christian.” He continued, “It begins to have political implications that erode all notions of religious pluralism and separation of church and state as foundational aspects of society.” He then remarked that this movement is not only supporting Trump but other leaders around the world and seeks to unravel, challenge, and decompose institutional Christianity as we know it.  

André points out that it is essential to recognize that this is not the historical viewpoint of all Pentecostals and that we need to distinguish this extremist view from the NAR movement compared to others. However, according to Fred, the NAR has unfortunately taken over much of the evangelical world. What is agreed upon is that this sector is growing, and the core theological and political idea of the Seven Mountain Mandate appears to be a structured plan for the path ahead.  

Charlie Kirk, the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, is currently collaborating with Lance Wallnau, who identifies as an apostle, to turn out more conservative spiritual support for Trump in the 2024 election. Wallnau is a leading figure within the NAR and promoter of the Seven Mountain Mandate, which calls for Christians–of the right sort– to control government, economics, education, family, religion, arts and entertainment, and media. As André points out, the Seven Mountain Mandate is a mobilization strategy for many evangelical Christians to fulfill its mission. 

Strategies to Counteract the Undue Influence of NAR 

One significant aspect to understand about the NAR is that its influence is growing and extending outside of the United States’ political and religious institutions. The goals of the Seven Mountain Mandate are to gain leadership in all high places, including politics, education, media, and more. Trump was seen to be on top of that mountain through his roles as a business and media mogul, thus becoming a facilitator of the broader doctrine.  

Fred, André, and I agreed that gaining a better understanding of the ties between religion and politics in this movement was a great place to start unraveling the connections. André’s book, American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and the End Times, is a great place to start. It is concise, authoritative, and accessible. Other suggestions include finding like-minded people who share common concerns about this planned theocratic control of governance–ideas that the founders of the United States were strictly against and fought hard to eliminate via the Constitution and First Amendment–in order to learn more about it. As in any other field, we need to know enough about it and have a sufficiently common vocabulary in order to develop a strategy together. We all must be cautious not to speculate but to investigate ties or links to achieve an understanding of the whole within this anti-democratic political force seeking to control our governance. As André points out we are playing into their hands when we don’t get the story right. People must take this global movement seriously and seek to strategically dissolve its undue influence.  

Further Resources:  

André Gagné, American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and the End Times, Routledge, 2024. 

Paul Rosenberg, Meet the New Apostolic Reformation, Cutting Edge of the Christian Right, Salon, January 2, 2024 

Recapturing Religious Freedom & Defending Democracy: Interview with Frederick Clarkson  

The Growing Rift Inside the New Apostolic Reformation with Andre Gagné and Frederick Clarkson

Articles co-authored by Clarkson and Gagne at Religion Dispatches. 

The post 2024 Theocratic Politics & The New Apostolic Reformation with André Gagné and Frederick Clarkson  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

We’ve created this list specifically to alert therapists to the perennial problem facing cult survivors: they often feel they have to educate their therapists about how destructive, authoritarian cults work, and essentially pay their therapist to learn how to help them.

Top 11 Insights Cult Survivors Wish Therapists Knew

Understanding whether the client was born or raised in or was recruited later: When someone is raised in a destructive group, they were often raised in authoritarianism, which often includes corporal punishment but always emphasizes obedience and not play and curiosity. 

Unique Family Dynamics in Cults: Understand the distinct family dynamics for those born or raised in destructive groups. These dynamics are intrinsically linked to the cult experience and should be addressed accordingly. Many cults excommunicate or shun former members and try to pressure them to “repent” and rejoin. When people first leave, they might continue listening to cult propaganda or do cult rituals that will prolong their safe exit.

Understanding Loss and Mourning: Recognize that clients may be grieving the loss of their community and, in some cases, their family. This deep sense of loss is a critical aspect of their healing journey.

Individualized Recovery Approaches: Respect each client’s unique path to recovery. Avoid imposing a standardized treatment method and be mindful that specific therapeutic tools might trigger trauma responses. For instance, DBT has a rule that can trigger former members because it mirrors “shunning” done in cults.

Focusing on Psychoeducation about Mind Control, not blaming the victim: Encourage a therapeutic approach that helps people realize they were deceived and manipulated. They didn’t know what they didn’t know about how destructive people and cults operate. Cults program members to always blame themselves for all problems.

Beyond Childhood and Personal Deficiencies: A typical error is to jump to family-of-origin issues instead of focusing on the “here and now” and empowering their clients. Are they safe? Sleeping well? Eating, exercising? Do they have support? Emphasize that their involvement in a cult is not a reflection of unresolved childhood issues or personal deficiencies. Therapists should avoid over-focusing on family problems and instead address the trauma experienced within the cult.

Diverse Reasons for Cult Involvement: Acknowledge that there is no single ‘type’ of person who joins a cult. Clients come from various backgrounds and have different reasons for their involvement, which need to be understood on an individual basis. There are many intelligent, educated people from stable families who get caught up in destructive relationships and groups.

Believe and Respect Their Stories: It’s crucial to listen without disbelief or judgment. The experiences shared may be shocking, but they were the client’s reality. Shaming them for their actions within the group is hurtful and wrong. Likewise, many clients carry false beliefs and memories about their family, and immediately believing and validating stories about abuse can cause harm. Likewise, encouraging a client to disconnect from everyone in their past can be very bad advice. Of course, if their family is still in the group, this is often necessary in the early stages of exiting and establishing one’s identity and personal boundaries.

Addressing Abuse as a Norm: Be aware that many clients may have experienced routine physical, sexual, and spiritual abuse. Recognizing this as a part of their past is vital in their healing process.

Facilitating an “Internal Locus of Control”: Rather than exerting your authority as an expert, encourage people to think for themselves. Encourage people to feel and express their feelings. Help them learn what is “normal” and “healthy.” Never impose your beliefs, especially when it comes to religion. Assist clients to take time and learn and explore. Life is a journey, not a destination.

Creating a Safe Space for Healing: Above all, ensure that clients feel heard, understood, and safe. Help them recognize their uniqueness and interests. This foundation is essential for effective therapy.

As a clinician, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with issues of undue influence and its impact on cult survivors. Learn on your own time about the cult group your client has been in. Don’t make the client pay to educate you. Get supervision or make a referral.  Make the effort to get proper training from experienced professionals. This will better equip you to address the unique needs of this population in your therapeutic practice

The Facebook Live Video Event!

Freedom of mind recently hosted a Facebook Live talking about these points, with Q&A at the end:

Resources:

Download your own copy (on two pages) of the infographic here!

Clinicians: Enroll now in our Foundational Course for clinicians (with Continuing Education Credit) here!

or take our Foundational Course for the general public here!

Take our course “Understanding Authoritarian Control: The Essentials” here!

Take our “Recovery After Mormonism” workshop here!

The post Top Eleven Insights Cult Survivors Wish Therapists Knew, or, “I was tired of paying my therapist to teach her about cults” appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Psychedelic research and experimentation are increasing around the nation under serious academic scrutiny. Findings indicate that in some instances, psychedelics may be helpful in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), particularly among veterans, where symptoms are common in areas such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, anger, and post-concussive syndrome. In a group where suicidality shows an alarming increase, adding another therapeutic tool using appropriate caution and influence appears hopeful.  

However, as research picks up in these areas of psychology, rarely do we discuss the potential dangers of cults, mind control, undue influence, or authoritarian control surrounding the topic of psychedelics. Silicon Valley billionaires reportedly are increasingly using psychedelics in non-therapeutic ways to produce business breakthroughs. In this community, there is a societal push for others to use them in a hugely irresponsible and potentially manipulative way.  

Neşe Devenot, Ph.D., addresses many of these concerns in her paper TESCREAL hallucinations: Psychedelic and AI hype as inequality engines. Neşe is a Senior Lecturer in Writing at Johns Hopkins University. She has participated in the interdisciplinary field of psychedelic study since 2010. Her postdoctoral fellowship is in the Department of Bioethics at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and she received her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, she achieved a research fellowship at the New York Public Library’s Timothy Leary Papers and the New York University Psilocybin Cancer Anxiety Study. She explores the intersections between medical humanities, psychedelic bioethics, and rhetorical analysis as a scholar. 

Psychedelics as a Distraction from Raging Inequalities of Wealth and Resources 

Neşe began our interview by explaining that her interest in psychedelic study started after a firsthand experience with LSD in college at 18 years old that she found beneficial. She discovered a profound change in her lifelong history of debilitating obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety that she believes stemmed from neurodivergence. However, as she pursued the path of psychedelic study, Neşe began to realize that not everything was “light and rainbows” in this area. She said she is now pushing for a more nuanced and critical perspective on psychedelics.  

One of the areas that concerns Neşe the most is the parallels she’s noticed between discussions around the perception of all-encompassing world-saving solutions in AI or the use of psychedelics. She points out that the vast inequalities between Silicon Valley billionaires and the general population actually cause widespread harm.  

As she researched deeper into the similarities between AI hype and psychedelic hype, she found themes of ultra-wealthy billionaires using both AI and psychedelics to distract from problems caused by inequality. Recurring themes of transhumanism and longtermism provide insight into billionaires’ plans to profit from the combination of technology, psychedelics, and modified consciousness.  

The acronym TESCREAL comes from the combination of many of those philosophies, such as Transhumanism, Extropianism, Singularitarianism, Cosmism, Rationalism, Effective Altruism, and Longtermism. In her paper released in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies, the conclusion stated, “This article demonstrates that TESCREALism is a driving force in major segments of the psychedelic pharmaceutical industry, where it is influencing the design of extractive systems that directly contradict the field’s world-healing aspirations. These findings contribute to a developing subfield of critical psychedelic studies, which interrogates the political and economic implications of psychedelic medicalization.” 

Exploring a Nuanced Approach to Psychedelic Therapeutic Use 

Neşe noted her motivation to come forward to discuss the problems in the psychedelic research community while acknowledging her history of beneficial experiences with psychedelics. Describing the field, she recalled a time when the fear that saying anything negative about the research could undo the attempts to legitimize institutional research and academic conversation. “I think it’s actually much better if those of us who do think that there’s value and potential in these substances are the ones to mention that it’s not always a positive outcome,” she stated.   

Tripsitters, Shamans, Therapists and Power Differentials 

Another area that Neşe noted concerns is the topic of tripsitters or psychedelic “guides” and the level of influence that person or persons might have within the role of a supervised psychedelic session. We discussed the risks for cult indoctrination, rape, ideological harm, and ethical complications involving multiple roles or dissolution of boundaries. I recalled Professor Alan Scheflin’s Social Influence Model. I noted the challenges of a vulnerable person in a relationship with an influencer of notable power differential, especially during an altered state.  

Neşe noted that with the limited positions available for participants in legitimate research trials, those desperate to find guided support often turn to underground channels. She cautions that there is much potential for abuse even in above-board trials, let alone in underground contexts. She discussed the delicate state known as the “afterglow” following a psychedelic experience, in which a person may be highly suggestible. She also described concerns about whether the positive effects noted in the afterglow state are reliable for reporting a cure. As individuals leave the afterglow, they may realize that the perceived benefit or cure is only temporary.  

Psychedelic Bioethics for Tripsitters and the Draw of Control 

Perhaps most concerning to Neşe is the appeal of the tripsitter role to individuals who may have a drive to exert control. I mentioned that having a videotape that is given to the client as a requirement of the session may be of benefit to protect from harm, as can be done in hypnotherapy. Other topics we discussed as potentially beneficial, especially for those with a history of cult influence, included getting a second opinion, checking in with family and friends, focusing on agency, being centered within one’s own body, and finding ethical people who genuinely care who you can reality test with. My BITE Model can also be beneficial in this evaluation.  

I reminded the audience that it’s not a small thing to take a mind-altering substance. You must ask whether you are in a safe space with trustworthy people. I suggested that people write down the experience, get a consultation to process it as necessary, and note that in unethical experiences, the individual may get blamed for adverse outcomes. I also recommended a way to start the evaluation of an experience with psychedelics, including Robert Jay Lifton’s Eight Criteria of Thought Reform.  

As we were wrapping up the interview, I reminded everyone that relationships in the “real world” matter. Sleeping, exercising, and eating good food is essential. Ultimately, we want planetary survival, not a TESCREAL hallucination.  

Resources:  

Neşe Devenot | University Writing Program | Johns Hopkins University (jhu.edu) 

TESCREAL hallucinations: Psychedelic and AI hype as inequality engines in: Journal of Psychedelic Studies Volume 7 Issue S1 (2023) (akjournals.com) 

Dave Troy Presents: Psychedelic Fascism with Neşe Devenot on Apple Podcasts 

Neşe Devenot (psymposia.com) 

Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: Contrasting Visions – Conference at Harvard

Research — Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education (cpdre.org) 

Silicon Valley elites are reportedly taking ketamine and attending psychedelic parties to bolster their focus and creativity. Here’s what the drugs do to your brain | Fortune Well 

Magic Mushrooms. LSD. Ketamine. The Drugs That Power Silicon Valley. – WSJ 

April 2024 online webinar with Jules Evans and Steven Hassan

The post Psychedelic Research and Experimentation: Maintaining Strong Guardrails to Prevent TESCREAL Hallucinations and Undue Influence with Neşe Devenot, Ph.D.  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Natural medicine might seem distant from the far-right fringes of society until you dig a little deeper and find the wealth of ‘wellness products’ being sold alongside political conspiracies. There is a constant quest for increasing well-being and less ‘toxic’ lifestyles. Meanwhile, conspiracy theories drain resources and instill fears, including political plots, controls, and cabals. It happens in the extremes on all sides, the quest for health alongside an implanted mission searching for “the truth.” Time magazine printed a November 2023 article called Wellness Conspiracy Theories are Spreading and highlighted the topic known colloquially as “conspirituality.” This leaves people simply seeking to feel better with the additional question of how to recognize scams from reality in holistic and natural health communities. 

Dr. Melanie Trowbridge is a Licensed Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist practicing in Washington State. She and I spoke about the complexity of discernment in natural health communities at this time and about how AI is changing the future of medicine. She is a member of the American and Washington Associations of Naturopathic Physicians and achieved her higher-level degrees and an undergraduate degree in Health Psychology through Bastyr University. On completing her board exams, she started her private practice and is now the Engagement Director for Inside Health Institute, a 501c3 non-profit organization serving all persons, especially women who have been disaffected or disadvantaged within society. Melanie also practices separately as an Ordained Spiritual Nature Minister.  

Background in Natural Health  

In this episode of the Influence Continuum, we discussed what brought Dr. Trowbridge to her field, her earlier experiences in technology, and how AI is affecting healthcare today. She reflected that both of her parents studied medicine growing up. Her father served in the United States Navy through nursing and training; her mother worked much of her life as a neuropsychologist. Melanie stated that she felt naturally curious and drawn to medicine after working in technology in the late 1990s through the early 2000s. Before medical school, she worked at Microsoft headquarters, Concur Technologies, and Expedia. Now, she works to combine all her experiences into an ethical practice that tries to serve a happier, healthier future for all.  

The 6 Guiding Naturopathic Principles 

Dr. Trowbridge describes the 6 Naturopathic Principles as set out through the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians:  

1. First, Do No Harm 

2. The Healing Power of Nature 

3. Identify and Treat the Causes 

4. Doctor as Teacher 

5. Treat the Whole Person 

6. Prevention 

She stated that these critical elements of medicine brought her to her field, and she appreciated the combinations of fact-based sciences and holistic healing strategies.  

AI in Western and Holistic Healthcare Today  

Through the short course at MIT called Artificial Intelligence in Health Care this summer, Melanie learned that prognosis and treatment would become more reliant upon new developments in today’s increasingly AI-dependent world. Her main concerns are data protection and patient autonomy. She discussed how AI may result in more data parsing and prediction algorithms. Her concerns are HIPAA compliance and ensuring careful consideration of what data is stored or parsed.  
 
Her apprehensions around neural implants and other high-force technological interventions in medicine are points she tries to balance. On the one hand, helping those with disabilities to have better lives is exciting, but there are times when technology might not be entirely appropriate as an initial choice. We also spoke briefly about how these technologies could be used to control or manipulate those with malicious intent. One concern Melanie has for AI in healthcare going forward is an overreliance on technical solutions while ignoring other aspects of health, like prevention, autonomy, or low-force strategies. Again, she feels that achieving a balance with Nature will be essential for humanity’s future.  

Steps to Fighting Healthcare Misinformation  

We talked about the recent American Psychological Association article titled Using Psychology to Understand and Fight Health Misinformation: An APA Consensus Statement 
 
Melanie noted the 8 Recommendations that were listed in the article: 
 
1.) Avoid repeating misinformation without including a correction. 

2.) Collaborate with social media companies to understand and reduce the spread of harmful misinformation. 

3.) Use misinformation correction strategies with proven tools to promote healthy behaviors (e.g., counseling, skills training, incentives, social norms). 

4.) Leverage trusted sources to counter misinformation and provide accurate health information. 

5.) Debunk misinformation often and repeatedly using evidence-based methods. 

6.) Prebunk misinformation to inoculate susceptible audiences by building skills and resilience from an early age. 

7.) Demand data access and transparency from social media companies for scientific research on misinformation. 

8.) Fund basic and translational research into the psychology of health misinformation, including effective ways to counter it. 

We wrapped up by talking about what could be done in the realm of human trafficking since January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To that, Melanie suggested more focus on the topic through education and understanding the different types of trafficking that exist and the specific methods used to entrap people. She stated that understanding that we all are vulnerable to undue influence is an important lesson to teach communities. She believes more people need to learn specific strategies to protect their vulnerabilities. She encouraged future government listening sessions where all sides felt heard and noted this was happening in diverse communities in Washington State. She applauds the leadership focusing on this health aspect in the coming year. 
 

Resources:  

Welcome to Empowerment Medicine – Foundations Natural Health 

Who Are We? (insidehealthinstitute.org) 

Wellness Conspiracy Theories are Spreading | TIME 

The Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine | AANMC 

Using psychological science to understand and fight health misinformation (apa.org) 

Understanding Cults: A Foundational Course for Clinicians (ce-go.com) 

The post AI, Technology & Mind Control Topics in Natural Wellness and Spiritual Communities: with Dr. Melanie Trowbridge   appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Here is a translation of Dr. Bardavío Antón’s remarks:

1:06 – Thank you very much, Steven, for allowing me to be on your magnificent channel and especially for getting to know you. I am, as you explained, Carlos Bardavío Antón, lawyer for the Spanish Association of Victims of Jehovah’s Witnesses (AEVTJ). I have handled the procedures against the association, the procedures of the religious confession against the association, also against its board of directors, and I am a Doctor in Criminal Law and I did a thesis on sects in criminal law and in that doctoral thesis I made a reform proposal, or rather an inclusion proposal of the crime of coercive persuasion in the criminal codes, not only in Spain but also in other countries, such as Mexico, or any other country.

10:49 – There is one very important thing in this ruling and it is that it not only declares freedom of expression to say that it is a destructive sect, etc., etc., which we will now go into details, but it also declares freedom of information, which is another fundamental right. In Europe, in order to exercise that right of freedom of information, the information has to be truthful, which is not the same as truth. La verdad is the truth. Veraz is something that is close to the truth, that is, it is based on something. The judge from Torrejón de Ardoz says that all these manifestations of the Spanish Association of Victims of Jehovah’s Witnesses – destructive sect, social ostracism or social death, psychological disorders caused by social ostracism, cover-up of sexual abuse, discrimination to women, discrimination against the LGTBI group or homosexuals – this, which is the main part, the judge says is truthful, and therefore we have not only won for freedom of expression, but, even better, for freedom of information, because the the information is true, and it is true because it is based on the statements of the victims, on the statements of the media, and, most importantly, on the texts of the Jehovah’s Witnesses themselves.

16:04 – I understand, look, just to make one clarification, and that is that, as a result of what Steven is saying, the sentence declares something very important, it says that there is truth in that the JWs use excessive control over their members, and this, this phrase, these two words, “excessive control” over their members are what makes her conclude, among other things, that there is truth, truthfulness, in that it is a destructive sect/cult.

18:16 – One more nuance, you can tell him, there is another sentence, which is that of Gabriel Pedrero, which came out last week. It is against a member that we have also won 100%, and in that sentence the judge adds something very interesting to the excessive control, and the judge considers truthful, which is not the truth – the word verdad is the truth, but veraz is close to the truth, right? -. Well, it is considered true that the JWs, when they are baptized, when they enter, are unaware of all the compliance standards that they are going to have to follow and all the evaluation that is going to be done on them, the judge implying that they enter without knowing where they are entering. 

24:29 – One more thing, we are going to present – REDUNE obtained, together with Patricia Aguilar’s father, which is a very famous case in Spain and Peru, that the guru was convicted of human trafficking -, we are going to present, because we already have them,

300,000 signatures before the Congress of Deputies, before the Spanish Parliament, to reform the Spanish penal code in order to include a crime like the one I proposed in the doctoral thesis, a crime of coercive persuasion, let’s say, clear and obvious, that is understandable for judges and courts, because many times this problem that is understood by such expert psychologists as Steven Hassan and others, has to be transferred to legal terminology, which is a bit of the work that I have here in Spain.

33:05 – Of course, then I am going to make an assessment: I believe that one of the problems why this problem has not been clearly regulated worldwide in criminal codes or criminal laws is that they have usually been called anti-sect laws. This already creates a communicative problem with religious freedom. The proposal that I make is very similar, to explain it quickly, to gender violence laws, or domestic violence laws, where the abuser exercises control over the victim in a way that is sometimes initially subtle, imperceptible by the victim, which sometimes the victim even justifies or accepts the abuse or even understands it. It is a dynamic, as Steven knows well, cognitive persuasion, or undue influence, or continuous influence, as he says, is a dynamic very similar to the control or subtle psychological abuse that the abuser carries out on his partner.

35:30 – Ok, and add one more thing, this is a way of explaining to legislators what psychologists say about coercive persuasion. That is to say, obviously one violence is not similar to another, they resemble studies such as by Rodríguez Carballeira, who is a professor from Spain who endorses it, and other studies, but the key, for me, is that obviously when it takes place in a group, coercive persuasion can be more intense and is stronger, and is often a group problem, but the criminal germ, let’s say the starting point of the crime, is the coercive persuasion of one person to another through that dynamic. Then, if there is a group that reinforces that coercive persuasion, obviously that intensifies the attack much more, but that is something progressive, it is a plus for the group, but the criminal germ is the subtle control of one person over another person under this dynamic.

40:19 – Can you add one thing, Michel? That indeed, this misinformation that some lobby groups are creating, for example now with the JWs, one of them that Steven Hassan knows well, is Massimo Introvigne, who on his website, in his magazine, is distorting, is manipulating the information of the sentences we have won, okay? Anyone who wants to read the sentences, in Spanish and English, has them on my website, from my office, bardavioabogados, and can go to see the sentences in Spanish and English and really find out about the sentences. Mr. Massimo Introvigne is distorting the information.

43:24 – If I have understood correctly, Michel, we are now finishing the interview and you are asking me if I want to say a few words, right?

43:50 – I just want to say one last thing: This ruling that we have won says one last thing that seemed brilliant to me, and that is that the judge says: “No matter how sacred the dogmas of a religion are, be careful! they are applied by beings. Humans”. That is to say, it is implying that no matter how sacred religious freedom may be, there are human beings who can do harm through those principles, that is, there is, as the judge says, excessive control and ostracism or social death that they lead the judge to require public powers to protect the family, since this social ostracism or social death breaks families.

