Cults in Our Midst: The Continuing Fight Against Their Hidden Menace

Dr. Singer is the reigning expert on cults, having testified in cult-related trials repeatedly. She has studied them for some 50 years. So this book, written for ordinary folk and not scientists, is the distillation of an enormous amount of research and experience. It's quite readable.She points out that not all cults are religious, although in the US, they often incorporate as religions to be tax-free. The clear example there is Scientology, which started out as a psychological program called "Dianetics." But there are also political, psychological, nutritional, and other types of cults. Dr. Singer offers three aspects of an organization that identify it as a cult: an authoritarian leader, a top-down structure, and the use of thought reform, brainwashing, mind control as an intentional, programmed pattern.The book goes into considerable detail as to the brainwashing techniques involved, and how they fit together. Her list of six conditions that create the atmosphere in which indoctrination takes place is worth quoting verbatim:1. Keep the person unaware that there is an agenda to control or change the person.2. Control time and physical environment (contacts, information).3. Create a sense of powerlessness, fear, and dependency.4. Suppress old behavior and attitudes.5. Instill new behavior and attitudes.6. Put forth a closed system of logic.Dr. Singer also goes into detail concerning some of the "supernatural" phenomena displayed by the leaders of cults. Jim Jones used to have a couple of his followers go visit a potential recruit, and one would ask to use the bathroom. While there, she would check out the medicine chest and write down what prescription and non-prescription drugs she saw, what indicators of conditions experienced by the person who lives there. Later, Jones would "read the mind" of someone who is having trouble with their digestion, for example, and create the impression that he knew everything.Of special concern to Singer (and to myself) are the children of cults. They often get no education at all, or only indoctrination into the practices of the cult. Discipline is harsh; so harsh it has actually killed more than one child. Children are routinely separated from their parents, citing loyalty to the leader as more significant than loyalty to family. Often, they do not have adequate food, clothing, bedding, the basics. They are often the victims of physical and sexual abuse.We have heard about a few large cults, or ones with dramatic acts, such as People's Temple or Heaven's Gate. But Singer cites many more, some quite small, which have nonetheless done their share of the mind control and dirty tricks. Singer works with ex-cult members to help people who leave cults to put their lives back together. She does not "deprogram," but counsels those who have already left the cult. They often suffer effects of their time in the cult that last for months, including finding it hard to make decisions, having "space out" episodes where their minds go blank, being afraid of being kidnapped by the cult, or even killed.This book should be required reading for anyone who has a friend or family member in a cult.

Very very good book

I read this book while romantically involved with someone who I thought to be in a cult. This book helped me understand what I was dealing with and made me feel reassured that my suspicions were not unfounded.Anyone who debunks the theory of mind control or brainwashing must also be blind to the brainwashing that happens every day in our own society and I would question their motives. Look at advertising! There is no doubt that these things happen all the time.By the same token, it's probably not a good idea to jump to conclusions about people or groups without educating yourself, which is where this book comes in. This book is informative and helpful. Read this first, then read Steven Hasaan's books if you need more.Namaste

When I recently learned that a family member had been involved with a major cult in the United States for over 25 years, I bought this book along with two other books. Of the three, this book is the best combination of academic research and practical techniques for identifying and disempowering cults in our society. What is most striking about this book is its premise that cults are much more prevalent in American society than we are currently aware. I also recommend searching online as there are many good websites to learn more about identifying cult behavior and cult activity. This information can be used to steer clear of cults, and even fight cult recruitment.

This book is very thorough and describes characteristics of cult leaders, recruitment and retention methods, impact of cult membership on individuals and families, departure from cults, and more. Parents are quick to discuss the dangers of promiscuity, drugs, and alcohol before their children go off to college, but predatory religious organizations and cults are equally dangerous. The information in Singer's book gives the reader the tools to differentiate between a healthy organization and a toxic, cult-like group. It is important for young people to read this while their minds are free and their critical-thinking skills are fine-tuned. Due to the nature of cults, it is difficult for cult-members to realize the are in a cult and take appropriate action to leave.

I couldn't put this down. It is filled with so much research, and reality.It puts into words some of the "fears and questions" about indoctrination,that all should experience at some time in their lives. This is a greatbook if a family is struggling to make sense of how a loved one couldeasily be sucked into the warped logic, and sense of belonging offeredby cults today. It offers case studies of how the cults work hard to createa rift in real families by planting suspicion and teaching a sick rationale for lies and deception.You'll want to buy several copies and share this. It's a very important bookto read.

Cults in Our Midst: The Continuing Fight Against Their Hidden Menace This book is so good. It explainms what cults are, how they operate, why they operate in the way that they do and the characteristics of cult leaders. It explains that anyone can become involved in a cult regardless of sex, class, wealth or education. It talks about the great harm that they do and how to recover from a cult. I highly recommend.

I am in the process of writing my memory about surviving a therapy cult. This book has been very helpful in understanding the my cult experience

It's scary how accurate this book is.I'm not the same person after reading the book. Unfortunately, many of my suspicions about cults are now confirmed.It's very sad to see that her page in Wikipedia is full of lies about her. Probably the same people attacking her when she was alive.

This book has changed the ways I perceive cults. Singer has produced an extensive, informative and certainly a fascinating work here. I was able to bring out a good research because of her book and I still find it eye-opening after several years of finishing my thesis. One of the best in this field for sure!

Fabulous

... Pädagogen, Politiker, Psychologen, Journalisten, Sektenopfer, Eltern / Verwandte / Freunde von Sektenopfern.Ein erschreckendes Sachbuch über die Manipulierbarkeit von Homo "sapiens" und über die verbrecherischen Machenschaften der Manipulierer.

I give it five stars because the material was clear and all information I need to understand cults. There is not a thing that I disagree with Marget. It help me see different between cults and other faith. Cults suppress any past experience, while other faith let you grow with past experience. I tell everyone to read this.