A great book filled of testimonials and advice

It's a bit long and there are moments in several chapters which are mildly repetitive. It doesn't go into explicit details of any one cult, and delves deepest into the Moonies as this was the one Steven Hassan escaped, but it is well worth the read.

It provides a clear and academic framework to determine whether or not a group is a "destructive cult," the effects of participating in them, advice for how to escape the cult for members and their families, and testimonials of past members and attempts to rescue the victims of these groups.

There is no mysticism in Steven's words and while it focuses extensively on "mind control," it is not in a magical way at all and is grounded in legitimate psychology.

It is definitely essential reading for those interested in this subject, my harshest criticism is that it can be a bit dry at times.

6 people found this helpful

Getting to know you.

This is a must read for anyone. It could help people better understand themselves, their family, their beliefs, and their social networks. this book as advertised, breaks down processes in which external forces impact individuals in clear concise terms that are easily understood. It has a gentile overtone making it possible for anyone of any background to feel comfortable with its message. the only stupid question is the question that is never asked, or reflected upon.

8 people found this helpful

a must read for excommunicates everywhere

as a former Jehovah's witness this book is hugely instrumental in understanding what happened to you and how to rebuild

6 people found this helpful

Very Insightful

It helped solidify my knowledge that my JW ex-husband has two different identities. I will use this book to keep my children educated.

6 people found this helpful

A must read to understand the current tactics, devices and intention behind Mind Control

I stubbles on to this from another book that referenced it.

I had no idea the amount power, wealth, persuasiveness, tactics, deceiving, etc. that combined to shield many, even considered mainline groups & business, that are actually harmful, secretive and are actively the ability to reduce some basic human rights of individuals.

Some of these human rights lean towards the more marginalized groups in society, ie: LGBTQIA.

They create powerful ideologies endorsing and promoting ideas, ie: losing our “Religious freedom” coalitions, organizations and subgroups that seem to be doing good.

But are NOT. They are actually fighting to get laws passed that would protect them from being liable if Mind Control. And hoping to FORCE THEIR PRACTICES on all society.

He gives a great example of the “Religious Freedom” campaign. It’s NOT able the right to choose a religion (or no religion) without interference by the government. (That is what the first amendment does now).

There are restrictions to all freedoms (ie, he offers great examples, “religious snake handling” is against the law because it kills. You have the right to believe but not a practice that will endanger. We have the right of freedom of speech but there’s also the clear and present danger act that retails what kind of speech where and when, using a bull horn at 3 o’clock in the morning is against the law regardless if it’s your personal belief. It infringes on others. At that time, obviously.

He provides models, questions and resources To help one become more successful in combating destructive mine control groups.

4 people found this helpful

it was alright

it's interesting to me that he would reject cults outright but then support social justice which is basically just another cult...

1 person found this helpful

Thought ls from a Behavior Analyst

Reader/listener be warned! You are entering a book that will equip you with skills that will change your world view and help you detect maniplation attempts by dangerous systems.
This book does an excellent job of defining what constitutes a cult and providing information to ensure you are safe from their maniplations. Those organizations, many quite powerful because of their maniplations, will do their best to stop this information. Because of this, I cannot recommend this book enough. My day job is as a licensed behavior analyst. While the area I work in is not directly related to this topic, the reality is that too often the lack of awareness of these issues increases the chances of people coming to harm. Even in my field, where there is licensing and ethics codes, it is essential for customers and clients to be educated in the event that some of these manipulative tactics are applied to them. But the reality is that while that issue is fairly low, that political, economic, and religious cults are increasingly dangerous and prevalent. This book gives you information that can help you. I wish the language was a bit more precise, but that's more for me since in behavior analysis that is a big part of my field. Either way, this book is more precious than platinum!

1 person found this helpful

For anyone wanting to understand manipulation

Absolutely useful. I'm an ExMormon and so much of what's inside applies to the LDS church I was raised in. It's eerie how similar manipulative organizations behave. We never see it until we leave.

1 person found this helpful

Amazing

Wow! What a great book! I definitely wasn’t aware of how much people are really influenced in the world every day. Whether they know it or not. Whether it’s “good influence” be “bad influence”. This was such a great book with s lot of insight on how to protect yourself & you loved ones from destructive cults. I myself was in a high controlled/destructive group and can honestly say that this opened my eyes to what happens in the subconscious mind & understand how someone who can be considered a “smart person” could easily be roped into these dangerous groups. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! And please, don’t let it end here. Please continue to raise awareness with friends, family & anywhere else that you can. I’ve learned not to be ashamed of being involved in these types of groups. Please don’t allow anyone else to have their lives taken from them.

2 people found this helpful

Compelling and coherent

Although long, this is a must-read/listen for everyone trying to understand why good people could end up in terrible situations, conspiracies and crazy organizations...
It is clear that this is a refined and re-revisited edition along many years, as it seems very easy to digest, despite its massive amount of information.