Additional video:

Jehovah’s Witnesses in Spain: a talk with Dr. Steven Hassan, Michel Gilbert, and Loida Fernández

Resources:

Asociación Española de víctimas de los testigos de Jehová

On Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

Dr. Bardavío Antón’s YouTube channel and website

Dr. Bardavío Antón’s thesis on sect crimes and criminal law

Dr. Bardavío Antón’s book about criminal sects in Mexico and criminal law

La libertad de expresión ampara calificar a los Testigos de Jehová de “secta destructiva”, según una sentencia

Víctimas de los Testigos de Jehová piden que paguen «el desastre mental que están generando»

Los Testigos de Jehová son una “secta destructiva” y los exintegrantes, “víctimas”, según una sentencia

The post Special Discussion – Historic Decision in Spanish Courts Concerning Jehovah’s Witness Survivors appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the founder of iCivics, said, “The practice of democracy is not passed down through the gene pool. It must be taught and learned by each new generation.” It is the continuing mission of the iCivics organization and its current Chief Executive Officer, Louise Dubé, to ensure that future generations of Americans receive meaningful, high-quality, non-partisan civics education through the 145,000 educators and 9 million students in all 50 states served through this free-to-the-public program.  

Civics education is a cornerstone of learning in the United States. It is the curriculum mortar that helps to hold our democracy together. Students learn the principles of collaboration to form a more perfect union from a very early age in the school system. As they advance in other skills, so should their skills in civics responsibilities and their participatory understanding of the rights and healthy influence within a democratic society. By the time a young person is of voting age in America, we hope that they feel capable of being actively engaged in the formation of societal order. Our nation’s continuation and ongoing commitment to its founding principles depends on the learnings of each successive generation.  

A Fortunate Civics Homework Introduction 

Louise and I discussed her background as a lawyer versed in technology and holding an MBA, her dual role as a parent, and how, ultimately, a discussion with her son one evening over his iCivics homework in fourth grade led to her introduction to the organization’s critical mission. Louise was impressed by her son’s interest in the game, which focused on putting the student at the center of a political run for the White House.  

Her son seemed invested and empowered by the process. Having already spent years in education technology, she decided to pay closer attention to the organization. As time went by, she ultimately met with the outgoing Executive Director, Jeff Curley, years after her initial introduction to the organization through her son’s homework. As it turned out, iCivics was looking for an optimal replacement in leadership to direct the organization going forward. This was when Louise had the noteworthy experience of meeting for dinner with former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to discuss the position. Fortunately for both, they would have the opportunity for many more meetings over the next few years as Louise joined the organization. Ultimately, Justice O’Connor would leave iCivics due to health concerns, but the legacy she left behind continues to progress and live on.  

The Unfortunate Side Effect of Narrowed Educational Focus  

Louise noted her concern for a narrowed national educational focus, leaving civics behind as a top priority. She stated that she is concerned that we have perhaps become so focused on job preparation in education that we have forgotten to also focus on teaching the community aspects of democracy and what it means to be a healthy participant in a democratic society. She also mentioned that she has concerns for democracy worldwide, as many countries seem to be facing similar problems of reprioritization.  

Louise proposed that we need to revitalize the focus on how to build bridges between varying mindsets to derive solutions. We must focus on directing children towards being the kind of neighbor you’d like to live near in a democratic society. She stated that these are the situations discussed and instilled through Civics lessons taught in the iCivics free-to-public programs.  

Avoiding the Dismantling of Institutions  

One mistake that Louise noted many people participating in democracy make is incorrectly assuming that it is not working when there are problems or conflicts. Democracy, in essence, is work. It is the work of making society function despite conflicts of opinions and goals. The only constant is change, the creation of the system in which you get a voice. However, Louise noted that for democracy to function appropriately, it requires input from ongoing generations. Current younger generations have not had historically high numbers in participation, such as voting or sharing their voice. iCivics hopes to change those numbers.  

Building Partnerships and Bridges for Future Civics Leaders 

iCivics is growing and expanding their partnerships, Louise stated. One of their recent partnerships is with Nickelodeon and Paramount through a program called Well Versed. It includes catchy songs to engage the young mind to stay active in community civics. Their programs are adapted to state standards, focus on historical relationships to civics, and build educational participation through student-focused activities. Problem-solving is a crucial aspect of education, as realistic problems are put in front of the student for participatory consideration.  

Another focus for iCivics is teaching digital literacy and fact-checking. Through the CivXNow project of iCivics, Louise notes a 350-organization participating coalition across the spectrum of political parties. Through all this work that Louise and iCivics do, there is a theme of investment for the future and lifting the world to make it a better place.  

Supporting the Ongoing Work with iCivics 

If you want to bring these ideas to your local school board or school superintendent, Louise suggested going to Civixnow.org and clicking on the Current State Policies map at State Policy – CivXNow. There is a listing of Civics requirements and standards by each state. She then encouraged people to stay active in the topic of civics education in their local area, as well as nationally.  

As we were wrapping up the interview, Louise spoke to the need for Americans and persons seeking democratic ideals worldwide to continue to try. She again remembered Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and promoted the value of continuing to try. We both noted the importance of lifting ourselves to the challenges of democracy and continuing this most essential work.  

Resources:  

Home | iCivics 

iCivics Launches Animated Music Video Series with Nickelodeon | iCivics 

State Policy – CivXNow 

The post Revitalizing Non-partisan Civics Education with iCivics.org Chief Louise Dubé  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Laura E. Anderson, PhD, specializes in complex trauma, with a particular focus on domestic violence, sexualized violence, and religious trauma. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a Ph.D. in Mind Body Medicine from Saybrook University. Her new book is When Religion Hurts You: Healing from Religious Trauma and the Impact of High Control Religion. She founded and directed the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery, an online coaching company.  

Laura’s Upbringing and Journey 

Laura grew up in an environment heavily influenced by fundamentalist Christianity, as her father served as the director of a Christian camp where her family resided year-round. In this setting, pursuing higher education or a career was discouraged for women to prioritize their roles as wives and mothers. However, Laura was fortunate to attend mainstream school due to her mother’s background in education and her recognition of the value of schooling. 

Upon graduating from high school, Laura faced pressure from a pastor within her church to become a youth group assistant. Despite her reluctance, she felt compelled to comply with this request due to the perceived spiritual authority involved. However, she soon realized that this decision only subjected her to further control and abuse within the church. Laura’s desire to leave the church and pursue higher education was met with resistance, as church leaders contacted the schools she applied to, resulting in her being denied entry. Despite these obstacles, Laura made the courageous decision to leave her job in the church and began working at a community college. This transition provided her with newfound freedom, as she experienced an environment where her clothing was not controlled, her body and personal life were left unscrutinized, and her skills were valued. Through this process, Laura began to recognize the high-control nature of her upbringing and developed a desire to heal from and distance herself from it. Two months after graduating, she moved to Nashville and began deconstructing her upbringing by exploring different churches and experiences. 

Parallels Between Domestic Violence and Religious High Control 

Laura’s experiences of corporal punishment during her childhood and a subsequent abusive romantic relationship revealed striking parallels between spiritual abuse and domestic violence. The spiritual abuse she endured, including name-calling and demeaning language from church leaders, mirrored the tactics employed by her abusive partner. Both situations involved manipulation through the rhetoric of blaming the victim and creating a sense of personal inadequacy or the belief that the victim alone had the problem, thereby discouraging them from leaving. It is worth noting that while coercive control in domestic relationships is illegal in the UK and California, it remains legal within group settings despite many high-control groups employing similar tactics as domestic abusers. 

Laura’s Therapeutic Approach for Cult Survivors 

In her work with cult survivors, Laura frequently encounters individuals who exhibit signs of unaddressed trauma. While some may associate “religious trauma” solely with clergy sexual abuse or extreme cult practices, they often overlook the profound impact of unhealthy spiritual beliefs and damaging church practices on psychological well-being. For instance, individuals raised in environments that promote purity culture and condemn premarital sex may continue to experience psychological and physiological distress even after rejecting these beliefs. Despite intellectually accepting that consensual sex outside of marriage is not sinful, their bodies may still respond with pain, guilt, shame, and disgust. 

Laura’s therapeutic approach recognizes that no single method suits every individual, as each person’s needs are unique. However, she emphasizes the importance of cultivating internal safety, stability, and resources within survivors. High-control cult groups often undermine individuals’ sense of identity, connection with others, self-worth, and trust in their thoughts. Therefore, it becomes crucial for survivors to learn to trust their minds and internal resources, empowering them to navigate challenging situations. Cognitive deconstruction, drawing on research and writings on complex PTSD and trauma, as well as the work of Janina Fisher, plays a significant role in Laura’s approach. By integrating past traumatic experiences and recognizing triggers, survivors can develop the necessary resources to remain present, safe, and connected during overwhelming emotional episodes. 

Distinguishing Religious Trauma from Other Forms of Trauma 

While religious trauma may share similarities with other forms of trauma, understanding its unique context is essential for effective resolution. Laura’s personal experience of spiritual trauma led her to establish the Religious Trauma Institute, providing her with an in-depth understanding of survivors’ experiences. 

Atheism as a Response to Religious Trauma 

Laura takes an informed stance of being anti-harm rather than anti-religion. She emphasizes that the issues lie in abuse, power, control, and oppression rather than religion itself. Viewing atheism as a universal solution to religious trauma can lead to other problems, potentially negating spirituality and even becoming another form of fundamentalism. For her, assuming that atheism is the answer oversimplifies and prescribes solutions to complex individual experiences. It is essential to recognize that many religions are love and compassion-oriented, emphasizing conscience. They are not cult-like and do not seek to oppress or control others. 

Leaving a High-Control Group 

In her book When Religion Hurts You, Laura dedicates a chapter to the role of relationships in a survivor’s healing journey. Cults and high-control groups often exploit interpersonal relationships to inflict harm, leading many survivors to withdraw and isolate themselves upon leaving. It is common for group members to sever ties with individuals who choose to exit, resulting in feelings of hurt and betrayal. It is also true that some ex-members choose to sever ties with family members who remain within the cult. 

Professionals working with survivors must validate their grief and provide practical guidance on developing new relational skills and communication strategies. Laura suggests gradually reintegrating into social settings, allowing survivors to acclimate without becoming overwhelmed. This process may involve simple actions such as sitting in a coffee shop, observing others, or smiling at strangers. While survivors may grieve the loss of their former group and strained relationships with family and friends, there is hope for future healing and the formation of new connections. 

Laura Anderson’s personal experiences and professional expertise in the field of religious trauma make her a valuable resource for survivors seeking healing and recovery. Her therapeutic approach, grounded in the recognition of internal safety, stability, and resources, offers survivors the tools to navigate the complex aftermath of high-control religious experiences. By distinguishing religious trauma from other forms of trauma, Laura sheds light on the unique challenges faced by survivors and the importance of tailored interventions. Through her work, she advocates for anti-harm rather than anti-religion, recognizing that abuse, power, control, and oppression are the true culprits, not religion itself. By addressing the parallels between religious trauma and domestic violence and highlighting the BITE model of authoritarian control, Laura brings awareness to the tactics used by high-control groups and their impact on survivors. 

In addition to her therapeutic work, Laura also emphasizes the importance of community and support for survivors of religious trauma. Through the Religious Trauma Institute, she provides resources, consultation, and training for professionals working with religious trauma survivors. This collaborative approach ensures that survivors have access to a network of knowledgeable and compassionate individuals who can assist them on their healing journey. 

Overall, Anderson’s personal and professional experiences make her a valuable advocate and resource for survivors of religious trauma. Her dedication to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by survivors and her commitment to providing trauma-informed care sets her apart as a leader in the field. She offers hope, validation, and healing to those impacted by high-control religious experiences through her work. 

Resources: 

Laura’s Website  

The Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery 

The Religious Trauma Institute   

When Religion Hurts You: Healing From Religious Trauma and the Impact of High Control Religion by Laura Anderson  

The BITE Model and Religious Cult Groups  

Identifying and Healing Religious Trauma, with Darren M. Slade, Ph.D.   

The post When Religion Hurts You: Healing from Religious Trauma and the Impact of High Control Religion with Dr. Laura E. Anderson  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Legally released from an unenforceable NDA, the former 2016 campaign staffer discusses the cult-building tactics, Russian interference, and the who’s who of bad actors behind the scenes of the Trump campaign.  

Alva Johnson, a former large-scale event producer, found herself thrust into the midst of a presidential campaign after taking on what she thought was a short gig to assist with coordinating one rally. The massive success of that one rally eventually led to Alva becoming deeply involved in the Trump Campaign in 2015 and 2016. Now, Alva is speaking out. After a four-year legal battle, Alva’s Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA) with the Trump organization was deemed legally unsound and unenforceable by the courts. Today, she aims to show how the Cult of Trump operates, the power players to watch behind the scenes, and explain how Trump rose to power despite being initially seen as an unlikely candidate. Joining the campaign when then-candidate Trump was polling last in the GOP field, Alva is one of the very few former campaign staffers who worked under Corey Lewandowski, Paul Manafort, Dave Bossie, and Steve Bannon. Alva recently won a four-year arbitration battle to terminate her NDA, which stated she could not criticize the former President, his organization, his family or speak negatively of him for a lifetime. Freed from the legal ramifications of an NDA, Alva wishes to help “reverse engineer” how the Trump campaign reached and recruited millions of Americans- with the help of Russian agents, data targeting, and money. Alva quit Trump the day the Access Hollywood tape was released, as she experienced remarkably similar behavior towards her from the candidate as described in his Access Hollywood hot mic.

As she was an experienced event planner with impressive accomplishments, I was curious to learn from her. After reading The Cult of Trump, Alva told me she was able to identify many of the tactics used to build MAGA as cult techniques. She also stated that reading The Cult of Trump resonated with her prior role as the primary Event Producer for Brazilian faith healer John of God. John of God was an international spiritual healer endorsed by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Paul Simon, Shirley McClain, and Naomi Campbell. She had been hired as the event producer to bring him to the United States for the first time and was a part of his inner circle from 2004 to 2007. There are many similarities between both powerful figureheads that have each amassed millions of followers, including the use of secrecy (NDA), sexual violence as a control tactic, recruiting unsuspecting yet high-functioning individuals to carry out their plans, amassing financial opportunities to lure and maintain loyalty, and their predatory nature on empathetic people.  

Data Collection to Target Specific Demographics 

Did you know that the Trump campaign created an app called CallFire to gather data and influence their base? Alva unofficially became a part of the Trump campaign in late 2015 and, by January 2016, was a part of the group of some of the earliest paid staffers. Alva was hired as The Director of Outreach and Coalitions for the state of Alabama and the principal strategist for North Alabama, delivering Trump the win over the endorsed candidate of Congressman Mo Brooks and his machine. Immediately, Alva was promoted to a leadership role on the National Strike Team, working in some of the most critical primary states during the election. Having worked under Lewandowsky, Manafort, Bossie, and Bannon, Alva is one of the few people who understand the differences between the campaigns under each leadership, especially the running of the ground game and using voter data.  

As an incredibly early staffer and a Director of Outreach and Coalitions, Alva was instrumental in working with Trump Tower to identify potential interest groups such as Women for Trump, Veterans for Trump, Latinos for Trump, and Bikers for Trump. Fast forward two years later, and the growth of those interest groups has become essential in, forming sub-cults under the umbrella of the Cult of Trump. These grassroots organizations gradually isolated individuals from their families and friends as their social circles became centered around the organization and spending time with like-minded individuals. Many of these interest groups became a recruiting center to pull people into other dangerous cults like QAnon. Initially formed online, these groups were encouraged to meet in person, organize events, and meet weekly. Alva spent years witnessing the growth of these groups in horror, unable to speak out until she fought against her NDA. 

During the 2016 general election, Alva created one of Florida’s most successful voter engagement projects. Cleverly, she organized the Recreational Vehicles (RVs) program, which she utilized as mobile offices and met over 275,000 potential voters. It was not until the Mueller investigations that Alva learned that many of the events requesting the RVs were actually being coordinated by Russians trying to infiltrate the campaign.  

Hypnosis and Mind Control Tactics in the Trump Campaign  

After reading my books, Alva recalls the rallies as hypnotic, utilizing repetitive words that functioned as cue words for participants, such as “lock her up” and “build a wall.” As my blog explains, this repetition served as a form of meditation; here, hypnosis and Neuro-Linguistic Programming can be powerful tools in many high-control groups. It can allow for programming certain code words in individuals’ minds without their awareness. People are led to say or do things when they hear these cues. Alva remembers witnessing Senator Jeff Sessions, the first senator to endorse Trump, surprise himself and everyone present by standing up and declaring his endorsement of Trump for President. She recalls how Senator Sessions left the stage, stood beside her, and confided in her that he did not know why he had spoken those words. He had no plans or expectations to do so; he had only intended to give an introduction. 

Influence of the Russian Government in the Trump Campaign  

Upon leaving the Trump organization, Alva discovered that some of the people she had worked with, including Susan Wiles, had been lobbyists for Putin. Wiles’ ex-husband had worked on overturning the Magnitsky Act, a significant role in Putin’s agenda. Magnitsky was a Russian attorney who was tortured and killed because of his work to expose Putin’s corruption. Bill Browder has worked tirelessly to persuade governments to freeze billions of dollars of Putin’s assets outside of Russia.  

 A published report by the Select Committee on Intelligence reveals how the Russian government conducted an aggressive campaign to influence the 2016 presidential election and polarize Americans against each other. This campaign resulted in people becoming isolated and turning against their loved ones due to differing political views. In my studies, I discuss how radicalizing someone against their loved ones unfreezes their identity, as explained here. Russian politics have a long history of employing hypnotic tactics and cues for manipulation and used these to abuse power in the past.  

Weaponizing Information Warfare in the Trump Campaign  

Once in power, Trump could change the mindset of many American voters on critical issues using cult-like methods. He consulted with an American military strategist who had developed the concept of psychological operations (psyops) warfare and incorporated some of his ideas. This approach involved delegitimizing experts, science, and democratic institutions, branding them as untrustworthy, and spreading the notion of “fake news.” Trump attacked experts and denied global climate change and the severity of COVID-19. This deliberate strategy creates confusion, and a person in a position of authority, like the Oval Office, disseminates misinformation, people tend to follow the seemingly legitimate figure. 

Media literacy and fact-checking are crucial tools in combating the spread of misinformation and propaganda. Alva emphasizes the importance of teaching critical thinking skills, sharing the BITE model of authoritarian control, and encouraging individuals to question the sources of information they encounter. By promoting media literacy, people can become more discerning consumers of news and less susceptible to manipulation. 

Having worked at the apex of the Trump campaign, Alva understands the tactics Trump and his campaign have used to manipulate the media. She warns of his ability to utilize non-sensical phrases to distract the media into repeated loops of confusion. This non-sensical loop further pushes his followers into cognitive dissonance as they hear phrases like “covfefe, alternative facts” on a constant loop, even on mainstream media sources.  

Strategies for engaging in productive conversations with individuals influenced by the Cult of Trump and other high control groups

After leaving the Trump organization, Alva became aware of the methodology employed to create community groups for the campaign. As a result, she can provide insights into how people can work together to neutralize the adverse effects and empower individuals. Alva had previously been involved with a cultic group called John of God, a faith healer using spiritual healing practices. She has firsthand experience of being part of a high-control cultic group through her involvement with John of God and later with Trump. Alva now aims to assist others by emphasizing the importance of educating people about mind control by showing empathy and compassion when engaging in difficult conversations with your loved ones affected by the Cult of Trump. She believes understanding the psychological mechanisms can help break through the barriers created by cult-like thinking. 

Reflecting on her journey of breaking free from the Cult of Trump, Alva acknowledges the role of cognitive dissonance in keeping individuals trapped in the mindset. Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person holds conflicting beliefs or values, causing discomfort and a desire to resolve the inconsistency. In the case of the Cult of Trump, individuals may find themselves confronted with evidence that contradicts their beliefs about Trump or his policies. Alva encourages open dialogue and provides alternative perspectives to help individuals reconcile their conflicting thoughts and challenge their preconceived notions. 

Alva’s reflections on the broader implications of the Cult of Trump and the need for collective action to protect democracy

Alva believes that the proactive engagement of people who have been co-opted into politically siloed but cohesive right-leaning and autocratic cults is vital. The division has been key to cult tactics. Clearly, it is a major concern going into the next election. Without reconciliation–which may be on issues previously considered trivial or frivolous but now considered of electoral importance, the political center will continue to fracture.  

Alva highlights the practical complexities of the above. However, noting the immediacy of the next election urges the need for near-term action. While on a basic level, engagement with family and communities is critical, addressing the problem is unlikely to succeed without broader support from social media and traditional media organizations.  

Alva also highlights the importance of building resilient communities that can withstand the influence of manipulative tactics. We must foster critical thinking skills, promote diversity of thought, and encourage open dialogue. By creating spaces where individuals feel safe to express their opinions and engage in respectful discussions, communities can become more resistant to the divisive tactics employed by cult-like groups. Unfortunately, anyone can fall victim to a cult, especially with the growth of social media and the Internet. 

Empathy and compassion play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from the effects of manipulation. Alva’s friends were the ones who assisted her by not allowing her to become isolated in an echo chamber of disinformation. Alva emphasizes the need to approach your loved ones, whom the Cult of Trump has influenced, with understanding and empathy rather than judgment or condemnation. By creating a supportive environment, individuals are more likely to feel comfortable questioning their beliefs and seeking alternative perspectives. 

The Cult of Trump has broader implications beyond the individual level. The same tactics are being utilized today to continue to isolate people into sub-cults through social media sites like Twitter/X and TikTok. Alva warns of the erosion of trust in democratic institutions and the potential long-term damage to the fabric of society. She calls for collective action to protect democracy and ensure that the principles of truth, justice, and equality remain. This includes holding leaders accountable for their actions, media transparency, and actively participating in the democratic process. Likewise, this includes supporting civil liberties principles that were hard fought for in the history of the United States.  

In conclusion, Alva Johnson’s experiences within the Cult of Trump shed light on the tactics employed by such groups and the impact they can have on individuals and society. By sharing her story and insights, she hopes to raise awareness, promote critical thinking, and foster empathy to counter the influence of cult-like thinking. Through education, media literacy, and resilient communities, Alva believes individuals can break free from manipulation and work towards a more inclusive and democratic society. 

Resources: 

Follow Alva on Twitter (X): @ThatAlvaJohnson 

A Lawsuit by a Campaign Worker Is the Latest Challenge to Trump’s Nondisclosure Agreements | The New Yorker 

All the President’s Women | Hachette Book Group For additional details about Alva Johnson in All the President’s Women, see pages 86-87, 254. 

 Trump Campaign Owes $300,000 in Legal Fees After Another Failed NDA Case – The New York Times (nytimes.com) 

Trump Campaign Loses Legal Dispute, Ordered to Pay Ex-Staffer $350,000 (newsweek.com) 

Select Committee on Intelligence Reports on Russian Emphasis and Interference in the 2016 Election Campaign 

Russian Influence on Trump and World Politics: American Kompromat with Craig Under and ex-KGB Yuri Shvets 

Putin Navalny Ukraine and Russian Influence: Part Two with Yuri Shvets and Craig Unger 

Russia, Trump, Propaganda, and Disinformation: Discussion with Investigative Journalist and Analyst Kseniya Kirillova

Confusion Techniques Can Control Minds 

4th Generation Warfare and The Christian Right: A Discussion With James Scaminaci III 

What is Hypnosis? Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)? Scientology and more! 

The Horror of School Shootings and Where We Go from Here – with S. E. Cupp 

Freedom of Mind: The BITE Model of Authoritarian Control 

The BITE Model of Authoritarian Control: Undue Influence, Thought Reform, Brainwashing, Mind Control, Trafficking, and the Law 

NXIVM & the BITE Model

Is ‘John of God’ a Healer or a Charlatan?

Dr. Steven Hassan talks with Alva Johnson and Rich Logis at the Women Fired Up and Friends Zoom Party

The post Breaking the Silence: Alva Johnson’s Journey as a Director in the 2016 Trump Campaign appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

In 2022, I was honored to have an enlightening discussion with Daniella Mestyanek Young shortly after the release of her acclaimed memoir Uncultured. In this conversation a year later, we delved into the intricacies of her early departure from the Children of God (COG) religious sex cult, her military journey as a former Army Captain in the Intelligence Corps, and the unsettling convergence of undue influence. Since our last exchange, Daniella earned her Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the Harvard Extension School. 

The Journey from the Children of God Cult to the Military 

Our recent dialogue with Daniella navigated through her birth into the COG cult, her courageous escape at the age of 15, and the formidable challenge of dismantling ingrained cult patterns while forging her path into adulthood. We explored how the absence of a conventional role model during her formative years may have influenced her decision to join the military. As a third-generation cult COG survivor COG, (her grandfather and mother preceded her), Daniella hated being in this sex cult. Like all those exiting being born in an authoritarian cult, she did not understand what a “normal” childhood looked like. Now, with some distance, Daniella has the clarity that her cult-induced dedication played a significant role in her motivation to join and excel in the military. 

Reflecting on her decision to enlist, she remarked, “I needed structure.” Graduating as class Valedictorian, Daniella possessed an unyielding drive to succeed at all costs. The military, she found, channeled her programming of devotion and dedication to a higher cause seamlessly. “I ran faster than 96% of male soldiers because I was willing to leave it all out there every single day because that’s what a cult asks you to do,” she shared. 

Confronting Sexism, Sexual Violence, and Rape Culture 

Our conversation further delved into the pervasive issues of sexism, sexual violence, and rape culture within the military—a topic often overlooked by many Americans. Initially unaware of these realities, Daniella was confronted with the stark division of expectations for men and women early on in boot camp. While her 280-pound male counterparts were ordered to hold their 50-pound duffel bags above their heads, Daniella, at around 100 pounds, was expected to do the same. Shockingly, she was warned to anticipate being raped as a potential aspect of her military career. As highlighted in our interview, a 2021 Women’s Warrior Initiative Report revealed alarming facts about Military Sexual Trauma (MST), emphasizing the pressing need for awareness and change. It stated:  

“One of the top three challenges with transition women warriors identified was coping with mental health issues related to MST (25%). Through the Annual Warrior Survey, 44% of women warriors reported experiencing MST as a result of their service. This survey found that more warriors have had experiences often related to MST, with nearly 73% of women warriors reporting experiencing sexual assault or harassment while in the military. Sexual trauma was an ever-present issue that colored discussions on nearly every topic during the roundtables.” 

Challenging Undue Influence and Rape Culture in the Military 

Daniella and I discussed the challenges of the rigid military contract, the disparity between recruiting promises, and the reality faced during basic training. The notion that individuals could leave the military at the end of their active-duty obligation was far more complex, with options evolving through schooling, activation, deployment, stop loss, and even resignation accompanied by psychological operations aimed at retention. 

Addressing the insular nature of military culture, Daniella highlighted the advice given to disregard the perspectives of those entering or leaving military life. She stated, “The second you say you’re getting out, it’s sit down in that corner and don’t infect other soldiers with your idea of freedom in the outside world.” In my BITE Model of Authoritarian Control, I elucidate how data is controlled through deception and the compartmentalization of information between outsider and insider doctrines. 

While both Daniella and I acknowledged a growing emphasis on stopping military blind obedience, we agreed that there is room for improvement in historical and current mind control tactics employed in military service. Emphasizing the importance of diverse military leadership, Daniella shared a poignant anecdote about her keen observation in an Afghanistan village—a perspective overlooked by her male counterparts. This diversity, she believes, contributed to preventing a potential catastrophe and underscores the need for analytically diverse minds in military operations. 

Anticipating Daniella’s ongoing success as a cult-aware author and speaker dedicated to enhancing society’s awareness of these critical issues, we concluded that, as individuals who have escaped cults, we possess a shared ability to recognize unhealthy influence. In many ways, we serve as antibodies to the pervasive disease of mind control afflicting the world. Daniella is now actively crafting her second book, The Culting of America. For those seeking to identify mind control techniques and understand Undue Influence, I encourage you to explore the Education section further at the Freedom of Mind Resource Center. 

Resources:  

Daniella Mestyanek Young’s Website 

Mestyanek Young, D. (2022). Uncultured: A Memoir. MacMillan Publishers. 

Lost in Transition | Daniella Young | TEDxTacoma 

Group Behavior Gal (Daniella Mestyanek Young) on Instagram 

The Group Behavior Gal on TikTok 

“Women Warriors Initiative Report – Wounded Warrior Project.”  Accessed 18 Dec. 2023.  

FOM blogpost: Growing up in a Sex Cult with Former Army Captain Daniella Mestyanek Young

Courageous Followership and Intelligent Disobedience with Ira Chaleff

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What is Integrative Psychology? What is “organization of mind?” If a person is interested in embodied mind practices, which include concentration meditation training, it takes very specialized training and practice to navigate this terrain effectively. I wanted to ask my colleague Nigel Denning to share his decades of experience. We know each other because we both have received training from the famous forensic psychologist and Tibetan Buddhist teacher Daniel P. Brown. Sadly, Dr. Brown passed away last year, but his work lives on. Nigel and I are planning for me to travel to Melbourne in early 2025 to offer training together, which we plan to record and put together as an online course. Hopefully, we hope to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to optimize their minds, create a nurturing environment for growth and healing, and develop awareness of and resilience against the numerous forms of undue influence that permeate our culture.  

Nigel Denning is a Counselling Psychologist and managing director of Integrative Psychology in Melbourne, Australia. He has master’s degrees in English Literature and Counselling Psychology. Nigel was formerly a member of the Victorian State and National executive of the College of Counselling Psychologists, where he was responsible for creating many learning opportunities for his profession. He has held roles as Vice-President of the In Good Faith Foundation, a charity dedicated to the amelioration of suffering of survivors of Institutional abuse; Clinical Director of SANE, national mental health, lived experience service; Family violence co-ordinator for Relationships Australia, where he ran and supervised clinical work; Director of Mind Medicine Institute, a training organization dedicated to equipping professionals in the use of psychedelic medicine for people who have not responded to traditional approaches, Educational Board member Ikon Institute. Nigel is the clinical lead in several trials of psychedelic medicine in clinical practice in Australia. In the mid-1980s, Nigel pioneered the training and application of Holotropic Breathwork, which he studied under Stanislav Grof and Tav Sparks. He has also trained under many leading therapists internationally, including John Gottman, Dan Wile, Les Greenberg, Daniel Siegel, Pieter Rossouw, Giancarlo DiMaggio, Paul Lysaker, and Daniel P. Brown.   

Nigel’s interest in high demand/high control groups began in the 1990s when he first encountered respondents to the now infamous Melbourne Archdiocese Response, developed by the late Cardinal George Pell to silence complainants of abuse within the Catholic Church. Nigel went on to take a significant role in supporting whistle-blowers to this abuse, leading to close involvement with the Pell prosecution. He delivered his findings during a group visit to the Vatican in 2017. He also became involved in the collapse of a Hindu cult based in outer Melbourne in 2013, where he co-developed a group approach to support almost 100 survivors of the cult. This led to his increasing interest in high-control/high-demand groups. Nigel has now had direct involvement with survivors of more than 20 different groups ranging from religious cults, self-development groups, and new age groups. Nigel’s clinical interest now lies firmly in the theory of mind, and he has studied metacognition extensively with leaders in the field. It is a study of the mind and its nature that genuinely articulates our vulnerability to undue influence. Nigel guest lectures at several tertiary schools and provides regular training and conference presentations locally and internationally.  

The Three Pillars Approach  

The late Daniel P Brown taught Nigel and me about his clinical psychology education and meditation approach. As a therapist, he believes that one of the most essential things is understanding how the mind works, optimizing it, and protecting it from negative influences. Nigel became interested in Daniel P Brown’s work with David Elliott, which introduced the three-pillar approach to psychotherapy, which presents a type of meta-view of psychotherapy. In Pillar 1, by creating an overt therapeutic collaboration between therapist and patient, one exemplifies the trusting therapeutic relationship, which models openness, trust, and transparency. In Pillar 2, by focusing on metacognition, through mentalizing practice, we explicate the features of mind, such as sensations, emotions, and thoughts. Pillar 3 is the therapeutic application in Dr. Brown’s work, which involves systematic imaginal work to repair adult attachment disturbances. This is a shift of Pillars 1 & 3 of Dr. Brown’s original formulation.   

The Three Pillars of Comprehensive Attachment Treatment include the following:  

Pillar One- Fostering collaborative nonverbal and verbal behavior.  

Pillar Two- Fostering a range of Metacognitive Skills;  

Pillar Three- The Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) Protocol;  

The first Pillar sets the conditions for the working therapeutic relationship. The second pillar fosters metacognitive skills and awareness of how the mind is organized, followed by treatment and education about this and the various stages of the mind to treat attachment issues. The third Pillar, the therapeutic innovation in this therapy, involves setting out the ideal parent figure and includes essential needs such as feeling secure, seen, comforted, reassured, and valued using attachment-based imagery.  

The foundation of effective parenting involves creating a nurturing environment where children feel secure, valued, and supported. This can be achieved through attachment-based imagery, which helps meet their essential needs for comfort, reassurance, and validation. Developing metacognitive skills and understanding how the mind works is crucial in addressing attachment issues. Nigel Denning emphasizes the importance of using these pillars to help individuals heal from their traumas and neglect, including those who have been part of cults. By harnessing the neuroplasticity of the mind, clients can regain control over their thoughts and emotions.  

Children raised in cults often suffer from a lack of knowledge about healthy family dynamics and community life. The three pillars of ideal parenting can help them explore and understand what a normal upbringing should look like. Furthermore, the concept of omission and the absence of healthy influences led to my development of the Influence Continuum model, which helps practitioners identify variations in healthy and unhealthy influences. The BITE Model of Authoritarian Control model benefits individuals who have been part of high-demand and cult-like groups and can be found here. People raised in cults have, by their very definition, have not been exposed to collaborative relationships, but rather power over relationships. Clarity and organization of mind have also been significantly distorted to meet the needs of the cult, as outlined in my numerous texts on mind control. 

Organization of the mind and attachment issues   

Understanding the organization of the mind and recognizing the impact of family upbringing on a patient’s reactions is crucial for therapists. Clinicians need to differentiate between normal responses to abnormal systems and mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. This avoids the common misdiagnosis of cult survivors as having personal psychological problems rather than logical responses to undue influence. Many individuals also carry trauma from neglect and a lack of attention during their childhood, which can lead to psychological distress and traumatic responses. Such vulnerabilities are often exploited in cult indoctrination.  

Paying attention to a child focusing on a task can make the child feel good about themselves, focused, and connected to those around them. Nigel Denning explains that this builds linkage around the anterior cingulate gyrus (cortex), a part of the brain that links the limbic and prefrontal, relating to the ‘animal’ and the human brain. Developing the anterior cingulate gyrus leads to the development of dopamine concentration in those regions. This allows for developments in focus and self-esteem.   

Often, children raised in cults are distracted from the focus on developing a healthy self by dogma or demanding chores. Many cults treat their children like adults, not allowing them to play, explore and learn. Strict obedience is trained early on, and there is no allowance to think for oneself or develop one’s authentic self. Therefore, these children are not given opportunities to learn to focus their attention and have an acquired brain reward system and strong self-esteem. Dopamine production is subverted, and dependence and fear are amplified instead. 

Meditation, breath work, and mastering the mind  

Practicing concentration is a way to stop the mind from wandering, and tracking the breath allows you to focus and keep your attention for ever-increasing amounts of time. Nigel talks of a term called striatic anxiety, a term coined by Dr. Habib Devanloo of Tavistock Institute. which refers to generalized and unconscious muscular tension correlated with anxiety, whereby when we are anxious, our musculature tenses, including our diaphragm, which reduces oxygen concentration, which stimulates adrenal response, meaning a person is in a reactive and non-reflective state. Biologically, the body is saying that there is a threat when we tense up and hold our breath. When the body tenses and tells the mind there is a threat, the diaphragm tenses and reduces oxygen intake, which further discharges adrenaline to condition our body to act. Environmentally, there is no threat, but there is physiological tension. Relaxing the entire body, slowing down, allowing air to circulate, and taking conscious breaths will calm stratic anxiety and focus the mind. These practices align with the three pillars by Daniel P. Brown as they teach individuals to gain mastery over their minds and regulate their thoughts and emotions.  

We can regulate our breath and state of mind. Nowadays, we are busy at work, too quickly changing from task to task with active minds, holding our breath, and feeling tension, which leads to anxiety. We can become more productive and creative when we learn to give ourselves time for deep relaxation, breath, and thought.  

Utilizing Psychedelic Therapies  

Throughout the 1950s-1970s, there was a large body of literature and studies on the potential and efficacy of LSD and its clinical application. Prohibition was then introduced by Nixon, which meant that for a long time, there was very little study of LSD. Recently, the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) developed a lot of work and studies on MDMA as a treatment for PTSD. Their two trials showed effective treatment results for participants with PTSD, which can be read here.  

Nigel explains that Robert Carhart-Harris and others hypothesize that psychedelics can break the rigidity of the brain’s mental organization called the default mode network. This construct links the brain stem, limbic, and cortical brain regions in a fixed, survival-oriented, and resilient pattern. Early in life, people can adapt to a way of experiencing that is based on the interaction of genetics and lived experience. So, when they don’t respond to psychological treatments, it can be due to this fixed way of experiencing and processing information. It is theorized that when someone is given a psychedelic in a supported environment under certain conditions, this rigidity can break down, and new opportunities for neuroplasticity can arise. Through neurogenesis, new pathways in the brain are possible.  

Australia has permitted limited use of certain psychedelics in therapy for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. Nigel has now trained around 300 clinicians in Australia in the use of psychedelics in therapy and has recently run the first sessions surrounding MDMA and clinician training. The significant issue is not the psychedelics themselves but the importance of dosage and a controlled environment when people have this disruption to the rigidity of their thinking. The process should be done with the correct doses and in the right environment with an educated clinician, or issues can arise. There needs to be support in the emergence of these new functions of the mind, and the therapist should not impose their solutions on the impressionable mind. The new functions of the mind will be self-regulating and stem from when the patient is impressionable and in a non-ordinary state. Impressionability is very significant during the process of neurogenesis. A person is usually impressionable for around five days after inducing a psychedelic, and as therapists, we must be aware of our impact on the person.   

Psychoeducation on the Optimized Mind  

Nigel explains how we can all benefit culturally from the mind’s potential by creating creative or technically astute people. We need to create opportunities for minds to optimize culturally. To do that, we must learn how our minds work, how they’re embodied historically to trip us up, and how we have a lot of adrenocortical influence. We must all learn to engage our developing children and provide their brains emotionally with what they need to grow. There needs to be more cultural education on the importance and sensitivity of developing brains. Each child is unique, and we should enable conditions that encourage them to experiment and learn from their mistakes to empower their self-esteem and a love of learning.   

Nigel talks of the late Professor Pieter Rossouw, who worked to critique the fear-based education of children. We often motivate children through education to fear failure, which can amplify the amygdala and the adrenocortical systems and reduce the optimization of the brain and the mind. Some studies showed that cooperative teaching, where each child takes turns learning, sharing, and teaching fellow classmates, is superior to a teacher standing at the front and encouraging memorization. We can implement many techniques as a culture to nurture young minds and promote optimization.  

Steve’s note: When we recorded this, we hoped to do the in person training in Melbourne in 2024, but this has been postponed til 2025. I suggest subscribing to our free email list to be informed on interviews and opportunities. You will be the first to know when the training is booked.

Resources:  

Integrative Psychology  

An Integrated Approach to Trauma Treatment Part I: Foundations of Theory – Traill Dowie & Nigel Denning in Psychotherapy and Counselling Today -December 2022  

Attachment Disturbances in Adults: Treatment for Comprehensive Repair, by Daniel P. Brown and David S. Elliott  

Wisdom from the Psychedelic Underground with Rachel Harris, PhD     

Daniel P Brown’s Website  (unfortunately, Dan passed away, but his website is still up)  

The Online Attachment course will be live January 15th, 2024

  Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by Nestor James

Are You Breathing? Do You Have Email Apnea? by Linda Stone

Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies Website   

Dr Steven Hassan and Jules Evans Talk about Psychedelics and Cults April 2024

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Sochil Martin is a Mexican-American woman who was born and raised in a religious high control group called La Luz del Mundo (LDM), which claims to have over 5 million members worldwide. LDM has been a part of Sochil’s family for four generations, starting with her great-grandmother being brought into the cult in Baja, California, Mexico. With the support of her husband, Sochil managed to escape from LDM and embarked on a journey to seek justice. In 2018, she blew the whistle on the organization to the California Department of Justice, exposing the abuse of leadership on its members and the sexual assault committed by the leader on women and minors. The leader, Naasón Joaquín García, is currently in state prison and has recently been indicted by the federal government for child pornography. Despite her efforts, Sochil’s family remains in the institution, cutting off all communication with her. 

Sochil’s Experience and Background 

Sochil’s upbringing was tumultuous, as she was a ward of the court until the age of 18. She never met her father and had only one brief contact with her biological mother, who was also a victim of grooming and trafficking. Sochil’s aunt, who later became her legal guardian, took her in. Despite the hardships she endured, Sochil forgives her aunt and family, understanding that they, too, were victims of manipulation and lies within LDM. Today, Sochil focuses her energy and time on raising awareness about organized crime within LDM. She highlights issues such as federal human trafficking for sexual exploitation, modern-day slavery, political corruption, and money laundering. Sochil is actively working to pass a federal law in Mexico that addresses human trafficking in high-control groups. She has formed alliances with fellow survivor advocates in the US and Mexico to combat child abuse and strive for a society where all individuals can live free from physical and mental bondage. She continues to fight to help liberate others still trapped in similar situations through prevention, justice, and healing.

La Luz del Mundo, established in the 1920s, claims to have 5 million followers in 58 countries, although official numbers are difficult to verify. Like the New Apostolic Reformation, LDM is a nontrinitarian church led by a self-proclaimed apostle who asserts the ability to communicate with God. The leader holds religious authority, proclaiming himself as the greatest figure on earth and discrediting all other churches. The current leader, Naasón Joaquín García, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in 2022 to a maximum of 16 years and eight months for the sexual abuse of children and child pornography. However, the plea deal was done without consulting the victims who testified, and the sentence was relatively short, considering the severity of the crimes. Despite the evidence, some members of the church argue that their leader is being persecuted, drawing parallels to the persecution of Jesus, and eagerly await his release. The group denies the accusations and maintains that their leader is innocent. 

La Luz del Mundo and information warfare 

Like many cults, LDM focuses on supporting specific politicians and donating to their campaigns in exchange for political favors. Despite the corruption and ongoing federal investigations, LDM still wields significant political power. Members spread misinformation campaigns and rumors on social media platforms like Reddit to discredit those who speak out against the group. Sochil herself has faced physical threats and an online hate campaign due to her decision to speak out. 

How the LDM maintains control  

Sochil Martin, a fourth-generation member of LDM, was groomed for sexual exploitation from the age of 9 by the leader, with the permission of her aunt and legal guardian. She was promised to the leader at birth and subjected to a grooming process that sexualized her from a young age. By the time she was 12, she was dancing inappropriately for the leader and was essentially used as an enslaved person to support the growth of the organization. Sochil endured years of labor trafficking, extreme physical and sexual abuse and witnessed the mistreatment of other young women and children within the group. LDM views its members, particularly women and children, as the property of the leader, to be controlled and exploited. The group instills the belief that all good things in life come from the leader, with any misfortune attributed to personal sin. Clothing, appearance, and behavior are strictly regulated within LDM, with women expected to wear long skirts and adhere to a feminine image. Leaving the group means losing one’s family, home, community, and everything familiar. Cults like LDM discourage outside friendships, leaving members isolated and dependent solely on the community for support. This psychological imprisonment, described by Robert J. Lifton in his book “Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism,” includes the dispensing of existence, where leaving the group means losing the right to exist within it. Sochil explains how LDM sells followers a perfect afterlife, promising protection if they follow the leader’s commands. Leaving the group would mean losing this perceived salvation and facing eternal damnation. Exiting a cult can be confusing, as individuals have been conditioned not to trust their thoughts and abilities to discern reality. 

Advice on helping others

When attempting to communicate with a loved one still involved in a cult, it is crucial not to directly attack the leader, doctrine, or the group itself, as this may trigger defensiveness and a feeling of persecution. Instead, discussing other groups, such as Scientology, is helpful and allows them to draw parallels to their own experiences. Introducing the BITE model of authoritarian control, which explains behavior control, information control, thought control, and emotional control, can help individuals recognize their abnormal environment. Sochil found healing and understanding through the BITE model, as it helped her realize that her trauma was real and that she was not to blame. When engaging with someone still in a cult, expressing love and concern while offering support in developing an exit strategy can be influential. 

In 2020, Sochil co-founded the WithYou Foundation, an organization dedicated to changing legislation to support survivors of child human trafficking in high control groups. WithYou seeks to collaborate with therapists, educators, doctors, scientists, legislators, lobbyists, lawyers, AI experts, and survivor champions to bring about change for future generations. Sadly, it is currently without non-profit status due to lack of funds and resources needed to function properly.

As Sochil says, this war on information control and mind control has become a public health emergency. This issue is widespread, and legislation needs to be changed to criminalize the brainwashing tactics of cult leaders. Religious cult labor trafficking is a huge issue, and these cults should not be allowed to hide behind religious exemptions to justify slave labor. Sochil has helped FOM to create an updated Influence Continuum and BITE Model in Spanish so we can continue to put the word out and educate people to control their minds. These two documents are available now! The next project is to translate Hassan’s doctoral dissertation into Spanish! Then to translate the latest Combating Cult Mind Control book into Spanish.

HBO documentary on Sochil and La Luz del Mundo

Social Media 

Sochil’s Instagram @sochilmartin.healing 

Sochil’s Twitter/X @sochil_martin 

Relevant Blogs  

The BITE Model of Authoritarian Control: Undue Influence, Thought Reform, Brainwashing, Mind Control, Trafficking and the Law 

Relevant Websites  

Steven Hassan’s BITE Model of Authoritarian Control (now available in English and Spanish)

Steven Hassan’s Influence Continuum (now available in English and Spanish)

A special thank you to Steven from Lizbeth Mata Lozano, Federal Deputy from BAJA CALIFORNIA

The post Unveiling the La Luz del Mundo Cult: Sochil Martin’s Story of Resilience, Whistleblowing and Activism  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

While fascinated by human behavior and advocating for mental freedom, I’ve encountered many concepts, but few have struck me as profoundly as the notion of wonder. This was vividly brought to light in my discussion with Monica C. Parker, the author of The Power of Wonder: The Extraordinary Emotion That Will Change the Way You Live Learn and Lead and founder of HATCH consultancy. Monica is a celebrated speaker and expert on future work trends. She has a diverse background, including roles as an opera singer, museum designer, policy director, and defender of death row inmates. Our conversation delved into how this powerful emotion could revolutionize learning, relationships, work, and societal interactions in today’s world, increasingly fragmented by polarization, stress, and a lack of empathy. In an era overwhelmed by digital saturation and ideological extremes, the potential of wonder can be leveraged as a tool to restore balance, encourage open-mindedness, and foster positive social connections. 

The Transformative Nature of Wonder 

Monica C. Parker’s book, The Power of Wonder, explores how the often-overlooked emotion of wonder can fundamentally reshape our lives and workplaces. The book integrates diverse fields such as psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, literature, and business to understand wonder’s impact comprehensively. Parker argues that wonder isn’t just a fleeting feeling but a dynamic force that can enhance personal well-being, professional success, and societal cohesion. 

Delving into the components of wonder, Parker identifies several vital aspects. Openness to experience is the gateway to wonder, allowing individuals to step beyond their comfort zones and embrace new ideas and perspectives. Deep curiosity goes beyond superficial questioning, driving individuals to more profoundly explore and understand the world around them. Absorption, another critical component, involves being fully immersed and present in experiences, leading to heightened awareness and focus. 

Awe, a powerful aspect of wonder, is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends one’s understanding of the world. It’s a humbling yet elevating experience that can lead to a greater appreciation of life’s marvels. Lastly, paradoxical thinking, the ability to simultaneously hold and consider two conflicting ideas, fosters a more nuanced and mature understanding of complex issues. 

These elements collectively contribute to enhanced personal relationships, improved performance in various endeavors, better health outcomes, and more robust community engagement. By embracing wonder in its many facets, individuals can unlock a more fulfilling, creative, and connected life, personally and professionally. Parker’s work underscores the transformative power of wonder, encouraging readers to rediscover and integrate this vital emotion into their daily lives. 

Wonder in Corporate Environments 

Through my study in change management, I’ve witnessed the strategic application of wonder in corporate settings. This means creating environments where questioning the status quo is encouraged and innovative ideas are nurtured rather than stifled. Such a culture allows employees to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. It enables them to embrace change rather than resist it, fostering adaptability and resilience. Moreover, when staff members are encouraged to explore and express their innate sense of wonder, it enhances engagement, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. This, in turn, translates into improved productivity, greater creativity in problem-solving, and a more harmonious workplace environment. Wonder, thus, emerges as a vital component in the toolkit for navigating and leading effectively through the complexities of modern corporate landscapes. Promoting a culture of curiosity and innovation can help organizations navigate change more effectively and create productive and emotionally fulfilling environments.

Empathy, Polarization, and Societal Challenges 

The alarming decline in empathy, worsened by the rise of social media and a move towards individualism, further emphasizes the importance of fostering empathetic understanding and maintaining diverse relationships as crucial to combating societal polarization. By nurturing diverse relationships and engaging in empathetic interactions, we can counteract the forces of polarization. This approach is not about agreeing with every viewpoint but about recognizing the humanity in each person and finding common ground. In doing so, we can begin to address the complex societal challenges we face, driven by a shared sense of compassion and understanding. It’s imperative to employ a balanced and open mindset, critical thinking, and the scientific method to combat rigid, authoritarian ideologies. 

The Imperative of Continuous Learning and Personal Growth 

Monica and I strongly advocate for a mindset that embraces lifelong learning and growth. This approach is essential in our rapidly evolving world, marked by technological advancements and changing societal norms. 

Why This Matters to You 

The concept of Wonder is more than just a discussion; it’s a call to action for both individuals and organizations: 

• Cultivate Wonder: We should actively seek experiences and perspectives that foster wonder, step out of our comfort zones, engage with diverse ideas, or appreciate everyday beauty. 
• Embrace Empathy and Openness: Building bridges through empathy and understanding is crucial in a divided world, leading to more prosperous, nuanced perspectives. 
• Pursue Lifelong Learning: The evolving nature of our world demands continuous learning and adaptation, whether through further education or staying curious about our surroundings. 
• Combat Polarization: Breaking the cycle of polarization is essential, and it starts with embracing openness and dialogue. 
• Apply Wonder in Professional Settings: Wonder has tangible benefits in professional environments, fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation to drive positive change. 

Final Thoughts and Resources 

My conversation with Monica C. Parker is a beacon of hope in a complex world. “The Power of Wonder” is compelling for those seeking more profound insight. My work through the Freedom of Mind Resource Center endeavors to educate everyone on how to not only protect the sanctity of individuals to be true to themselves and make good decisions, it also seeks to offer tools to live a fulfilling life rich in relationships with others on this amazing planet. 

The journey towards a life filled with wonder is ongoing. It requires patience, openness, and a constant willingness to learn and grow. By embracing the power of wonder, we can enhance not only our own lives but also make a positive impact on the world around us. 

Resources: 

Monica C. Parker’s website 

The Power of Wonder: The Extraordinary Emotion That Will Change the Way You Live Learn and Lead by Monica C. Parker 

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Navigating a deeply divided, polarized world filled with vulnerable souls to the siren calls of conspiracy theories, I find it essential to shine a light on the shadows where undue influence thrives. In this discussion with historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, we discuss the subtle and often sinister ways authoritarianism intertwines with the psychological mechanisms of control. We connect the dots from my experiences with cults and coercive persuasion. Ruth Ben-Ghiat is an NYU professor and expert on fascism and authoritarianism, a celebrated author, MSNBC columnist, and consultant, including for del Toro’s Oscar-winning ‘Pinocchio.’ Her book Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present explores the tactics of illiberal rulers and the history of resistance against them. With a focus on unraveling the complex tapestry of undue influence in modern politics, my discussion with historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat sheds light on the intricate relationship between authoritarianism and its psychological underpinnings. 

Understanding the Lure of Authoritarianism 

My journey from the depths of indoctrination as a member of the Moon cult, my deprogramming in 1976, and my journey to becoming a scholar in undue influence have sensitized me to many facets of this phenomenon. I am acutely aware of the allure of certainty presented by recruiters for authoritarian leaders. In our discussion, we excavated the underpinnings of despotic control, unearthing the alarming congruence between historical and current tactics used to grip the hearts and minds of people. Authoritarian leaders, much like cult figures, have a penchant for cloaking their agendas in the guise of nationalism or salvation, trapping the unsuspecting in their ideological nets. Ruth’s poignant reflection on the enduring legacy of fascism and authoritarianism, charting its evolution from Mussolini’s Italy to today’s political landscape, is an excellent historical example. It reveals how historical strongmen set a precedent for contemporary leaders, perpetuating a cycle of control through propaganda and violence. Central to this discussion is the recognition of machismo as a powerful tool in an authoritarian’s arsenal, a theme that unites past and present in a cautionary tale of power and persuasion. They also exploit the media’s pervasive reach, distorting reality through a lens that serves their narrative and silencing dissent with a shroud of fear. This tactic is a chilling echo of coercive persuasion, a strategy meticulously designed to captivate and dominate. 

The Evolution of Propaganda in the Digital Age 

The evolution of media’s role in supporting authoritarian agendas and being their propaganda’s machinery in the relentless churn of the digital age cannot be underscored. In the past, printed word and airwaves were king. Today’s digital platforms reign supreme, casting a net of influence that spans the globe instantaneously. This new dominion of discourse has given rise to an insidious ‘firehose of falsehood’—a torrent of disinformation that assaults the pillars of truth upon which our democratic institutions stand. Putin and the KGB are masters of this methodology. They create tons of crazy stories and wait to see what gets traction. Then, they amplify. Fourth-generation warfare also uses this method, but its goal is fear, hatred, polarization, uncertainty, and a distrust of experts, science, and institutions. 

We are witnessing a pivotal moment in history where the tools of social media, once heralded as gateways to a more connected world, are now co-opted by authoritarian interests. The fabric of our reality is being contested in the trenches of Twitter (X) feeds, Facebook (Meta) posts, and viral videos, with algorithms curating a reality that often blurs the line between fact and fabrication. This digital deluge is not merely a passive flow but a weaponized stream calibrated to erode trust, foment division and reshape the collective consciousness. The echo chambers thus created are potent echo chambers of power, where authoritarians can amplify their narratives unchecked, warping the public perception at a scale and speed that traditional propaganda could never achieve. 

The Dangers of Cult Political Movements 

It is also essential to understand the treacherous waters of the cult of personality, where political figures assume a god-like status among their followers. These leaders deploy a narrative replete with themes of persecution and redemption, casting themselves as the sole lifeline in tumultuous times. Their inflated self-image and diminished empathy set a stage where their whims dictate reality, and supporters are too often willing actors in this orchestrated theatre of power. The implications are dire: individual thought is subsumed by collective chant, and personal agency is surrendered to the altar of the movement. It’s a dynamic I’ve seen play out with destructive consequences in cults and now, with increasing frequency, on the political stage, where the stakes include not just individual lives but the very fabric of our democratic society. Ruth’s involvement with Protect Democracy and media engagements underscores her commitment to applying historical lessons to safeguard democratic values in the present. 

Strategies for Resisting Authoritarian Influence 

Acknowledging the shadow of authoritarianism is merely the prologue to a much larger narrative of resistance. But to counter this pervasive influence, Ruth and I together emphasize the imperative of rallying the voices of the disillusioned—those who have emerged from the fog of manipulation and can now articulate its dangers. These individuals become the harbingers of truth, wielding their experiences as shields and swords against the spread of autocratic ideologies. Civic education is another powerful tool, fostering clarity and understanding to counteract misinformation. On a local level, community engagement and reconnecting with core values can serve as a grassroots antidote to spreading authoritarian narratives. These strategies are not merely theoretical but practical imperatives for those committed to upholding the liberties and values that undergird our way of life. Even Ruth’s initiative seems to be educating the public on these issues through her writing, media appearances, and her book, “Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present,” which delves into the methods illiberal leaders use to maintain power and the historical resistance to such figures. 

The Psychological Toll of Information Overload 

The constant bombardment of content, often laced with emotional triggers, is not a mere by-product of the digital age; it is a calculated instrument of authoritarian strategies designed to fragment and polarize society. This constant emotional arousal is a calculated assault on our cognitive defenses, encouraging binary thinking and reducing the space for nuanced discourse. The antidote to this malaise is nurturing media literacy to parse the torrent of data and fostering mindfulness to prevent the hijacking of our emotional equilibrium. Such self-awareness is essential if our democratic dialogue is to survive the relentless pace of technological change and the insidious agendas that aim to exploit it. It’s a call to engage in civic education, support leaders who uphold accountability, and embrace bipartisan collaboration to fortify the institutions that safeguard our freedoms. 

The emphasis is understanding the importance of staying informed and engaged. The lessons of history and contemporary examples highlight the constant need for vigilance and informed action in our interactions with the world. 

For those interested in delving into the intricacies of undue influence, my books “Combating Cult Mind Control” and “The Cult of Trump” provide in-depth perspectives on these issues. The Freedom of Mind Resource Center is also available, offering a wealth of information for individuals addressing the challenges posed by cults and extremist ideologies. If you want to understand more about these dynamics or contribute to the ongoing discourse on maintaining a resilient democracy, your participation is welcome. 

Resources: 

Ruth Ben-Ghiat’s website 

Lucid | Ruth Ben-Ghiat | Substack 

Authoritarians From Mussolini to Trump  NY Times book review By Francis Fukuyama 

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Human trafficking is defined in international law as the use of fraud, force, or coercion to enslave people. It is a scourge that operates not just through physical coercion but through the devastating use of mind control, a method of psychological enslavement. Rebecca Bender is a courageous survivor and advocate who works tirelessly to empower survivors, train law enforcement, do expert witness work, and assist policymakers. She created the Rebecca Bender Initiative and the online Elevate Academy, which empowers trafficking survivors over the age of eighteen to move forward with their lives. She found encouragement and mentorship from Carissa Phelps and Rachel Thomas, who, with me, developed the Ending the Game ten-session program for trafficking survivors under the age of eighteen. 

Bender’s narrative symbolizes hope and fortitude, offering a guiding light for others. Elevate Academy is a testament to the potential of survivor-led initiatives—transforming personal struggle into collective empowerment and setting a precedent for how lived experience can ignite significant social change. Through such leadership, survivors are not just reclaiming their narratives; they’re redefining the very battle against trafficking. Understanding the tactics traffickers use is critical for prevention, as well as escape and recovery. My discussions with experts and survivors are not just academic; they are practical resources that shine a light on the manipulative strategies used in trafficking. Knowledge of these tactics can be lifesaving for anyone at risk or currently trapped. In this exploration, we delve deep into the intricate web of human trafficking, examining the various manipulative tactics employed by traffickers and the significant role that education and empowerment play in the recovery process.  

Understanding Trafficker Typologies: 

It is critical that we have good insight into the typologies of traffickers, which are pivotal in understanding the complex dynamics of human trafficking. By understanding some differing types of traffickers like ‘Romeo,’ ‘Gorilla,’ and ‘CEO,’ Rebecca sheds light on the varied and manipulative strategies used to recruit and exploit victims. ‘Romeo’ traffickers use romantic manipulation, creating emotional bonds to control their victims. This tactic is particularly insidious because it blurs the lines between affection and exploitation, leaving victims confused and often unwilling to recognize their circumstances as abusive. ‘Gorilla’ traffickers rely on intimidation and violence, instilling fear to maintain dominance. This approach is brutally straightforward, creating an environment of constant terror where the immediate need for survival drives compliance. In contrast, ‘CEO’ traffickers deceive their victims with false promises of lucrative opportunities, exploiting their aspirations. These traffickers create elaborate ruses, often presenting sophisticated business models or career opportunities that are entirely fraudulent, trapping their victims in exploitative situations under the guise of professional advancement. Understanding these typologies equips all stakeholders with the tools to combat different forms of trafficking more effectively. It offers survivors a framework to understand their experiences and begin the healing process. For professionals in the field, this knowledge is essential for recognizing signs of trafficking, tailoring their response to specific situations, and providing practical support to those affected. 

Empowering Professionals: Specialized Training: 

In addition, Rebecca Bender’s role in educating professionals about human trafficking is pivotal. Her specialized training sessions for law enforcement, FBI, Homeland Security, and medical professionals are tailored to impart an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of human trafficking. Her training covers a range of critical topics, including recognizing signs of trafficking, understanding the psychological impact on victims, and learning effective communication strategies to support survivors. These sessions are crucial in fostering a more informed, sensitive, and effective response from those on the front lines, enhancing the overall efficacy of trafficking prevention and intervention efforts. 

Advocating for Legal Change 

The necessity of expanding the legal framework to encompass the psychological dimensions of coercion that traffickers utilize fully cannot be underscored. The law, as it stands, inadequately addresses the invisible bonds of psychological control that are just as restrictive as physical restraints. By advocating for legislative change, my goal is to integrate a more comprehensive understanding of coercion that includes the sophisticated psychological tactics of mind control and manipulation. 

Such a legislative evolution would mark a monumental shift in how justice systems perceive and prosecute human trafficking, providing a more holistic approach to the crime. It would acknowledge the deep psychological scars inflicted upon victims and recognize the complex strategy of domination that traffickers employ. If the law can be updated to reflect these realities, it would enhance the protection of victims and ensure that traffickers are held accountable for the entire scope of their abuses, not just the physical. This change is not merely theoretical—it is a critical step towards dismantling the sophisticated networks of human trafficking and freeing victims from the comprehensive shackles of their oppressors. 

The Role of Survivor-Led Initiatives: 

Initiatives spearheaded by survivors like Rebecca Bender offer an authentic and powerful perspective essential in this battle. Survivor-led programs tend to be more empathetic and effective, drawing on real-life experiences and understanding of the victim’s journey. These initiatives also play a crucial role in providing support and rehabilitation to other survivors, creating a network of empowerment and advocacy that is instrumental in the broader fight against trafficking. 

Integrating Diverse Approaches: Rachel Thomas and Paul Chang: 

Complementing Bender’s insights are the contributions of Rachel Thomas and CODIS Phelps, along with Paul Chang’s implementation of the BITE model in the context of labor trafficking. Thomas’s 10-point program “Ending the Game” and Phelps’s work provide additional layers to understanding and addressing human trafficking. Similarly, Chang’s use of the BITE model for training against labor trafficking exemplifies the diverse and interconnected approaches required in this field. These varied strategies, ranging from survivor-led education programs to behavioral models in professional training, underscore the multifaceted nature of combating human trafficking. Such diverse approaches are crucial in building a comprehensive and holistic response to this complex issue. 

The battle against human trafficking demands a multifaceted approach, encompassing awareness, legal reform, and comprehensive support for survivors. Survivor-led initiatives, specialized training for professionals, and understanding trafficker typologies are all critical components in this fight. By empowering survivors and equipping professionals, efforts to eradicate trafficking become more targeted and effective. 

Offering a Lifeline 

For those affected by human trafficking or seeking help, resources like the National Human Trafficking Hotline provide crucial support. Additionally, initiatives like Elevate Academy offer educational and empowerment opportunities for survivors, reflecting the importance of comprehensive care in recovery and rebuilding lives post-trafficking.  

Resources: 

The Rebecca Bender Initiative website 

The Elevate Academy

Sex Trafficking in Plain Sight | Rebecca Bender | TEDxDavenport 

In Pursuit of Love: One Woman’s Journey from Trafficked to Triumphant by Rebecca Bender 

Ending the Game program 

Human Trafficking – Survivor Voices are Critical: A Conversation with a Survivor Attorney Carissa Phelps 

https://rebeccabenderinitiative.org/

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Christopher Leonard, author of the book Kochland: The Secret History of Koch Industries and Corporate Power in America is a respected business reporter whose book I read when it first came out in 2019. I am so pleased that he consented to an interview. Koch Industries piqued Christopher’s interest as a business reporter when he learned that it is the second largest privately owned company in America, with operations in industries spanning from blue-collar manufacturing jobs to oil refineries and energy. Because of that, they have one of the largest corporate lobbying entities in America. He also sees this as a critical subject matter because they play a significant role in limiting government regulation in the private market, especially concerning fossil fuels CO2 emissions that cause global warming. 

History of the Family 

Fred Koch founded Koch Industries, father of the now-CEO Charles Koch and his brother, the late David Koch. Fred Koch started as an industrialist investor and co-founder of the ultra-conservative, anti-communist John Birch Society. The John Birch Society believed that “leftist communists had leeched their way into the American government.” They saw Eisenhower as a communist and any government programs such as the New Deal as communist plots to create authoritarianism in America. 

Fred Koch taught his sons, Charles and David, that government and economics are “intertwined.” Therefore, there was a need to lobby and do public relations to influence Federal and State governments to maximally benefit their business. So, the necessity of being a politically oriented CEO was instilled in Charles early on. Charles became CEO of the company in his early thirties, after Fred died of a heart attack. 

Charles Koch is a very intelligent, well-read person who earned both an engineering and a nuclear engineering Ph.D. from MIT. In the 1960’s he started building a group of intellectual economists from Austria who were extremely libertarian and shared the same beliefs, specifically that all government programs, even if well-intentioned, would do more harm than good. 

Later in the 1970s, Charles started working with Murray Rothbard, an extreme libertarian economist who not only thought government programs were destructive but “democracy itself was really dangerous” because if you have a population that can vote and set government policy, those policies can “steal money from business leaders who actually earn it.” Government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid are seen as a way for the populace to take money from the rich unfairly. 

Koch Corporate Culture 

Staff working for Koch Industries have described it as a cult. New hires attend a three to five-day orientation at Koch headquarters in Kansas, where they are introduced to the philosophy and culture called “market-based management,” including its own vocabulary and ten guiding principles. These ten principles can be found throughout the company, such as on-screen savers and coffee cups. Language such as “mental model,” “point of view,” and “humility” is very specific in its meaning. The market-based management culture not only has to be fully embraced by staff to be able to work there, but if one notices that a colleague has broken a rule, they are to report them. Anyone who turns out to be a whistleblower is deemed a traitor. These are similarities found in cults, where there is repetition of the cult’s beliefs, and if anyone questions anything, then they are either told they are wrong or just completely shut out. 

The company also uses a “the ends justify the means” attitude regarding business dealings. They have taken oil from Indigenous land but have not adequately compensated the people of those lands. When there is a question about a leak or pollution, they use that ideology and do their best to deny any responsibility for the pollution. Koch Industries has in the past disregarded environmental regulations because so much of the company’s income comes from refining fossil fuels. At least half of their yearly profits are from burning these refining fossil fuels. 

For decades, they have used think tanks and lobbyists to fight climate change laws and to cast doubt on climate change science. Any slight bit of information that is off or any sliver of doubt in a study and they will pounce on it and claim that the science is not clear and that we should wait before we change anything. Additionally, they will politicize regulations by repeating that it is a communist action to regulate businesses, especially when it comes to climate change. Leonard believes Charles Koch will be primarily remembered for his impact on climate change policy.  

Narratives and Independent Thinking 

One thing that we talked about towards the end of our talk was narratives and how lobbyists and politicians want to create sophisticated campaigns to control narratives that we hear and see. Leonard and I stress the importance of thinking independently, looking at evidence, questioning our assumptions, and questioning what media messaging is fed to us. 

Resources: 

Christopher Leonard’s website 

Kochland: The Secret History of Koch Industries and Corporate Power in America by Christopher Leonard 

“Kochland” Examines the Koch Brothers’ Early Crucial Role in Climate-Change Denial by Jane Mayer for The New Yorker 

‘Kochland’ Measures the Reach of a Politically Influential Corporate Giant by Jennifer Szalai for the New York Times 

Financial Times Business Book of the Year: Kochland by Christopher Leonard 

The Lords of Easy Money: How the Federal Reserve Broke the American Economy by Christopher Leonard  

The Meat Racket: The Secret Takeover of America’s Food Business by Christopher Leonard 

What’s the Matter With Libertarianism? Its models of human nature and society are terminally deficient. By Peter Corning Ph.D. 

The John Birch Society is still influencing American politics 60 years after its founding by Christopher Towler 

How Sun Myung Moon ‘Digested the Scientists’ and Fueled Climate-Change Denial by David Lipsky, author of The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial 

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In his latest book, Seeing Through the Smoke: A Cannabis Specialist Untangles the Truth About Marijuana, Peter Grinspoon, M.D. has written an excellent, comprehensive, and authoritative look at medical cannabis. Grinspoon is a primary care doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He has been a medical cannabis specialist for over twenty-five years. Dr. Grinspoon, a popular speaker, is frequently featured in the national media on issues such as cannabis, addiction, and physician health. His private practice offers comprehensive cannabis coaching, education, and certification (only in Massachusetts). Dr. Grinspoon is certified as a health and life coach to help people find their goals and follow their dreams. He offers comprehensive health and wellness coaching on various issues for which he is uniquely qualified to help. 

Early Influences  

Peter’s father, Lester Grinspoon, was a Harvard Psychiatrist who wrote Marihuana Reconsidered in 1971. It was highly controversial, and both damaged and propelled his career. The dominant narrative of the times in both the government and the psychiatric profession was that marijuana was very harmful. At that time, 12% of Americans believed in the legalization of marijuana, and now it is around 69%. While Lester Grinspoon understood the potential harm, he found Richard Nixon’s ‘War on Drugs’ and the criminalization of marijuana was profoundly harmful, especially to young people. Even though his book was on the front page of the New York Times Book Review and was a bestseller, he would receive death threats as it was so controversial. 

When Peter was 8, his 16-year-old brother Danny was fighting a difficult battle with leukemia, which was becoming resistant to chemotherapy. His parents were aware of the medicinal benefits cannabis can have because of his father’s research and connections, and they decided to source this for their son. Peter writes about this experience in his book, Seeing Through the Smoke: A Cannabis Specialist Untangles the Truth About Marijuana. He recalls that without cannabis, Danny would be lying in bed throwing up. With cannabis, he could eat, hold down food, spend time outside his room, and play his guitar.  

The Consequences of Criminalization  

The strict criminalization of cannabis in the United States has resulted in overcrowded prisons and a staggering number of arrests for nonviolent cannabis possession. Over the past 50 years, approximately 20 million arrests have been recorded for this offense. What is particularly alarming is the disproportionate impact on black individuals, who are arrested four times more often than their white counterparts despite similar rates of cannabis use. These arrests lead to imprisonment and have far-reaching consequences, hindering education, student loans, housing, and employment opportunities. As a result, many communities, especially those targeted by these arrests, have been trapped in generational poverty. The call for cannabis legalization is not merely about avoiding legal trouble; it is about rectifying the lives ruined by these arrests and expunging minor convictions. Legalization is a matter of social justice and equality, particularly for those who have spent decades in prison or who have otherwise had their lives ruined by entanglements with law enforcement for nonviolent possession offenses. 

The Need for Physician Education 

In the context of cannabis legalization, doctors should be well-informed about addiction indicators, dual diagnosis, and the potential risks associated with cannabis use. While cannabis can be beneficial in treating conditions such as nausea and vomiting, especially in chemotherapy patients, heavy use can lead to dependency issues for some individuals. For instance, someone presenting in the emergency department with cannabis use and uncontrollable vomiting could be experiencing either cannabis hyperemesis or cyclic vomiting syndrome, which require different treatment approaches. Differentiating between the two conditions necessitates a three-month cessation of cannabis use to determine if it is the underlying cause. If the patient cannot stop using cannabis despite the negative consequences, this would indicate addiction.  

Unfortunately, there is a lack of education for doctors regarding cannabis based on outdated myths perpetuated by psychiatrists and the U.S. government during the “war on drugs” era of the 1970s. Only around 8% of medical students studied medical marijuana, yet doctors need knowledge about cannabis to engage in informed discussions with their patients. Included is an understanding of the risks associated with cannabis use for pregnant women, young people, and individuals with psychosis. 

Medical Use of Cannabis 

While recreational use of cannabis is still not universally agreed upon, there are instances where medical cannabis can be a suitable treatment option. For example, individuals with chronic pain may benefit from medical cannabis. In such cases, physicians should prescribe a modest tincture, primarily CBD, with a small amount of THC. The dosage should increase gradually, starting with a few drops at night. However, one challenge is that many individuals do not disclose their cannabis use to their doctors due to fear of stigma.  

Doctors must be aware of cannabis use, primarily to identify potential medication interactions. CBD, for instance, can affect the levels of other medications in the bloodstream by competing for liver enzymes responsible for their removal. Additionally, heavy cannabis users may require higher doses of anesthesia, which an anesthetist can account for if informed. Dr. Grinspoon, a prominent advocate for cannabis education, emphasizes that a lack of communication about cannabis use is more dangerous than the substance itself. 

Dr. Grinspoon’s Efforts and Experiences 

Dr. Grinspoon has dedicated his work to educating physicians on cannabis-related issues and dispelling myths surrounding its use. In his book, Seeing Through the Smoke, he meticulously examines the potential benefits and harms of cannabis, relying on the latest scientific evidence. In addition to writing, Dr. Grinspoon actively engages with physician groups, psychiatrists, and primary care doctors to promote understanding and knowledge about cannabis.  

His personal experiences with addiction, particularly his struggle with prescription painkillers fifteen years ago, have provided him with unique insights into addiction and the challenges faced by physicians. The stress of the medical profession and easy access to medication can make doctors particularly susceptible to addiction. Dr. Grinspoon lost his license due to addiction but recovered and regained his license. He became an associate director of the Physician Health Service, a branch of the Massachusetts Medical Society, an organization supporting doctors dealing with addiction. His first book, Free Refills: A Doctor Confronts His Addiction, delves into addiction and challenges the cult-like traditional “abstinence for life” approach to addictions. He advocates for a more open-minded perspective that offers inclusion to those practicing harm reduction strategies such as the use of Suboxone, methadone, and even psychedelics like psilocybin for recovery or therapy. Dr. Grinspoon believes that welcoming individuals who use cannabis as an alternative to alcohol or opiates can reduce harm as they are no longer likely to suffer overdose or death. 

Addressing Mental Health and Addiction 

The United States is currently facing a crisis of loneliness and mental health issues, further exacerbating the addiction crisis. Dr. Grinspoon suggests that clinical hypnotherapy could be a valuable complement in helping individuals control their minds and address underlying factors that contribute to addictive behaviors. Techniques such as meditation and hypnotherapy tapes can assist with racing thoughts, anxiety, sleep troubles, and pain, often side effects of poor mental health and addiction.  

However, access to these resources is limited, and many struggle to find the time or financial means to access therapists or medications. Dr. Grinspoon emphasizes the importance of clinicians having a better understanding of these techniques and their potential benefits. In his upcoming book, he plans to delve deeper into addiction and explore the potential role of hypnotherapy and other recovery methods. 

An Awareness of Cultic Influences in Clinical Care 

Clinicians and psychiatrists must recognize that destructive cult leaders can misuse hypnotherapy and meditation. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the signs of patients who have suffered from cultic abuse. For instance, many primary doctors may not be aware that Jehovah’s Witnesses are considered a destructive cult. This lack of knowledge can hinder discussions with patients who refuse life-saving medical care, such as blood transfusions, based on religious beliefs. Doctors can save lives by having informed discussions or seeking guidance from ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses. Dr. Grinspoon recommends my book, Combating Cult Mind Control, as an outstanding resource for recognizing and understanding the signs of cultic abuse. 

In conclusion, the debate surrounding cannabis legalization gets blurred by myths, opinions, and a deeply entrenched cultural war. It is crucial to approach the topic humbly and be willing to re-evaluate our perspectives. Both proponents and opponents of cannabis need to be open to the potential benefits and harms associated with its use. Dr. Grinspoon’s book, Seeing Through the Smoke, serves as a comprehensive, very readable guide that examines the scientific evidence surrounding cannabis, prioritizing scientific research and evidence to establish a middle ground where all parties can agree. This shift towards a more neutral and accepting attitude, coupled with increased education, can pave the way for a more informed and balanced approach to cannabis legalization. Ultimately, the goal should be to promote social justice, equality, harm reduction, and improved medical understanding concerning cannabis. 

Resources:

Relevant Blogs  

Dr Grinspoon’s Blog  

Books 

Seeing Through the Smoke: A Cannabis Specialist Untangles the Truth About Marijuana (Peter Grinspoon) 

Free Refills: A Doctor Confronts His Addiction (Peter Grinspoon) 

Marijuana Reconsidered (Lester Grinspoon, 1971) 

Websites  

Peter’s Website 

Peter’s Linktree  

Twitter : @Peter_Grinspoon 

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Philip Goldberg has been studying the world’s spiritual traditions for more than 50 years as a practitioner, teacher, and author. An ordained Interfaith Minister, spiritual counselor, and public speaker, he has presented at major venues throughout the U.S. and has been featured in numerous publications. He has authored or co-authored more than 25 books, including Get Out of Your Own Way; The Intuitive Edge; Roadsigns on the Spiritual Path; American Veda: From Emerson and the Beatles to Yoga and Meditation, How Indian Spirituality Changed the West; the seminal biography The Life of Yogananda: The Story of the Yogi Who Became the First Modern Guru; and his most recent, Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times: Powerful Tools to Cultivate Clarity, Calm and Courage. Phil has taught courses on various online platforms, hosts the Spirit Matters podcast, and serves on the board of the Association for Spiritual Integrity.

Addressing the Dark Side of Spiritual Teachings: Lessons from
Guru Scandals 

In his research on “alternative spiritualities,” Goldberg discovered a disturbing pattern of power abuse and corruption among spiritual leaders. There are, unfortunately, many situations where spiritual teachers have abused their students. Clients have been deceived by those who lie about their backgrounds and have ulterior motives driven by a desire for power, money, or sex. Abuses of power and undue influence can lead to sex and labor trafficking, rape, and cult involvement.  

To shed light on this issue, he authored a publication titled “The Guru Scandals: Lessons from the Recent History of Power Abuse” for Harvard Divinity School (see link in Resources, below). This work delves into student-teacher relationships, accountability among independent teachers, empowering spiritual seekers, redefining power dynamics, and responding to ethical breaches. By examining these lessons, Goldberg aims to foster a greater understanding of the potential pitfalls within spiritual circles and promote healthier practices. 

Philip wants to create more awareness around the importance of a spiritual journey rooted in informed consent and common sense so that abuses like this do not occur. He has become part of an organization to create criteria for evaluating spiritual teachers. Philip recently wrote  Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times: Powerful Tools to Cultivate Clarity, Calm, and Courage.  This, partnered with his research and work for the Association for Spiritual Integrity to help evaluate spiritual teachers, means that he is essential to help educate students on their spiritual journey. His work is equally important for cult survivors who may wish to practice their spirituality in a healthy and informed way.  

The Association for Spiritual Integrity: Promoting Ethical Behavior in Spiritual Teachings 

Recognizing the prevalence of scandals and confusion surrounding spiritual teachers, the founders of the Association for Spiritual Integrity (ASI) sought to establish standards of practice and honor codes for ethical behavior within the spiritual community. Goldberg’s extensive knowledge and dedication to promoting informed consent and common sense align perfectly with ASI’s mission. As a board member, Goldberg actively contributes to the organization’s efforts to educate individuals on the moral behavior and ethics expected of spiritual teachers and leaders. ASI does not aim to police or regulate; instead, it focuses on creating accountability and providing support to professionals in the spiritual field, enabling them to serve their communities better. 

The Importance of Ethical Standards: ASI’s Code of Ethics 

Recognizing the potential dangers posed by independent spiritual teachers lacking organizational oversight, ASI developed a comprehensive code of ethics for individuals and organizations. By pledging to abide by these ethical standards, spiritual teachers can demonstrate their commitment to integrity and accountability. ASI provides a mechanism for addressing complaints or issues through mediation and conversation between the parties involved. Additionally, teachers benefit from peer support and networking opportunities, fostering a community of continuous learning and growth. ASI’s initiatives have gained recognition through participation in events such as the Harvard Divinity School Conference and the Parliament of World Religions 

Philip Goldberg’s Journey with Transcendental Meditation 

During the countercultural movement of the 1960s, Goldberg was drawn to Eastern teachings due to their empirical nature and emphasis on personal experience and reasoning. His interest led him to explore transcendental meditation, a widespread practice at the time. Developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, transcendental meditation promotes self-development and higher states of consciousness. It is reportedly one of the most widely practiced and studied meditation techniques. 

He felt that his life had become less chaotic, and he worked for an organization as a teacher of TM. He had some skepticism and felt that, as a result, he was not as spiritual as others or adhered to the level of devotion and worship that they did. When the more controversial ideas of practices of ‘yogic flying’ of floating across rooms and becoming invisible were announced in the 70s, he did not like the way they were presented. He saw this as a sign to pull away from the movement. Transcendental Meditation has drawn controversy, especially since the public announcement of these ‘advanced stages.’ In 1987, the Cult Awareness Network (CAN) criticized Transcendental Meditation as ‘not simply a method of relaxation through meditation, but a cult that ultimately seeks to strip individuals of their ability to think and choose freely.’ 

Goldberg found when he started to become skeptical of these advanced stages in Transcendental Meditation that he felt like he had personal failings. Like other groups that can exercise undue influence,  victims or those who complain are seen as the problem and made to feel shame. The leader and the group are without fault and perfect. Suppose you can’t see that, then the issue is with you. Members are made to feel guilt that they are not devoted or trying hard enough. 

‘Traumatic narcissism’ is where the cult leader claims to be the greatest or most enlightened and superior to others. Dan Shaw coined this term and found in his research that often, the root cause of this narcissism was, ‘an insecure attachment to parental figures along with a lack of healthy development of “self.” The false or unhealthy self compensates for a lack of control internally by wishing to overcontrol people and things outside of them.’ Traumatic narcissism can lead to the harm and abuse of followers, feeling that they can never do enough, even when they become wholly subservient.   

How to Stay Connected  Spiritually in Today’s World  

In today’s rapidly changing world, staying connected to spirituality can be challenging, especially with the prevalence of media influence and misinformation. For survivors of cultic groups, it is crucial to approach spirituality in an informed and safe manner. Goldberg offers valuable advice on maintaining a spiritual connection in these times. However, he emphasizes the importance of seeking dedicated teachers or mentors who have a solid foundation in ethical practices and a deep understanding of the spiritual traditions they teach. He encourages individuals to do their research, ask questions, and trust their intuition when choosing a spiritual teacher or community. 

Goldberg emphasizes the importance of discernment and critical thinking when engaging with spiritual teachings. He encourages individuals to question and challenge ideas that do not resonate with their inner truth or go against their values. This includes being aware of red flags such as claims of absolute authority, demands for blind obedience, or promises of quick fixes or enlightenment. 

It is, of course, essential, if you have left a traumatic, cultic group, to receive dedicated and centered therapy to unpack these issues. Support from others is also of critical importance. Philip Goldberg found that he left Transcendental Meditation at the same time and for the same reasons as many others, and they became a support network for one another. Having conversations with those who have had a similar experience to you and understanding its negative impact can help with healing.   

While Philip discussed issues with Transcendental Meditation, he mentioned that one should not always discount their positive experiences within a cult-like group. He felt it was essential to take away the positives from his meditation, and he still maintained his mantra. Meditation had changed his life for the better and supported his personal development. Many others in abusive groups can leave the group and separate themselves from something harmful but still recognize that they experienced positives from their experience, such as learning new skills and overcoming addictions. However, it can be tough to reconcile these positive experiences and memories with traumatic and abusive experiences within cults. Philip Goldberg’s new book acts as an excellent guide for those wishing to explore their spirituality in a safe and informed way.  

Resources 

Understanding Authoritarian Mind Control Cults and Helping Survivors – Association for Spiritual Integrity

You can buy Philip’s new book, Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times, here.  

You can also listen to Philip’s podcast, Spirit Matters, here.  

Goldberg, Philip. 2023.“The Guru Scandals: Lessons from the Recent History of Power Abuse.” in Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.  

Websites 

 Philip Goldberg’s Website 

Association for Spiritual Integrity (ASI) Website   

Relevant blogs  

Meditation, Yes! But Please Be Careful and Do Your Homework Regarding Transcendental Meditation (TM) 

 Escaping Transcendental Meditation: Nurse Midwife Gina Catena Tells Her Story 

Traumatic Narcissism: From Muktananda and Gurumayi to Donald Trump  

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Do you worry about your teenager’s safety and fear they could fall into the deceptive webs of manipulative, cult-like groups? Are you a desperate parent seeking intervention services for your struggling teen? If so, you can’t afford to miss this interview with Melanie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a survivor of the infamous Troubled Teen Industry —a largely unregulated web of residential behavior modification programs notorious for subjecting struggling teens to various forms of abuse. Our riveting dialogue focuses on these unregulated behavior modification programs’ stark realities and untold abuses. Melanie’s mission is to raise awareness and educate mental health professionals on coercive control settings like these. Why is this essential? Because desperate parents are unknowingly sending their vulnerable teens into the lion’s den. Keep reading to find out why you should be alarmed. 

Melanie’s journey is inspiring. Her parents were tricked into placing Melanie in what they thought was a therapeutic boarding school in 1998. There, she suffered extreme physical and psychological abuse. Unbeknownst to her then, this institution employed thought reform tactics, culminating in a traumatic experience that would linger for decades. However, resilience defines Melanie’s spirit. Over the past 25 years, she embarked on a journey of recovery and personal growth. Today, she’s a beacon of hope, guiding others as a mental health professional. She recently shared her insights at the ICSA International Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Her professional work primarily focuses on trauma survivors, especially those transitioning from coercive control environments. Her story speaks volumes about the hidden dangers in organizations often touted as solutions for desperate parents. Driven by her past, Melanie’s primary mission is to educate her peers about the dark corners of the Troubled Teen Industry, urging them to promote prevention and high-quality support for survivors. 

It is essential to understand that mind control is not confined to any demographic or social strata. It is far-reaching and deeply impactful. Melanie shares personal stories that highlight the depths of emotional and psychological enslavement that can happen, especially when one grows up in a mind-controlling environment. 

Never Stop Questioning

Her experience emphasizes the importance of skepticism. Questioning and researching any institution or group before becoming involved is vital, particularly for those claiming mental health support. Knowledge is your greatest weapon against manipulative tactics. Melanie and I emphasize the importance of arming yourself with reliable information and resources to challenge and dismantle undue influence in your life.  

Don’t overlook how traditional gender roles can add a layer of manipulation, especially within cult dynamics. Melanie recounts how her experiences exposed the systemic disempowerment of women in these controlling environments. 

One might physically escape a cult but still carry emotional and cognitive vulnerabilities. Melanie’s insights, especially in her clinical practice, illuminate how such ‘blind spots’ can manifest in new relationships or life situations. 

So, scrutinize any authority or organization before you give them your trust. If it’s legitimate, it will withstand scrutiny. This aligns closely with Melanie’s mission to educate survivors and other mental health professionals about the risks and realities of coercive control. Especially in a space rife with self-proclaimed gurus, turning to licensed professionals ensures you get the reliable support you need. 

An urgent note to Parents of Teens

Parents, be vigilant. Predatory groups know how to spot your desperation and will promise to “solve” your teen’s behavioral issues overnight. Always do your due diligence. Consult with experienced, licensed professionals who can provide evidence-based recommendations and do comprehensive background checks on any program you’re considering for your child. Ask questions, demand transparency, and never accept vague or dismissive answers. If you suspect your teen has been a victim of such a program, or if you know someone who might be, consult with licensed professionals who understand the complexities of mind control and coercive tactics. Melanie said, “Any good therapist knows that isolating people from family and friends is a no-no.” 

Melanie recommends advocacy groups like ‘Unsilenced’ and ‘Breaking Code Silence.’ These platforms provide a plethora of documentaries, podcasts, and articles. On my end, I’ve authored books such as Combating Cult Mind Control and Freedom of Mind, designed to serve as comprehensive guides to liberating yourself or a loved one from undue influence. I have created an online course for former members, family members, and clinicians seeking CE credits. Various online forums and physical support groups have sprung up to help survivors of cult experiences. 

It’s time for collective action. Let’s foster a culture where people are educated, aware, and empowered. Nobody should suffer the consequences of undue influence in settings that promise healing but deliver harm. The journey towards freedom, both mental and physical, is never easy, but it’s possible. You are not alone; support and resources are abundant for those who seek them. Stay vigilant, be informed, and take control of your life and the lives of those you love. Prevention is always better than cure, and education is the cornerstone of prevention. So, arm yourself with the knowledge and professional guidance to keep your family safe. 

Resources: 

Help at Any Cost: How the Troubled-Teen Industry Cons Parents and Hurts Kids by Maia Szalavitz 

Unsilenced: The Troubled Teen Industry 

Breaking Code Silence 

#BreakingCodeSilence documentaries This is Paris Hilton documentary is here 

Previous Blog links:  

Link to Podcast Interview  

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I had the opportunity to meet Paul Jensen at the 2023 International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) annual conference, where he delivered a captivating presentation titled Discovering the Worst-Kept Secrets of My High Demand Church. He shared his journey of discovery after growing up in the Assemblies of God, the world’s largest denomination of the Pentecostal and Charismatic “Spirit Led” movement. In his talk, he revealed the little-known authoritarian cult roots of the Assemblies of God and how the church has created an official narrative that conceals its true history.  

Paul is a successful entrepreneur, strategist, and communications expert who’s worked for more than 20 years in the field of global health. He’s the founder and principal of a communications consulting practice called Etalia, which specializes in helping health and science organizations enhance their communication and research dissemination efforts to reach a wider audience. Additionally, he is a sought-after ghostwriter and has written for multiple heads of state and other elected officials, a Nobel Peace Laureate, heads of UN agencies, and several international leaders in the health sciences.  

Growing up in the Assemblies of God, the second-largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States with approximately three million members, Paul witnessed firsthand the controversial culture and beliefs that define this religious movement. Founded in 1914 and initially considered a fringe group by mainstream Protestant denominations, the Assemblies of God gradually gained acceptance. However, as Paul discovered, this movement’s high-demand culture and questionable history are often concealed from public scrutiny. 

Controversial Beliefs of the Assemblies of God 

Paul Jensen delves into several core doctrines within the Assemblies of God that are deeply ingrained in the church’s culture. These Pentecostal beliefs, which deviate from traditional Christian doctrine, include speaking in tongues as a sign of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Tongue-speak or glossolalia is perceived as a spiritual milestone and a way to draw closer to God, serving as the first evidence of spirit baptism. While speaking in tongues is only sporadically evident in early Christianity, it was adopted as a core doctrine and practice by radical evangelicals who became known as Pentecostals in the early 1900s.  Followers of this movement believe that speaking in tongues traces back to the book of Acts. Paul explained that linguistic research conducted by experts in modern tongue-speaking has revealed that the phonemes used in contemporary tongue-speaking among English speakers are not derived from supernatural languages but rather resemble English phonemes. Many other Christian denominations reject speaking in tongues, believing this was a gift reserved for the early church.  

Paul shares another core belief within Pentecostalism and the Assemblies of God: the belief in supernatural healing through the Holy Spirit. This belief centers around the radical power of healing physical ailments, with followers believing God can work through individuals to provide healing prayers and cast out demons. To date, there does not exist any medical evidence to corroborate claims of supernatural healing.  

The history of Pentecostalism will detail persecution by mainline denominations of Christianity for their beliefs. However, Jensen explains that when he looks back at the literature, it shows a different story. While his research confirmed they did not condone Pentecostal ideas, the views they were against were extreme and outlandish. For example, these denominations were unwilling to accept people claiming to be the physical embodiment of Christ or other prophets. 

Critical to the Assemblies of God movement is a belief in the imminent return of Jesus Christ in the bodily form. Paul explained there is an emphasis on the urgency that this could happen imminently, and if you have not chosen to be ‘born again’ before this happens, you will not get into heaven. Jensen found that this feeling of impending armageddon was underlying in the movement. He said this fear of the end times meant that ‘there was no long-term planning…because Christ comes back at any moment’. As a young adult, this resulted in Paul finding it difficult to think long-term or plan due to his upbringing.  

New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) 

The Assemblies of God are increasingly influenced by the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) network. While not doctrine, they have become a core part of the culture, Jensen explains. Due to the congregational nature of the churches, there is no filter or guidance between churches and leaders regarding the level of influence NAR has. In churches influenced by the NAR, the extreme literal interpretations of the bible and the language of biblical warfare are used to affirm the reality of a spiritual war of followers against the world, the flesh, and demons. If you’re having issues evangelizing, it could be because a demon has legal rights to oppress that area, and you would have to first defeat this demon in the spirit world. He explained the belief that a person could, ‘enter into spiritual warfare…against the territorial principality or the strongman demon who governed over this area to get a heavenly restraining order against him or  get a legal decree that said he no longer had rights to oppress the people in this area.’ The core belief is that the spiritual realm is more ‘real’ than the material, as it is for eternity rather than temporal. Paul explains how NAR also teaches that heaven will come to Earth when followers make the culture of Earth mirror their culture of heaven to such a degree that Jesus will return and finish the work. Followers who helped annihilate the wicked will co-reign with Christ over this new heaven. Problematic leaders can exploit this eschatological view of the end times and the granting of power to further cult-like agendas. 

Controversies Surrounding the Founders of the Assemblies of God 

Controversies surrounding the founders of the Assemblies of God and the core beliefs have also come to light. Charles Fox Parham, the founding father of modern Pentecostalism, sought to restore what he believed to be ‘real Christianity’ based on the practices described in the Book of Acts, notably the speaking in tongues. Parham gathered his followers in Topeka in 1901, where Agnes Ozman reportedly spoke in various languages, including Chinese, for three days. However, Paul Jensen’s research revealed that these claims were widely reported in Topeka newspapers. Jensen even discovered old newspaper articles and images of the scribbles on paper that were purported to be Agnes Ozman’s Chinese writing. He consulted a Chinese scholar at SUNY Binghamton University, who confirmed that the scribbles did not resemble the Chinese language. 

Below is the Supposed Chinese Writing by Agnes Ozman under the Holy Spirit. This was circulated by many sources worldwide, and an official history book, released by the Assemblies of God’s in-house publisher in 2014, continues to claim that this “writing” is Chinese:  

Despite this, the event was broadcast as miraculous evidence of ‘signs and wonders’ and accelerated the movement. It was the foundation for the belief in Pentecostalism and the Assemblies of God.  

Furthermore, Charles Parham’s ideas and beliefs were influenced by his association with Frank Sanford, a cult leader whom the Assemblies of God credits with paving the way for the movement in Topeka. Sanford used funds from his cult to embark on a missionary journey along the coast of Africa in 1911. When one of the boats ran aground, those aboard transferred to the second boat. Knowing this boat did not have enough provisions for all on board; he kept them out to sea until people starved while he remained well-fed. When he returned to shore, he was arrested and went to federal prison. Paul Jensen looked up the newspaper reports and photos of when people came off the boat and even located a diary of one who died onboard to confirm the events.  

However, as Paul explains, the Assemblies of God claims that ‘disaster struck’ out at sea and omits to tell followers about the willful imprisonment, starvation, and federal indictment due to Sanford causing death. Frank Sanford was a convicted felon who imprisoned and starved children and adults on his boats to death. However, Assemblies of God publications Sanford as a founding father. They present him as a critical figure in the movement’s history and gloss over and omit his crimes. 

The Seven Mountain Mandate (7M)

A worrying aspect of the belief in the kingdom of God being here on Earth, which is critical to the New Apostolic Reformation and the Assemblies of God, is the need for power. Because of the belief that a change in the Earth’s culture needs to occur before Christ can return, followers think they have to influence and change the modern world and gain power over it to lead. Strategies such as the Seven Mountains Mandate aim to take over every segment of society, from law and government to education and the arts, as these are ‘pillars’ that make up the thoughts and behaviors of a society.

The seven spheres—or “mountains”—according to the seven mountain mandate are:

1. Education
2. Religion
3. Family
4. Business
5. Government/Military
6. Arts/Entertainment
7. Media

I write about the Seven Mountains Mandate in this blog. Popular in Pentecostal churches, advocates of the movement wish to ‘invade’ these spheres to transform and control society. This authoritarian movement influencing the Assemblies of God is worrying for democracy. Using this movement, cult-like leaders claiming God is speaking through them could encourage people to turn over their power and consciousness. A figure in this position could easily wield authoritarian control and commit atrocities. 

In addition to his research, Paul Jensen raises awareness about high-demand religious groups such as the Assemblies of God. He has become a vocal advocate for ex-members and works to educate the public about the tactics and dangers of these organizations. In an age of misinformation, we must be careful, as this high-demand church conceals many of its controversial core beliefs to the public. 

Resources: 

Etalia 

Daniel & the Lion’s Den – The Official Forum for Chi Alpha Spiritual and Sexual Abuse

The Growing Rift Inside the New Apostolic Reformation with Frederick Clarkson and André Gagné 

Christian Right Denialism is More Dangerous Than Ever: A Reporter’s Guide to the New Apostolic Reformation Part I  

When it Comes to Societal Dominion, the Details Matter: A Reporter’s Guide to the New Apostolic Reformation Part II 

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The principle of free speech is a cornerstone of American democracy. However, the misuse of this right can become a vehicle for disinformation, manipulation, and, at times, violence. One recent case in point is the role of philanthropists like the Koch family in funding free speech campaigns and initiatives on college campuses, often under the banner of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE). 

The Koch family, notably Charles Koch, has been a significant funder of free speech initiatives, most notably through FIRE. FIRE advocates for free speech, religious freedom, and individual liberties on campuses across America. While these goals are laudable in theory, critics argue that the Koch family’s influence may be steering the narrative toward unregulated disinformation under the guise of free speech. The role and image of FIRE are shrouded in contradictions and concerns, primarily attributed to its significant financial backing from the Koch family. Christopher Leonard’s book “Kochland” has spotlighted the Koch family’s controversial history. Fred Koch, the patriarch, co-founded the John Birch Society, an organization known for its anti-immigrant, anti-Semitic, and racist ideologies. The family has long advocated for deregulation, which Leonard’s book claims has led to questionable business practices, such as not cleaning up toxic spills and extracting resources from indigenous lands. 

The organization’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of individuals in academic settings is undeniably crucial. It serves as a beacon of hope for many who find their voices suppressed, their thoughts restrained, and their intellectual freedoms curtailed. In this aspect, FIRE’s endeavors are commendable and indispensable for maintaining the sanctity of intellectual discourse and academic exploration within college environments. However, it’s essential to scrutinize and understand the implications of the substantial funding they receive and the influence that may come with it on college campuses in the guise of free speech. 

Colleges should be safe spaces for exchanging ideas, no matter how controversial. But what happens when the concept of free speech is weaponized to spread disinformation? In law, there is a distinction between free speech and speech that could incite violence or create a hazardous situation. The classic example is that one can’t yell “fire” in a crowded theatre when there is no fire, as it would cause a dangerous stampede. Critics argue that the kind of disinformation campaigns sometimes seen on campuses can incite violence, such as January 6, 2021, and should therefore be regulated. The ramifications of such propagation are extensive and profound, potentially altering the perceptions and beliefs of future generations and shaping societal discourses in ways that might not align with the principles of truth and moral integrity. 

Undue Influence and Disinformation 

As someone who has studied undue influence and how it can distort people’s perceptions, I find it alarming when any entity, including FIRE, has a policy of not stopping the spread of disinformation. Freedom of speech should not become a vehicle for undue influence, skewing individual beliefs and the fabric of our democratic society. In examining the concept of freedom of speech, it’s pivotal to recognize its inherently paradoxical nature, serving both as a catalyst for emancipation and, unfortunately, manipulation. This delicate balance accentuates the imperative need to exercise such freedoms with discernment and responsibility. The liberties that bolster expression are not immune to exploitation and distortion, with the potential to corrupt prevailing narratives and disrupt societal equilibrium. This misappropriation manifests starkly in events such as the appalling insurrection on January 6, 2021, culminating in unfounded and fraudulent claims surrounding electoral proceedings. The resulting upheaval underscores the perils of weaponizing freedoms, delineating a vivid tableau of the chaos engendered by manipulated freedoms. It’s imperative to approach such liberties with a heightened sense of responsibility and ethical grounding to safeguard societal fabric from the ramifications of distorted truths and manipulated realities, ensuring the sanctity and integrity of free speech are preserved against malicious influences. 

Striking the Balance 

The crux lies in striking the right balance between promoting free speech and preventing undue influence and harm. This is no easy task, as it involves navigating a thin line between individual liberties and collective well-being. But it’s a balance we must strive for. For example, educational institutions can implement fact-checking workshops, teach critical thinking skills, and offer counter-narratives to help students sift through disinformation. At the same time, organizations like FIRE could work to ensure that their campaigns do not become platforms for spreading disinformation, perhaps by adding proper guidelines regarding the responsible use of free speech. They should enforce stringent ethical standards to prevent the propagation of harmful ideologies under the banner of free speech advocacy. 

Creating environments where diverse opinions can flourish without succumbing to deceptive narratives is essential. Vigilant scrutiny and ethical engagements are the need of the hour to navigate the intricate web of influence woven by entities like the Koch family and FIRE. 

Free Speech and the Road Ahead 

Freedom of speech is a bedrock of democratic society but should not be an unfettered right to cause harm or spread disinformation. It is a collective responsibility to foster a society where intellectual freedoms align with ethical integrity and societal well-being, ensuring our cherished freedoms do not transform into instruments for harm and deception. This exploration is not just an intellectual exercise but a clarion call for collective responsibility—to educators, students, advocates, and every individual—to uphold the values of informed, enlightened dialogue and ensure the responsible exercise of our freedoms. Our collective challenge is to ensure that the freedoms we hold dear do not become instruments of undue influence or harm. 

Resources:

Leonard, C. (2019). Kochland: The Secret History of Koch Industries and Corporate Power in America. Simon & Schuster.

Corn, D. (2023) American Psychosis: A Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy. Hachette.

Charles Koch’s Undue Influence on College Campuses: An Interview with Jasmine Banks

The Conservative Dark-Money Groups Infiltrating Campus Politics

The Conservatives Behind the Campus ‘Free Speech’ Crusade

Fighting for Free Speech on America’s Campuseshttps://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/07/education/edlife/fire-first-amendment-on-campus-free-speech.html

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In a world marked by political extremes, high-control groups, and the Influence Continuum, the story of Rich Logis stands out as both compelling and enlightening. Formerly a true believer pundit for the MAGA movement, Rich’s transformation offers a deep dive into the mechanics of belief, mind control, the allure of belonging, and the power of self-reflection and transformation. 

I’ve dedicated years to understanding the mechanisms behind high-control groups and movements. My book, The Cult of Trump, continues to be validated by people who are exiting: Michael Cohen, Joe Walsh, Lev Parnas, Denver Riggleman, David Weissman, and Pam Hemphill, to name just a few. Rich Logis was a podcaster and deeply committed MAGA activist. His journey resonates with what I’ve observed repeatedly: deceptive recruitment, emotional manipulation, and information control that exploits the deep-seated human need to belong and make a difference. Yet, the moment of awakening 
and subsequent transformation makes his narrative genuinely captivating. Now, as he says, he’s working to bring good news to the afflicted and to help others leave MAGA and exit the closed system of demonizing all opponents. 

Deeper Dive into Rich’s Experience: MAGA’s Draw

Like many high-control groups, the MAGA movement offered more than a political stand. To Rich and countless others, it appealed to people’s discontent and long-neglected concerns to offer change to what was perceived to be a corrupt political system. Trump was seen as an outsider who would “drain the swamp” rather than another greedy politician seeking power; he campaigned on fear of the “other” and offered community to those who got involved. This profound, almost magnetic draw makes viewing MAGA supporters through a lens of understanding critical. By acknowledging the deep-seated desires for community, purpose, and voice, we can better understand that many weren’t simply driven by politics but by an earnest search for connection and representation in an evolving world. 

Awakening and Change

As seen in many cults, breaking away from mind control or intense ideological affiliations is monumental. Rich’s break from MAGA wasn’t just a simple switch. It was a complex journey—a fight against cognitive dissonance and deeply entrenched beliefs, reminiscent of what many experience when leaving high-control environments. It wasn’t marked by a singular eureka moment but a series of self-reflections, doubts, and internal debates. It’s reminiscent of the challenging journey many embark on when distancing themselves from deeply ingrained ideologies. Such transformations demand courage as individuals grapple with inconsistent thoughts, societal pressures, and a profound re-evaluation of deeply held convictions. Rich’s evolution underscores the nuanced and often tumultuous journey of self-realization, emblematic of many who have walked the tightrope between unwavering belief and awakening. 

Path to Reconciliation

Especially after escaping the clutches of high-control groups, reconciliation requires empathy and understanding, not anger and judgment. The road to bridging chasms of ideological differences is paved with empathy and understanding. Rich’s transformative experience underscores the immense potential of approaching conversations with an open heart and mind. Rather than adopting a stance of confrontation, he realized the power of empathy. He learned the value of silent, attentive listening in a world that often shouts. Genuine reconciliation doesn’t stem from merely changing minds but from touching hearts and genuinely hearing the narratives of those on the other side. Rich’s journey illuminates the importance of embracing this compassionate approach, teaching us that the first step towards building bridges is genuinely and patiently listening, paving the way for meaningful dialogue and eventual unity. 

Healing and Moving Forward

The lingering effects of divisive politics, including the aftermath of escaping a cult or high-control environment, can be profound, often deeper than we acknowledge. Rich’s journey, culminating in his quest for healing, is a poignant reminder of the lasting scars divisive politics can inflict on individuals and society. Embracing this healing process isn’t just about acknowledging past affiliations or actions but transcending them. Rich’s “Leaving MAGA” isn’t merely a personal endeavor; it’s a beacon for countless others who seek reconciliation within themselves and their communities. Central to this journey is a shift from a narrative of finger-pointing and blame to one that emphasizes collective growth, unity, and mutual respect. Healing isn’t just about stitching up old wounds; it’s about building resilience to prevent future ones. 

A Brighter Horizon

Rich’s transformation serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, even after immersion in high-control environments. His trajectory from staunch MAGA supporter to a proponent of societal harmony is not just his story but a reflection of this recurring historical theme. It emphasizes the criticality of introspection, dialogue, and learning from the past. Resources like Rich’sPerfectOurUnion.US are pivotal in fostering this culture of continuous learning and dialogue. By amalgamating individual efforts like Rich’s with collective societal initiatives, we edge closer to an era where differences are celebrated, and cohesive coexistence becomes the norm. 

Words of Caution

The labyrinth of ideological divides is intricate and fraught with challenges and risks. High-control movements and extremist ideologies often tap into our innate human needs–the need to belong, to find purpose, and to feel validated. Rich’s story serves as a stark reminder of this reality. In our quest for meaning and connection, it’s all too easy to get trapped by these movements. The allure of a shared purpose or camaraderie can often close our eyes to manipulation. To safeguard against this, fostering a culture of inquiry and skepticism is vital. New ideologies or movements should be met with open-mindedness and caution. Engage in dialogue, seek varied perspectives, educate yourself on the nuances, and be wary of any group or ideology that demands blind, unquestioning loyalty. The shield of knowledge and critical thinking remains our most formidable protection against the siren song of manipulation. 

In Conclusion

Rich Logis’ metamorphosis from a committed MAGA advocate to a symbolic figure advocating reconciliation provides invaluable insights into our current societal panorama. His narrative delves deep into the underlying allure of powerful political movements, shedding light on the intricate web of emotions, beliefs, and human need for belonging that can lead many into their fold. 

Understanding Rich’s journey gives us a clearer perspective of the potent dynamics in today’s polarized world. When he speaks of “Leaving MAGA,” it’s more than just a political transition; it’s an introspective transformation that challenges and reshapes one’s core beliefs and ideologies. This underscores the pivotal role that introspection and self-awareness play in our personal and collective growth. Furthermore, Rich’s endeavor of “Perfecting Our Union” and his vision of reconciliation, mutual respect, and unity resonate deeply in these times of fragmentation. His experience is a testament to the idea that even the most profound divides can be bridged with empathy. It’s a timely reminder of our capacity to evolve, understand, and collaborate for a shared future. 

Rich’s transformation is a beacon in a landscape often marred by divisions. It highlights that a harmonious, inclusive, and progressive society is attainable through genuine dialogue, willingness to change, and prioritizing the collective good over personal egos. The essence of his journey urges us all to strive for unity, even amidst our differences. 

Resources: 

Rich Logis’s organization, Perfect Our Union

Trump as Jesus? Why he casts himself as a martyr and why fans go along. Marc Fisher Washington Post October 11th 2023  

TEDx How to tell if you’re brainwashed? Steven Hassan 

The Game Is Up: Disillusioned Trump Voters Tell Their Stories FOM blog/ interview with documentary filmmaker Melissa Jo Peltier 

Exiting the Cult of Trump with #Jan6er Pam Hemphill FOM Blog/ interview 

Country Over Party: An Interview With Denver Riggleman FOM blog/ interview 

Dr. Steven Hassan talks with Alva Johnson and Rich Logis at the Women Fired Up and Friends Zoom Party

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LGATs (Large Group Awareness Trainings) bill themselves as transformational multi-day workshops. You often feel pressured to attend, perhaps by your corporation or a family member or friend, and you are deliberately not told what will happen there. These workshops often utilize eight to twelve-hour marathon sessions to wear down a person’s identity. According to research by South African Dr. John Hunter, they artificially create bipolar states in participants. 

John Hunter, PhD, offers a fresh and unique analytical framework to explain the highs people experience at the end of a “training.” He is a researcher and lecturer based in Johannesburg. His interest in Large Group Awareness Trainings – and their impact on mood and psychosis – is grounded in his personal experience of bipolar disorder and his participation in an LGAT in 2010. In 2017, he completed a PhD in psychology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, proposing a neurobiological explanation for the relationship between LGAT conditions and results. More specifically, Dr. Hunter put forward the Dopaminergic-Defense Hypothesis, which offers insights into both (i) the “transformational” experiences associated with LGAT participation and (ii) the common claims of psychological harm and problematic behavior associated with LGAT participation. In 2022, he published an article summarizing the mechanism behind the dopaminergic defense in the Journal for the Cognitive Science of Religion (Hunter, 2022). In July 2023, he presented this work remotely at the ICSA conference in Louisville, Kentucky.  

In 2003, Dr. Hunter was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a highly destructive mood disorder characterized by intermittent depression and mania. As he studied the condition, he took note of various triggers for a manic state: psychological stress, sleep deprivation, and goal attainment. In 2010, he was asked to participate in a personal development seminar as part of his role at a corporate job. When he tried to investigate the process, he was repeatedly met with the same refusal. It was standard operating procedure to keep information about how the program worked from new participants to preserve the experience. He recognized this as a sign of high control, as I did while hearing the story. Groups that restrict information, especially information you might need to understand what you’re signing up for, are bad news.  

Still, he ended up going. The attitude inside the seminar was much the same. People were encouraged not to trust their thinking, disregard questions, and be open to the process. Survivors of Bible cults will recognize this “lean not on your own understanding” tactic to keep people from exercising critical thinking. The days were brutally long. When breaks were given, you couldn’t sit next to the same person when you returned. No social support was found during the workshop’s first few days. People were shouted at. They performed regression exercises where participants would visualize themselves as children, supposedly to tap into the roots of their issues. Their homework involved listing things they were doing wrong in their lives and contacting people who’ve had a negative influence to avoid broken relationships (and invite more people to the graduation ceremony). All this struck Dr. Hunter as incredibly suspect. All the triggers were there; it was as if the organizers were trying to induce mania in their students. When I heard this story, all I could think of was the first Moonie workshop I participated in. It was a similar disorienting, overloading group process. 

The graduation solidified Dr. Hunter’s distrust and reminded me even more of the love bombing the Moonie recruiters performed on me. Suddenly, the organizers were hugging participants and telling them they were beautiful. The emotional whiplash was dizzying. When he left and began researching LGATs, Dr. Hunter found precisely what he had feared: people leaving these programs behaved as if they were in a manic state. They made impulsive decisions like divorcing spouses who refused to be part of another program or spending vast amounts of money. Euphoria and overconfidence were everywhere. The organizers responded in a characteristically defensive manner, using careful language. Graduates weren’t impulsive or risk-taking; they were decisive and confident. In classic cult form, promoters and organizers disavowed responsibility for negative aftereffects because graduates should hold themselves accountable, they say. It seems everybody is responsible for themselves except those running the LGATs.  

Dr. Hunter wanted to understand why this was happening. His answer is emotional and neurological imbalance. Early psychoanalytic theory proposed that people suffering from shame, inadequacy, and worthlessness often swing to the other end of the pendulum to make up for it. In modern neuropsychiatric circles, the explanation is more technical. Bipolar disorder is theorized to result from an instability in the amount of dopamine in a person’s brain. Too much dopamine produces positive effects like heightened creativity and sociability but also excessive energy that might cause a person to stay awake for days, overconfidence, and even psychosis. Too little dopamine, and you drop into depression. This imbalance is chronic in people with the disorder. The pendulum is always swinging. 

LGATs were inducing dopaminergic dysregulation in their participants. After multiple days of being sleep-deprived and emotionally beaten down, the sudden high of graduation could hardly fail to catapult you outside a safe range of euphoria. The relief was immense, like the endorphins a person in pain feels. Numerous kinds of cults operate this way. The leader of a cult of personality might degrade his followers as unworthy of his attention for periods and then suddenly act as if he loves them like family, hoping to make them more malleable. Members of the clergy in religious cults might put people through exhausting revival meetings to prod them into an ecstatic experience and then call that proof from God. It is, like many cult tactics, an abusive relationship writ large.  

 Looking forward, Dr. Hunter is interested in finding out what can be done legally to limit harm. He also wants to know how we can maximize the effectiveness of additional research. It’s another red flag, we agreed, that sending people into LGATs to observe their behavior compared to a control group wouldn’t pass muster with an ethics board. In the meantime, he wants his research spread far and wide. He is, to me, an excellent example of a distinguished graduate of an LGAT: intelligent, successful, and able to see what was wrong in what he went through. He wishes to help others and advance scientific understanding. 

Resources: 

Dr. John Hunter’s website

Hunter, J. (2022). SEEKING God’s Presence: The Dopaminergic-Defense Hypothesis. Journal for the Cognitive Science of Religion, 8.1. https://doi.org/10.1558/JCSR.22411 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-john-hunter-46938473/ 

John’s ICSA Presentation

The post Large Group Awareness Trainings (LGATs) Weaponize Dopamine to Manipulate People with John Hunter, PhD  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

Esther Friedman’s excellent new book is The Gentle Souls Revolution: A Secret Cult, an Open Rebellion, and Lessons in Protecting and Honoring Your Gentle Soul. This memoir and guide offers valuable insights and guidance for survivors of narcissistic abuse through creative therapy. It serves as a roadmap for those seeking to heal and rebuild their lives after leaving a cult. Through her personal experiences and professional expertise, Esther provides practical tools and strategies for navigating the complex emotions and challenges that arise after undue influence. The Gentle Souls Revolution also emphasizes the importance of self-expression and creativity in healing. Esther encourages survivors to explore their artistic side through writing, painting, music, or other creative expression. By engaging in these activities, survivors can tap into their inner strength, process their experiences, and find a sense of empowerment. 

In 2006 Esther was invited by a new ‘friend’ to join an esoteric ‘school,’ the OSG (Odyssey Study Group), which was a controlling and secretive cult. One pivotal moment in Esther’s journey of breaking free from the undue influence of the cult was when her husband realized something was wrong and started searching for information online. He found many complaints that echoed his experiences and discovered that she had been making monthly payments of $350 to the Odyssey Study Group (OSG), a secretive cult utilizing Gurdjieff ideology that she had been a member of for five years. She had never known what the acronym stood for and, therefore, had not seen the information and complaints about the group online. As he shared information about the group he found online, Esther’s husband opened her eyes to the manipulation she was experiencing. She started researching cults and cutting ties with the OSG, despite the leader’s attempts to discredit her husband as a manipulator. 

The Power of Releasing Secrets 

She left in 2011. Esther’s anger and realization fuelled her desire to share her story to educate others. Her blog Cult Confessions and an album of original songs with the same name became her initial steps toward liberation. Through music, Esther found solace and a way to communicate her emotions. The combination of storytelling and music became a powerful tool for her to connect with others and offer them hope. Through her words, she aimed to empower fellow survivors and shed light on the tactics used by manipulative individuals and groups. 

One such tactic Esther referred to in her recent podcast interview with Dr. Hassan. Robert Jay Lifton labels it as ‘mystical manipulation,’ whereby recruiters of cultic groups gather personal information about individuals and feed it to the leader. The leader then uses this information to create the illusion of knowing the person deeply and being able to read their mind. This tactic establishes a strong sense of connection and dependence, further trapping individuals within the cult. 

By highlighting Esther’s experience with mystical manipulation, it underscores the insidious nature of manipulation within cults and the importance of recognizing and questioning such tactics.  

Empowerment Through Education 

After leaving the Odyssey Study Group, Esther researched, read about cults, and talked with other former members and cultic study scholars. Understanding cult mind control led to her reclaiming her former professional life by returning to the human services profession. She started putting her master’s in expressive arts therapy from Lesley College to work helping other former members. Today she has a private practice and offers creativity as healing to her clients. Esther discovered that art could serve as a means for survivors to reclaim their voices and express their experiences in a safe and supportive environment through her own recovery. 

In her therapy practice, Esther utilizes expressive art therapy to help survivors of narcissistic abuse and ex-cult members. She encourages individuals to reconnect with the artistic expressions they gravitated towards before their involvement with the cult. By engaging in these creative activities, such as painting, writing, or music, survivors can tap into their inner selves and explore their emotions and experiences. Through the process of artistic expression, Esther facilitates a dialogue that allows individuals to reclaim their identities and heal from the trauma of undue influence. 

Esther’s work exemplifies the transformative power of creative therapies in the recovery process. By combining her personal experiences, her passion for music, and her expertise in expressive art therapy, she empowers survivors to break free from the chains of undue influence. Through her art and advocacy, Esther offers a beacon of hope and a path toward healing and empowerment for those who have experienced the harmful effects of manipulation and control. 

Esther Friedman’s journey of breaking free from a manipulative cult showcases the power of creative therapies in the healing and empowerment of survivors. Through her expressive art therapy practice, blog, book, and advocacy, Esther offers a guiding light for those who have experienced the harmful effects of manipulation. By utilizing art to express and reclaim one’s authentic self, survivors can find solace, healing, and a renewed sense of empowerment. 

Esther’s dedication to helping others navigate the aftermath of narcissistic abuse is a testament to the transformative power of creative therapies in overcoming undue influence. Her work focuses on individual healing and aims to raise awareness and advocate for change in society’s understanding of cults and manipulative relationships. 

Resources:

Esther Friedman’s website 

Esther’s personal story 

ICSA review of Esther’s book

The Gentle Souls Revolution: A Secret Cult, an Open Rebellion, and Lessons in Protecting and Honoring Your Gentle Soul by Esther Friedman 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10023603/Ex-members-Odyssey-Study-Group-cult-paid-400-month-founder-lived-Plaza-Hotel.html

https://nypost.com/2019/11/11/inside-the-alleged-cult-that-has-been-quietly-operating-in-ny-for-decades/

https://nypost.com/2022/07/23/manhattan-cult-osg-bought-compound-upstate-uses-forced-labor/

https://www.the-sun.com/news/5831798/secret-new-york-cult-sharon-gans-school-book/

https://nypost.com/2021/09/24/secret-nyc-cult-duped-women-into-working-for-free-lawsuit-says/

https://nypost.com/2022/10/05/nyc-judge-tosses-suit-accusing-sharon-gans-horns-secret-cult-of-using-women-as-unpaid-servants/

‘I Was in an Elite Manhattan Cult for 23 Years’ by Spencer Schneider 

Manhattan Cult Story: My Unbelievable True Story of Sex Crimes Chaos and Survival  By Spencer Schneider 

The post Utilizing Creative Therapies for Healing and Empowerment with Esther Friedman  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

One of the hottest topics in modern psychology is utilizing psychedelics to aid psychotherapy. Renowned forensic psychologist Stanley Brodsky, a regular member of my forensic thinktank at Harvard Medical School, suggested I interview Rachel Harris about her new book. I am glad he did. Research is being conducted on the potentially beneficial use of substances like psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and MDMA in a controlled environment. In recent years, it’s gotten attention for its efficacy in treating treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, addiction, and end-of-life anxiety. Related to this is the psychedelic underground, a movement that similarly wants to use these substances to improve lives but takes a different, more spiritual approach. I spoke with Rachel Harris, who has experience in both, about this exciting world. Rachel is the author of Swimming in the Sacred: Wisdom from the Psychedelic Underground and Listening to Ayahuasca: New Hope for Depression, Addiction, PTSD, and Anxiety. A psychologist who has been in private practice for 40 years, she spent ten years in an academic research department where she published more than 40 scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals and received a National Institutes of Health New Investigator’s Award. Rachel splits her time between an island in Maine and the San Francisco Bay Area. 

High Priestesses 

Rachel interviewed numerous elders in the psychedelic underground for her book, Swimming in the Sacred. Each had to have a minimum of twenty years of experience. What she came away with was a map of an interconnected world. According to the most common perspective in the underground, psychedelic journeying is about individual healing and making a difference in the wider world. They see their work as sacred. This extends to their terminology; many in the underground use the word “entheogen” rather than “psychedelic” to connote the connection to divinity they hope to achieve. Their physical presence is part of their practice, in contrast to the increasing popularity of Zoom therapy sessions, and they journey extensively before working with others so that they can understand what someone may be going through without needing to be under the influence themselves. 

This practice of a sober guide observing a person under the influence, called “trip sitting” in recreational circles, is one of the many indicators Rachel recommends for assessing someone you’re considering working with. Because psychedelics are illegal, this kind of work is unregulated. For some, the secrecy is an advantage, allowing them to maintain a personal, spiritual connection that can’t be quantified through traditional scientific methods. Rachel reports that some practitioners want to remain underground even if psychedelics are legalized nationwide. However, this lack of regulation can be exploited despite attempts to maintain mutual accountability.  

High Risk 

Greater danger comes from those who intentionally abuse their power. One of the reasons why psychedelics have a bad reputation is their history of abuse. Similar to the therapeutic practice of clinical hypnosis, in which a person’s mind can be perilously open for undue influence, psychedelics can be used by predatory authority figures to make others vulnerable. The MKUltra CIA experiments seeking methods to create Manchurian Candidates using LSD and other methods of mind control were a governmental example of this abuse. Charles Manson also used psychoactive substances such as LSD and datura on his followers, directing some of them to kill. Some shamans in the underground have been known to add datura, a potent deliriant, to ayahuasca mixtures to take advantage of women who come to journey alone. Western women who travel for the opportunity are at heightened risk. Rachel advises anyone interested in an ayahuasca journey to do their due diligence and use trustworthy people before booking. As in most undergrounds, it’s all about who you know. 

Also dangerous are legally sanctioned practices that have insufficient safeguards for their patients. Because the demand is so great for this new approach, aspiring therapists can get certified through online courses with little to no contact with the actual substances. Ketamine, which is not psychedelic but rather a dissociative drug, has been legalized and is sometimes used in place of psychedelics. While this can be helpful, some patients may abuse mail-order deliveries of this drug.  

High Reward 

Despite these problems, the future of psychedelic healing is bright. NYU and Johns Hopkins have studied psychedelic therapy with impressive results. At NYU, terminal patients who were paralyzed with fear and depression facing the end of their lives were able to reconnect with their loved ones and make peace with death after a guided session and debriefing. At Hopkins, patients dealing with nicotine addiction were given up to three doses of psilocybin and then had their urine tested in follow-up appointments. Almost 70% of the patients had maintained abstinence a year after their quit date. Although the exact mechanism is unclear, the evidence is strong. As we wrap up, Rachel brought up Albert Hoffman, the Swiss chemist who first synthesized LSD. Like the practitioners she interviewed for her book, he took the drug throughout his life, up to his final trip at 97.5 years before his death. The medicines, Rachel says, bring different openings and different transformations at different times of life. The influence can be received one way at 25 and another at 65, both giving beauty and meaning. 
Psychedelic journeying can be used for good or ill, like any kind of influence. We’re fortunate to have women like Rachel Harris, who is a scholar-practitioner, to pass on knowledge about how to tell the difference. 

Resources: 

Rachel Harris’ website on her latest book   

Psychologist Abuse? Therapist Abuse? Life Coach Abuse?

Association for Spiritual Integrity (ASI) Website 

Dr Steven Hassan and Jules Evans Talk about Psychedelics and Cults April 2024 webinar

The post Wisdom from the Psychedelic Underground with Rachel Harris, PhD   appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

III. Thought Control 

1. Require members to internalize the group’s doctrine as truth 
   a.  Adopting the group’s ‘map of reality as reality – The Collective’s reality is the only reality
   b. Instill black-and-white thinking – Although there is no binary thinking, there is only the Collective and everybody else, being a drone or being dead.
   c.  Decide between good vs. evil – Good and evil are irrelevant and, therefore, are not addressed.
   d.  Organize people into us vs. them (insiders vs. outsiders) – Anyone not in the Collective will be assimilated, ignored, or destroyed. 
2. Change the person’s name and identity – A drone’s life as an individual is over. They are stripped of their former identity and given a Borg’ designation’. 
3. Use of loaded language and clichés that constrict knowledge, stop critical thoughts, and reduce complexities into platitudinous buzzwords – Although there is loaded language, the neural interface assures that there is no independent or critical thought. Platitudinous buzzwords are irrelevant.  
4. Encourage only ‘good and proper’ thoughts – Good or bad thoughts, proper or improper, are controlled via the neural interface. 
5. Hypnotic techniques are used to alter mental states, undermine critical thinking, and even to age regress the member – The neural interface does all the necessary altering; critical thinking and mental age are irrelevant.  
6. Memories are manipulated, and false memories are created – See Information Control, point #6c. 
7. Teaching thought-stopping techniques that shut down reality testing by stopping negative thoughts and allowing only positive thoughts, including: 
   a. Denial, rationalization, justification, wishful thinking 
   b. Chanting 
   c. Meditating 
   d. Praying 
   e. Speaking in tongues 
   f. Singing or humming – Due to the neural interface, none of the above is necessary. See point #4. 
8. Rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking, constructive criticism – See point #4. 
9. Forbid critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy allowed – Critical questions require independent thought – see point #4. 
10. Labeling alternative belief systems as illegitimate, evil, or not useful – Alternative belief systems – and any other issues the Borg does not wish to discuss – are “irrelevant”. 
11. Instill a new “map of reality.”  –The neural interface assures an entirely new reality. 

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

III. Thought Control 

1. Require members to internalize the group’s doctrine as truth 
   a.  Adopting the group’s ‘map of reality as reality – The Collective’s reality is the only reality
   b. Instill black-and-white thinking – Although there is no binary thinking, there is only the Collective and everybody else, being a drone or being dead.
   c.  Decide between good vs. evil – Good and evil are irrelevant and, therefore, are not addressed.
   d.  Organize people into us vs. them (insiders vs. outsiders) – Anyone not in the Collective will be assimilated, ignored, or destroyed. 
2. Change the person’s name and identity – A drone’s life as an individual is over. They are stripped of their former identity and given a Borg’ designation’. 
3. Use of loaded language and clichés that constrict knowledge, stop critical thoughts, and reduce complexities into platitudinous buzzwords – Although there is loaded language, the neural interface assures that there is no independent or critical thought. Platitudinous buzzwords are irrelevant.  
4. Encourage only ‘good and proper’ thoughts – Good or bad thoughts, proper or improper, are controlled via the neural interface. 
5. Hypnotic techniques are used to alter mental states, undermine critical thinking, and even to age regress the member – The neural interface does all the necessary altering; critical thinking and mental age are irrelevant.  
6. Memories are manipulated, and false memories are created – See Information Control, point #6c. 
7. Teaching thought-stopping techniques that shut down reality testing by stopping negative thoughts and allowing only positive thoughts, including: 
   a. Denial, rationalization, justification, wishful thinking 
   b. Chanting 
   c. Meditating 
   d. Praying 
   e. Speaking in tongues 
   f. Singing or humming – Due to the neural interface, none of the above is necessary. See point #4. 
8. Rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking, constructive criticism – See point #4. 
9. Forbid critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy allowed – Critical questions require independent thought – see point #4. 
10. Labeling alternative belief systems as illegitimate, evil, or not useful – Alternative belief systems – and any other issues the Borg does not wish to discuss – are “irrelevant”. 
11. Instill a new “map of reality.”  –The neural interface assures an entirely new reality. 

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

III. Thought Control 

1. Require members to internalize the group’s doctrine as truth 
   a.  Adopting the group’s ‘map of reality as reality – The Collective’s reality is the only reality
   b. Instill black-and-white thinking – Although there is no binary thinking, there is only the Collective and everybody else, being a drone or being dead.
   c.  Decide between good vs. evil – Good and evil are irrelevant and, therefore, are not addressed.
   d.  Organize people into us vs. them (insiders vs. outsiders) – Anyone not in the Collective will be assimilated, ignored, or destroyed. 
2. Change the person’s name and identity – A drone’s life as an individual is over. They are stripped of their former identity and given a Borg’ designation’. 
3. Use of loaded language and clichés that constrict knowledge, stop critical thoughts, and reduce complexities into platitudinous buzzwords – Although there is loaded language, the neural interface assures that there is no independent or critical thought. Platitudinous buzzwords are irrelevant.  
4. Encourage only ‘good and proper’ thoughts – Good or bad thoughts, proper or improper, are controlled via the neural interface. 
5. Hypnotic techniques are used to alter mental states, undermine critical thinking, and even to age regress the member – The neural interface does all the necessary altering; critical thinking and mental age are irrelevant.  
6. Memories are manipulated, and false memories are created – See Information Control, point #6c. 
7. Teaching thought-stopping techniques that shut down reality testing by stopping negative thoughts and allowing only positive thoughts, including: 
   a. Denial, rationalization, justification, wishful thinking 
   b. Chanting 
   c. Meditating 
   d. Praying 
   e. Speaking in tongues 
   f. Singing or humming – Due to the neural interface, none of the above is necessary. See point #4. 
8. Rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking, constructive criticism – See point #4. 
9. Forbid critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy allowed – Critical questions require independent thought – see point #4. 
10. Labeling alternative belief systems as illegitimate, evil, or not useful – Alternative belief systems – and any other issues the Borg does not wish to discuss – are “irrelevant”. 
11. Instill a new “map of reality.”  –The neural interface assures an entirely new reality. 

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

III. Thought Control 

1. Require members to internalize the group’s doctrine as truth 
   a.  Adopting the group’s ‘map of reality as reality – The Collective’s reality is the only reality
   b. Instill black-and-white thinking – Although there is no binary thinking, there is only the Collective and everybody else, being a drone or being dead.
   c.  Decide between good vs. evil – Good and evil are irrelevant and, therefore, are not addressed.
   d.  Organize people into us vs. them (insiders vs. outsiders) – Anyone not in the Collective will be assimilated, ignored, or destroyed. 
2. Change the person’s name and identity – A drone’s life as an individual is over. They are stripped of their former identity and given a Borg’ designation’. 
3. Use of loaded language and clichés that constrict knowledge, stop critical thoughts, and reduce complexities into platitudinous buzzwords – Although there is loaded language, the neural interface assures that there is no independent or critical thought. Platitudinous buzzwords are irrelevant.  
4. Encourage only ‘good and proper’ thoughts – Good or bad thoughts, proper or improper, are controlled via the neural interface. 
5. Hypnotic techniques are used to alter mental states, undermine critical thinking, and even to age regress the member – The neural interface does all the necessary altering; critical thinking and mental age are irrelevant.  
6. Memories are manipulated, and false memories are created – See Information Control, point #6c. 
7. Teaching thought-stopping techniques that shut down reality testing by stopping negative thoughts and allowing only positive thoughts, including: 
   a. Denial, rationalization, justification, wishful thinking 
   b. Chanting 
   c. Meditating 
   d. Praying 
   e. Speaking in tongues 
   f. Singing or humming – Due to the neural interface, none of the above is necessary. See point #4. 
8. Rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking, constructive criticism – See point #4. 
9. Forbid critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy allowed – Critical questions require independent thought – see point #4. 
10. Labeling alternative belief systems as illegitimate, evil, or not useful – Alternative belief systems – and any other issues the Borg does not wish to discuss – are “irrelevant”. 
11. Instill a new “map of reality.”  –The neural interface assures an entirely new reality. 

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

III. Thought Control 

1. Require members to internalize the group’s doctrine as truth 
   a.  Adopting the group’s ‘map of reality as reality – The Collective’s reality is the only reality
   b. Instill black-and-white thinking – Although there is no binary thinking, there is only the Collective and everybody else, being a drone or being dead.
   c.  Decide between good vs. evil – Good and evil are irrelevant and, therefore, are not addressed.
   d.  Organize people into us vs. them (insiders vs. outsiders) – Anyone not in the Collective will be assimilated, ignored, or destroyed. 
2. Change the person’s name and identity – A drone’s life as an individual is over. They are stripped of their former identity and given a Borg’ designation’. 
3. Use of loaded language and clichés that constrict knowledge, stop critical thoughts, and reduce complexities into platitudinous buzzwords – Although there is loaded language, the neural interface assures that there is no independent or critical thought. Platitudinous buzzwords are irrelevant.  
4. Encourage only ‘good and proper’ thoughts – Good or bad thoughts, proper or improper, are controlled via the neural interface. 
5. Hypnotic techniques are used to alter mental states, undermine critical thinking, and even to age regress the member – The neural interface does all the necessary altering; critical thinking and mental age are irrelevant.  
6. Memories are manipulated, and false memories are created – See Information Control, point #6c. 
7. Teaching thought-stopping techniques that shut down reality testing by stopping negative thoughts and allowing only positive thoughts, including: 
   a. Denial, rationalization, justification, wishful thinking 
   b. Chanting 
   c. Meditating 
   d. Praying 
   e. Speaking in tongues 
   f. Singing or humming – Due to the neural interface, none of the above is necessary. See point #4. 
8. Rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking, constructive criticism – See point #4. 
9. Forbid critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy allowed – Critical questions require independent thought – see point #4. 
10. Labeling alternative belief systems as illegitimate, evil, or not useful – Alternative belief systems – and any other issues the Borg does not wish to discuss – are “irrelevant”. 
11. Instill a new “map of reality.”  –The neural interface assures an entirely new reality. 

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

(a fan evaluation of the Borg, a fictional cyborg race in the Star Trek universe) 

Introduction 

Many writers base their work on what they care about, and science-fiction writers are no exception. The various iterations of Star Trek have perennially given us parables about racism, class issues, medical ethics, war, politics, and many other real-world issues. So, it is no surprise that when Star Trek Next Generation showrunner Michael Piller read Combating Cult Mind Control and met cult expert Steven Hassan to discuss his interest in high-control groups, the result would be one of the franchise’s most iconic races: the Borg. Piller invited Hassan to do a TV series based on his life story. Regrettably, Hassan regrets saying “no” instead of “yes.” On a visit to Los Angeles, Piller invited Hassan to the Paramount set of Next Generation. Hassan met Patrick Stuart (who has just come out with his memoir) as they were filming that day. When he learned he was a cult expert, Stuart had several questions for Hassan. A funny moment was when someone goofed on Brent Spiner (Data) and said Hassan was going to be his replacement. The cast was pleased to give Steven a signed photo.

This cybernetically enhanced Collective is not a species, but rather a multi-species group of various individuals from a cross-section of the galaxy’s population – people who have been kidnapped and altered against their will and then forced, via an implanted neural link, to work for the Collective. They are drones: they have no individuality, no rights, no autonomy, and no say in what happens to them. They are, in essence, the absolute extreme example of what it is to be in a high-control, destructive cult. Although the recruitment into a harmful group bears no resemblance to a Borg assimilation, many former cult members relate strongly to the portrayal of the Borg as all too familiar to what it felt like to be living their lives, not for themselves, but for their organization and its leadership.  

With the race to develop robots with superior intelligence and advanced decision-making capacity, experts in AI worry that this technology can be developed to control minds on a massive scale. We already have direct evidence that humans can be radicalized to turn off their critical thinking and mindlessly follow an authoritarian cult leader who wants to rule the world.   

As we know, science fiction often predicts a dystopian future, where humans are given neural link interfaces that can not only read the brain activity but also adapt to nudge people to specific experiences, beliefs, and even emotions.  

The Borg has become a common trope among cult survivors and even a shorthand way of referring to their former group for some. Ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses, in particular, frequently talk about the cult as “The Borg.” The arc of rescue and recovery experienced by the former Borg Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Voyager is a fascinating and instructive study for another time, but today, we will be focusing on the Borg Collective as a whole, examining how Dr. Hassan’s BITE Model^© and Influence Continuum applies to the level of control experienced by the drones in the Collective. 

The Borg and the BITE Model^©  

• Green means it does not apply to anyone in the group 
• Orange means it partially applies 
• Red means it applies to all members 
• Grey means it does not apply due to the excessive level of control in place (in this case, via the neural interface) 

I. Behavior Control 

1. Regulate an individual’s physical reality – A Borg’s entire physical reality is that of the Collective. There is literally nothing else (except for those able to access Unimatrix Zero, virtual reality, and the internal rebellion of the Borg)
   
2. Dictate where, how, and with whom the member lives and associates or isolates – A Borg only lives with other Borg and, unless captured, can only communicate with other Borgs. Their neural interlink means they are in constant contact with the entire Collective.
   
3. When, how, and with whom does the member has sex – Borg do not mate, relying on assimilation to add to the group. 
   
4. Control types of clothing and hairstyles – Each Borg is dressed by the group in a matching functional one-piece suit. and (apparently) a complete depilatory process is a part of the assimilation process. In addition, severe body modifications, such as ocular implants, cybernetic implants, and limb replacements, are required. 
   
5. Regulate diet – food and drink, hunger and/ or fasting  – Upon assimilation, a Borg’s digestive system is modified so that only the nutritive supplements given by the Collective can be taken. A rescued drone will need technical assistance to be given nutrition, and a recovering drone will need medical help to be able to eat again. 
   
6. Manipulation and deprivation of sleep – The Collective controls the regeneration cycle.
   
7. Financial exploitation, manipulation, or dependence – There’s no money in the Borg Collective, but labor trafficking is the ultimate financial exploitation. 
   
8. Restrict leisure, entertainment, and vacation time – There is no leisure, entertainment, or vacation time in the Borg (again, except for Unimatix Zero, but even then, it’s forbidden, so…). 
   
9. Major time spent with group indoctrination and rituals and/ or self-indoctrination, including the Internet – There are no rituals per se, but the Borg Collective’s neural interface means that the Collective is ever-present, with the “voices” – directives, status updates, sensor data, and all the “thoughts” of all the other drones are constant and inescapable – a constant stream of group indoctrination. 
   
10. Permission required for major decisions – Permission is not considered in the Borg; the Collective makes all decisions. 
    
11. Rewards and punishments used to modify behaviors, both positive and negative – There are no rewards, and behaviors aren’t modified but controlled via a neural interface. However, for any drone who manages to escape control enough to be able to act independently, the punishment is death. 
    
12. Discourage individualism, encourage groupthink – Individualism is impossible; no other thought exists outside the Collective’s groupthink. 
    
13. Impose rigid rules and regulations – No rules and regulations are necessary, as all actions are completely controlled. 
    
14. Punish disobedience by beating, torture, burning, cutting, rape, or tattooing/branding – Although there are a couple of instances of torture, behavior is often controlled directly through the neural interface. See point #11. 
    
15. Threaten harm to family and friends – For the most part, the transactional manipulation of a threat – i.e., do this for us or we will do this to you – is missing, as all friends and family will be assimilated, and threats are irrelevant. However, the Borg Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once. 
    
16. Force individual to rape or be raped – Sexual assault is not used in the Collective; instead, Assimilation ensures universal forced celibacy and sterilization, a horror in itself. 
    
17. Encourage and engage in corporal punishment – See point #14. 
    
18. Instill dependency and obedience – Obedience is ensured through neural control, and the drone is absolutely, even medically, dependent upon the Collective. 
    
19. Kidnapping – The first step of assimilation is an act of kidnapping. 
    
20. Beating – See point #11. 
    
21. Torture – See point #11. 
    
22. Rape – See point #16. 
    
23. Separation of Families – Families are routinely assimilated, separated, and sent to different posts, including ships or settlements. 
    
24. Imprisonment – Every Borg drone is essentially imprisoned in whichever cube, sphere, or world they are on. 
    
25. Murder – A drone is deactivated – murdered – by the Collective immediately after it ceases to be of use. 

II. Information Control 

1. Deception: 
   a. Deliberately withhold information – All Borg drones automatically know all information available to any Borg.
   b. Distort information to make it more acceptable – Acceptability is irrelevant. c. Systematically lie to the cult member – Lying is not possible; see point #1a.
2. Minimize or discourage access to non-cult sources of information, including: 
   a. Internet, TV, radio, books, articles, newspapers, magazines, media – See point #1a.
   b. Critical information – See point #1a.
   c. Former members  – Former members, for the most part, keep themselves away. Still, in the case of those who have had a chance to return, there was surprisingly open dialogue (though only with the Queen), with no apparent restrictions on addressing any of the collective.
   d. Keep members busy so they don’t have time to think and investigate – Drones, when not working, are regenerating.
   e. Control through cell phone with texting, calls, internet tracking – A Borg is connected constantly with the Collective through the neural interface.
3. Compartmentalize information into Outsider vs. Insider doctrines – Everything that is Borg is to be followed and obeyed. Everything, not Borg, is to be assimilated.
   a. Ensure that information is not freely accessible – See point #1a.
   b. Control information at different levels and missions within the group –See point #1a.
   c. Allow only leadership to decide who needs to know what and when – The queen is not seen to limit information from any of the Collective. 
4. Encourage spying on other members – Every thought of every drone is instantly known to the entire Collective and is accessible by every drone.
   a. Impose a buddy system to monitor and control member – The Collective is the ultimate buddy system.
   b. Report deviant thoughts, feelings, and actions to leadership – See point #4. c. Ensure that individual behavior is monitored by the group  – See point #4. 
5. Extensive use of cult-generated information and propaganda, including: 
   a. Newsletters, magazines, journals, audiotapes, videotapes, YouTube, movies, and other media – The constant thoughts of the entire Collective go way beyond any propaganda.
   b. Misquoting statements or using them out of context from non-cult sources – See point #1a. 
6. Unethical use of confession – Confession is irrelevant. Sin is irrelevant. The Collective does not care what you did before your assimilation.  
   a. Information about sins used to disrupt and/ or dissolve identity boundaries –  Sins are not necessary, as there are no identity boundaries to disrupt or dissolve.      
   b. Withholding forgiveness or absolution – Forgiveness and absolution are irrelevant – and thus, never given.
   c. Manipulation of memory, possible false memories – Memories are repressed, or at least so minimized as to be considered irrelevant. 

III. Thought Control 

1. Require members to internalize the group’s doctrine as truth 
   a.  Adopting the group’s ‘map of reality as reality – The Collective’s reality is the only reality
   b. Instill black-and-white thinking – Although there is no binary thinking, there is only the Collective and everybody else, being a drone or being dead.
   c.  Decide between good vs. evil – Good and evil are irrelevant and, therefore, are not addressed.
   d.  Organize people into us vs. them (insiders vs. outsiders) – Anyone not in the Collective will be assimilated, ignored, or destroyed. 
2. Change the person’s name and identity – A drone’s life as an individual is over. They are stripped of their former identity and given a Borg’ designation’. 
3. Use of loaded language and clichés that constrict knowledge, stop critical thoughts, and reduce complexities into platitudinous buzzwords – Although there is loaded language, the neural interface assures that there is no independent or critical thought. Platitudinous buzzwords are irrelevant.  
4. Encourage only ‘good and proper’ thoughts – Good or bad thoughts, proper or improper, are controlled via the neural interface. 
5. Hypnotic techniques are used to alter mental states, undermine critical thinking, and even to age regress the member – The neural interface does all the necessary altering; critical thinking and mental age are irrelevant.  
6. Memories are manipulated, and false memories are created – See Information Control, point #6c. 
7. Teaching thought-stopping techniques that shut down reality testing by stopping negative thoughts and allowing only positive thoughts, including: 
   a. Denial, rationalization, justification, wishful thinking 
   b. Chanting 
   c. Meditating 
   d. Praying 
   e. Speaking in tongues 
   f. Singing or humming – Due to the neural interface, none of the above is necessary. See point #4. 
8. Rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking, constructive criticism – See point #4. 
9. Forbid critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy allowed – Critical questions require independent thought – see point #4. 
10. Labeling alternative belief systems as illegitimate, evil, or not useful – Alternative belief systems – and any other issues the Borg does not wish to discuss – are “irrelevant”. 
11. Instill a new “map of reality.”  –The neural interface assures an entirely new reality. 

IV. Emotional Control 

1. Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/ or needs are deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish – All emotions are irrelevant; there are no emotions in the Collective (except for the Queen, who has displayed rage when thwarted) 
2. Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt – The neural interface blocks all feelings and emotions. 
3. Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault – Blame is irrelevant. 
4. Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as: 
   a. Identity guilt 
   b. You are not living up to your potential 
   c. Your family is deficient 
   d. Your past is suspect 
   e. Your affiliations are unwise 
   f. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are irrelevant or selfish 
   g. Social guilt 
   h. Historical guilt – A drone doesn’t feel guilt; all guilt is irrelevant. 
5. Instill fear, such as fear of: 
    a. Thinking independently 
   b. The outside world 
   c.  Enemies
   d. Losing one’s salvation
   e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
   f. Other’s disapproval – A Borg drone does not experience fear. See point #2. 
6. Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are a horrible sinner – See point #2. 
7. Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins – There is no such thing as sin to a Borg drone. 
8. Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority – Phobias do not exist in the Collective; see point #5. 
    a. No happiness or fulfillment is possible outside of the group – There is no happiness or fulfillment inside OR outside the Collective. 
   b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc. – Although drones separated from the Collective can survive, it is a hellish existence, as the drone misses the voices of the Collective. In addition, complex corrective surgery is necessary to remove the neural implants and turn the drone back into an organic individual.
   c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family Those who leave must escape far away enough to keep from being re-captured and re-assimilated.
   d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll – Those who leave are irrelevant; no framing of how they “fell short” is ever needed.
   e. Threats of harm to ex-members and family – Although rare, the Queen has resorted to this tactic at least once – see Behavior Control, point #15. 

The Borg and the Influence Continuum 

Individuals – there are no individuals in the Continuum, just drones. 

Authentic Self vs. False (Cult) Identity – drones take on the Collective identity and have none of their own. 
Unconditional Love vs. Conditional “Love” – love of any kind does not exist in the Collective. 
Compassion vs. Hate – compassion and hate do not exist in the Collective 
Conscience vs. Doctrine – conscience is irrelevant. The Borg doctrine – the search for perfection – is all-encompassing. 
Creativity and Humor vs. Solemnity, Fear, and Guilt – the Collective has no fear or guilt. But everything is very, very solemn. 
Free Will/ Critical Thinking vs. Dependency/ Obedience – There is no free will or critical thinking; every drone is obedient to and completely dependent on the Collective. 

For Leaders: In my opinion, the Queen is a problematic ret-con (she didn’t exist until they wrote her into the movie First Contact and consequently used her in Voyager). She is the all-powerful leader of the Borg. 

She is:  

• Narcissistic and possibly Psychopathic 
• Elitist and possibly grandiose 
• Power Hungry (she has power over all the drones and seeks to assimilate any lifeform that will help her achieve her goal of “perfection.” 
• Sometimes, she is Secretive and Deceptive to outsiders, but all Borg drones know everything she knows (this has been used successfully against her). 
• She claims and (through the neural interface) asserts absolute authority over all drones. 

For Organizations: 

Egalitarianism vs. Elitism – Before the Queen, the Borg were completely egalitarian, making them, in my opinion, even more horrific, as there was no figurehead in control. 
Checks and Balances vs. Authoritarian Structure – All Drones are in a Collective structure after the Queen. Functional hierarchies within small working groups exist, but no drone is superior to any other drone. 
Informed Consent vs. Deceptive/ Manipulative – Consent is irrelevant, and no deception or manipulation is employed (usually); people are assimilated by force of technology and turned into drones. 
Individuality/Diversity vs. Clones People – drones have no individuality; they are all the same. 
Means Create End vs. End Justifies Means – the Borg search for perfection justifies their practice of kidnap, torture, assimilation, and genocide.
Encourages Growth vs. Preserves Own Power – The only “growth” encouraged is the growth of the Borg drone population. The power of the Borg is preserved over all else. 
Free to Leave vs. No Legitimate Reason to Leave – an assimilated Borg has no will and so does not “want” to leave until disconnected from the Collective for enough time that they begin to grow/ recover their own authentic self. 

Conclusion and Aftermath

The most interesting part of the Borg is the element of control exerted by the fictional technology of the neural interface – although these controls cannot be put in place in a real-life group, it is fascinating to see how they supplant many of the manipulative practices: the practices that are replaced by the neural interface, such as controlling emotions, threatening punishments, and most importantly, providing incorrect/ warped information, are stereotypical procedures for most authoritarian groups. Due to the neural interface, the Borg Collective does not need to lie, threaten, or use emotional controls, but any cultic, high-control group does need to do so. Thus, any row marked grey (does not apply due to excessive control already in place) is likely to be a standard practice in any abusive group. 

The most important part of the cult experience is what comes afterwards: the healing and recovery the individual goes through. Patrick Stewart modeled this struggle  in the episode “Family,” as his character, Jean-Luc Picard worked through the complex emotions involved in reclaiming his authentic identity and fully shedding his Borg identity of “Locutus.” Actress Jeri Ryan took the longer route with her character’s recovery from the Borg, closely mirroring the battle facing those born or raised in a cult; although her character had the birth name of Annika Hansen, she created her own authentic identity apart from the Borg but still retained her Borg designation of Seven of Nine. No matter how long it takes or what a person’s life looks like after escaping their own version of the Borg Collective, the work is well worth the trouble and the life that follows is all the more rewarding for having left an authoritarian group.

 

The post The Borg Collective: Applying The BITE Model© of Authoritarian Control and Influence Continuum  appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

There are many kinds of high-control environments. You might think first of a cult compound or perhaps the house of an abusive family. One of the most controlled places is omnipresent in American culture, joked about and mulled over in personal conversations and politics. I’m talking, of course, about the United States prison system. After incarceration, a person receives a number. They wear uniforms and eat inexpensive food. Their identities must be changed to fit rigid rules and regulations. Likewise, the prisoner’s identity must conform or be punished. The trauma of the environment and (the BITE Model) threatens their ability to exist as functioning members of society once they walk free. Ramadan Shabazz is a rare success story, having emerged (with the assistance of former Governor Charlie Baker and the parole board) from incarceration more stable than before. Ramadan Shabazz and my friend, Dr. Richard Parker, joined me on the Influence Continuum podcast this week to discuss his life journey and the phenomenal effort to help him be a free man today. 

Ramadan Shabazz is a 73-year-old man living with the Parker family in a suburb of Boston. He was raised in South Carolina and then attended school in Dorchester, Massachusetts. In 1971, he was drafted into the Army and sent to serve in Vietnam. He returned to the United States, struggling with terrible PTSD and drug addiction. He sought help from the VA, but they did not help him. He got into trouble and participated in an armed robbery, resulting in the deaths of two men. Mr. Shabazz was initially sentenced to death but subsequently changed to life in prison without parole. In 1983, he began his 40-year association with the Parker family. While incarcerated, Ramadan earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Boston University. He also participated in programs to assist other prisoners with mental health struggles. In 2022, Governor Baker commuted his life sentence. Ramadan was freed from prison on March 15th after 51 years of incarceration. He works at a Boston food bank and a peer group for ex-incarcerated individuals. 

For Ramadan, this kind of volunteering was crucial in getting through his prison sentence. Early on, he met several older incarcerated men serving time for decades. They advised him that he needed to keep his cool if he was going to stay safe. He occupied his time getting his bachelor’s. Earlier in his incarceration, the Department of Corrections was more lenient, so five years after his conviction, Ramadan was moved to the minimum-security prison, where he met Professor Marjorie Striker. Professor Striker came to the prison with a program called Alternatives to Violence, which she encouraged Ramadan to join. Mrs. Striker was Rich Parker’s mother-in-law.  

Shortly after coming home from Vietnam, Ramadan had tried to seek help for his PTSD symptoms from the VA but had gotten little response. In meeting Professor Striker, he found the support that he had needed years earlier. She corresponded with him regularly after the program ended, and, her adult children, interested in the intelligent, compassionate man their mother described, also began to write to him. The Quaker value system of the program may also have helped turn his mind toward the subject of religion. During his incarceration, Ramadan converted to Islam and attributes much of his success to the motivation and solace of his faith.  

Unfortunately, this positive change presented yet another of Ramadan’s many hurdles after leaving prison. Having changed his birth name while in prison, he needed a new ID. The name change makes it challenging to get hold of his birth certificate. However, getting a new form of ID was incredibly difficult without the birth certificate. Rich and Ramadan petitioned their state representative for help getting the registry to release the birth certificate. After five months, Ramadan obtained his MA ID, allowing him to attain paid work and open a bank account.  

Ramadan has also faced the usual difficulties in adjusting to the new world. After fifty-one years in prison, even using a cell phone is a whole new experience. In our interview, Ramadan focused on the experiences he’s valued since getting out: seeing the ocean for the first time in decades, going out to an Indian restaurant buffet and eating whatever he likes, seeing a symphony Rich played violin in, and feeling the music vibrating around him. He acknowledged that he couldn’t make up for the lost time but is grateful for the assistance of his attorney and the Parker family (with whom he’s staying until he can get his feet under him) and the opportunities he still has. 

Feeling how I do about the prison system’s restrictive, dehumanizing conditions, I encouraged Rich and Ramadan to share what they’d want to say to President Biden if they had his ear on the subject. Rich pointed out the difficulty of striking a balance between justice and mercy. A person, even a remorseful one like Ramadan, must make some kind of restitution for violent crimes. We feel that locking up someone for life is not helping them become a better member of society. All it does is throw away yet another life. Ramadan agreed and emphasized his desire for incarcerated persons to have better work opportunities, community service, and support their families while serving time. He suggested that everybody should get at least one shot to improve themselves and the world around them. What they do with that chance shows who they are. There is room for improvement in the Massachusetts prison system. 

Moving forward, Ramadan is excited to enjoy his freedom! He wants to work with senior citizens and the mentally ill. In short, he wants to make a difference. He also wants it to be known that his heart still goes out to the families of the two security guards shot during his attempted robbery, Mr. Harry Jeffreys and Mr. Calvin Thorne. He feels deep regret for his past actions that fateful day. Two people died, and his heart hangs heavy forever.  

Ramadan and Elaine were joyfully married on September 15, exactly 6 months to the day after he was released from prison. Forty supporters and well-wishers attended their wedding. Steve was honored to attend and take part in this wonderful event. 

If you wish to help the newlyweds with a contribution to start their new life together, please do!  Ramadan’s GoFund me is here: https://gofund.me/9250b66e

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Katherine Spallino, the author of a new book, The Bad Cadet: Growing Up in the Church of Scientology’s Sea Organization, has had quite a life journey. Katherine grew up on a secluded ranch within the cadet org, Scientology’s Sea Org school for children. At a young age, Katherine began to journal about her day-to-day life, capturing the thoughts and experiences of a child coming of age in a cult. Katherine’s background offers the rare opportunity to tell the story of the hundreds of children who rarely saw their parents and were indoctrinated to become future Sea Org members.  

After my deprogramming from the Moon cult in 1976, I learned about Scientology as a destructive authoritarian cult through a former member and Paulette Cooper, who wrote The Scandal of Scientology. Over the decades, I have had extensive experience helping former members and being harassed (fair gamed) by the cult. In 1989, I befriended Jon Atack, author of Let’s Sell Them a Piece of Blue Sky and Opening Our Minds. I was a guest on Leah Remini and Mike Rinder’s A & E show Scientology and its Aftermath and interviewed Mike on his fine book, A Billion Years: My Escape from a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology. Rinder was in the cult for 46 years and was one of their top officials. 

The Sea Organization is considered the elite group, and members are made to commit to a billion-year contract. In other words, this lifetime and many future lifetimes. Potential Sea Org members take part in both manual labor and indoctrination classes. Katherine’s book is unique because it is told by someone who journaled as a child.  

Indoctrination and Imprisonment 

As a child, Katherine’s playfulness was seen as rebellious. She wanted to spend time with other kids, not listen to rambling lectures. She was punished with isolation, a behavioral control technique I discuss in the BITE Model. During our interview, she told me that the BITE Model has been helpful to her in explaining her childhood to others. With adult eyes, she can put her experiences into the framework and see the extensive use of cult propaganda, the thought-stopping techniques that wear down anybody who questions the party line, and the disruption of family bonds to make sure there is nothing more important to a cadet than Scientology.  

From the age of six, Katherine was separated from her parents. She lived in a dormitory and only saw her family occasionally. Thankfully, Katherine told me, she formed tight bonds with the girls in her dorm, many of whom have since exited and remain her friends to this day. Still, as a mom of three young boys, Katherine is struck by the stark contrast between her upbringing and the tenderness that was taken from her. This is a common cult tactic. I mentioned that other authoritarian religious cults pressure members to shun former members, including making them believe it is a crime to even associate their own children. The sting of this cruelty is felt on both sides. I encourage anyone physically separated from their family by a cult to attempt whatever form of contact they safely can, even if it means standing on the sidewalk opposite your children’s house holding a sign that says you still love them. Even that small gesture can cause dissonance and keep a foot in the door for change.  

After a close friend of hers spoke out publicly against Scientology, Katherine’s parents cut her off. Katherine theorized that what they had been taught to believe about reincarnation helped them rationalize their decisions. In their minds, they had lived and had children before. They would again. They would have a billion years to get it right. 

Telling Her Story 

One of the things that kept Katherine sane throughout her childhood was journaling. This allowed her to hold onto her authentic identity while Scientology strove to assign her a cult-approved pseudo-identity. As she got older, writing about her experiences helped her process what had happened. She hoped that publishing her writing might help others get perspective on what’s going on in their lives. Most people who are under undue influence don’t realize it. Perhaps even more significantly, many high-control groups are not recognized as cults. A friend of Katherine’s raised in a strict Baptist family identified with her story and saw that the environment hadn’t been good for her. I got the same response when I first published my book, Combating Cult Mind Control. People wanted to hear a story about the crazy Moonies cult but recognized patterns from their own lives. The power of telling your story has spread to the internet with many ex-member sites and groups. These resources teach survivors how to write as part of their recovery and bring awareness to the reality that intelligent, capable people can still be taken advantage of (and can still recover to live fruitful lives).  

Following the catharsis of telling your survival story, actively rejecting cult conditioning can be helpful. This might come as removing the phrases associated with your time in a cult from your vocabulary. It can also be helpful to do visualization exercises, imagining what you now would say to the abusive authorities you faced then or what the kind of loving authority you needed would have said to keep you safe in vulnerable moments. Katherine noted that while you should leave behind the conditioning, you don’t need to abandon everything. She still treasures the memories of her friendships with the other girls in the dormitory. Katherine wrote this illuminating book because she, too, wants to shed light on child abuse in this destructive cult. She joins me in desiring to see its tax exemption revoked and hopes that everyone will get out of the psychology slavery. Of course, Katherine is no longer a Scientologist and lives in Minneapolis with her husband, happily raising three rambunctious boys.  

Resources: 

Katherine Spallino is on social media @badcadet on Instagram and Twitter.  

Bad Cadet is available at Amazon.com. 

Steven Kent’s article, Brainwashing in Scientology’s Rehabilitation Project Force

Jon Atack’s books on Scientology, Let’s Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky and Scientology; Cult of Greed

Scientology indoctrination methods deconstructed, a video demonstration with Steven Hassan, Jon Atack, Christian Szurko, and Chris Shelton

The post Finding Her Way Out of Scientology’s Infamous Sea Org with Katherine Spallino   appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.

 

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing the acclaimed psychiatrist and my mentor, Robert Jay Lifton, M.D., about his new book, Surviving Our Catastrophes: Resilience and Renewal from Hiroshima to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Lifton is a pioneer in the field of psychohistory, especially his studies on the psychological causes and effects of war and political violence. Renowned cult experts and scholars use his theory of thought reform and cult behavior worldwide. As the title of his book suggests, he believes that those of us who have experienced the trauma of mind control have a crucial role to play in the coming years. We have overcome our past and found resiliency and can be role models to help teach others. 

Robert Jay Lifton is a renowned psychiatrist and author who has made significant contributions to the field of psychohistory and psychology over the past 60 years. He has conducted extensive scholarly research on the psychological causes and effects of war and political violence and his groundbreaking theory on thought reform and cult behavior. Lifton’s primary focus has been on the Holocaust, mass violence, and societal renewal in the 20th and 21st centuries. Lifton’s research on thought reform and the psychology of totalism, specifically his study on “brainwashing” in China, has been widely regarded as groundbreaking. He has also penned a memoir titled Witness to an Extreme Century, providing firsthand accounts of the tumultuous events he has witnessed throughout his career. 

Lifton’s Work and Influence 

Lifton has authored several influential books that have garnered critical acclaim. His notable works include Death in Life: Survivors of Hiroshima, which received the prestigious National Book Award, and The Nazi Doctors: Medical Killing and the Psychology of Genocide, honored with a Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His book Home from the War: Learning from Vietnam Veterans was nominated for a National Book Award. Dr. Lifton serves as a Lecturer in Psychiatry at Columbia University and holds the esteemed Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Psychology position at the City University of New York. 

Lifton has continued exploring pressing issues in recent years through his writing. His works include The Climate Swerve: Reflections on Mind, Hope, and Survival; Losing Reality: On Cults, Cultism, and the Mindset of Political and Religious Zealotry; and this most recent publication, Surviving Our Catastrophes: Resilience and Renewal from Hiroshima to the Covid-19 Pandemic. 

As most people know, I can personally attest to the power of Lifton’s work and its contribution to helping survivors of cultic abuse, undue influence, and authoritarian control. Lifton’s book, Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism: A Study of Brainwashing in China, was pivotal in helping free me from the Moon cult and was used in my deprogramming in 1976. His model, the eight criteria of thought reform, was later the foundation for my BITE Model of mind control (do we link to this) and the basis of my life’s work. For a complete explanation of his eight criteria, please see my blog, Robert Jay Lifton’s Eight Criteria of Thought Reform (Brainwashing, Mind Control) 

From Victimhood to Survivorship 

Lifton’s latest book, Surviving Our Catastrophes, delves into “Survivor Power” and the transformation from victimhood to survivorship. He emphasizes the importance of drawing on the knowledge and wisdom gained from surviving traumatic experiences to continue living meaningful lives. The book takes inspiration from historical examples of survivors who have endured unimaginable suffering and trauma. Lifton highlights the remarkable responses of individuals who, in the face of unspeakable horror, have created activist movements, converted their experiences into art and literature, and demonstrated the resilience of the human spirit. From the people of Hiroshima, who responded to the atomic bombing by creating an activist “city of peace,” to the survivors of Nazi death camps who combated mass killing and showcased their healing through art and literature, these examples serve as beacons of hope. 

Surviving Our Catastrophes celebrates ‘survivor power’ and ‘survivor wisdom’ and the resilience and renewal that can emerge from the darkest times. Lifton’s insights and guidance provide a roadmap for finding hope and meaning in tragedy. By acknowledging the true extent of the pandemic’s destruction and drawing on the power of survivorship, we can navigate the psychological aftermath of COVID-19 and other catastrophes and emerge stronger as individuals and as a society. 

Lifton emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the full extent of the pandemic’s impact and not shying away from the reality of its destruction. He argues that true renewal can only be achieved by reckoning with COVID-19’s effects on ourselves and society. By drawing on the experiences of survivors, Lifton provides insights and guidance on coping with the trauma and navigating the challenges that arise in the wake of such a crisis. He demonstrates how we can continue to lead meaningful lives even in the face of tragedy and confusion. As acclaimed journalist Bill Moyers aptly describes, Lifton, “one of the world’s foremost thinkers on why we humans do such awful things to each other,” provides us hope for future generations. He gives guidance on finding strength and purpose amidst the most challenging circumstances. 

Former Cult Members and Survivor Power 

Lifton’s book is particularly significant for former cult members and trauma survivors. He recognizes the role they have to play in the times ahead, especially in an age of disinformation and potential misuse of advancements in artificial intelligence. These individuals have fought to regain their freedom from undue influence. They have had to fight to break free from coercive control to understand their identity, beliefs, and values, and their knowledge is crucial as we move forward. Individuals can find renewal and meaning in recovery by embracing “survivor power” and drawing on the wisdom gained from traumatic experiences. Lifton offers a sense of hope and resilience throughout the book, which survivors of cultic abuse and undue influence can champion. He shows readers how to heal and recover even in the face of the tragic and the absurd.  

Resources: 

Robert Jay Lifton’s website 

Surviving Our Catastrophes: Resilience and Renewal from Hiroshima to the COVID-19 Pandemic Hardcover – September 5, 2023 

Other Video Interviews with Robert Jay Lifton, M.D. 

Dr. Robert Jay Lifton and Steven Hassan July 13th, 2011  

Dr. Robert Jay Lifton and Steven Hassan: August 2012  

Steven Hassan interviews Robert Jay Lifton, MD, 9-17-16 (Part 1/3)  

Steven Hassan interviews Robert Jay Lifton, MD, 9-17-16 (Part 2/3)  

Steven Hassan interviews Robert Jay Lifton, MD, 9-17-16 (Part 3/3)  

Other Blogs on Freedom of Mind on Lifton: 

 The Solipsistic Reality of President Trump: A Discussion with Dr. Robert Jay Lifton 

NXIVM: Robert Jay Lifton’s Criteria of Thought Reform as Analyzed by Expert Paul Martin, Ph.D. 

Robert Jay Lifton’s Eight Criteria of Thought Reform (Brainwashing, Mind Control)  

Robert Jay Lifton MD: An Interview with a Genius  

The post Surviving our Catastrophes: Celebrating the Resilience and Renewal of Survivors with Robert Jay Lifton, M.D.   appeared first on Freedom of Mind Resource Center.