Talk of The Villages Florida - Rentals, Entertainment & More
Talk of The Villages Florida - Rentals, Entertainment & More
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‘Deprogramming’ a relative in a cult.
A very old friend of mine, is at his wit’s end with his 27 year old granddaughter (her parents are deceased)...who has apparently become deeply involved in a cult.
Since I feel very fortunate that I’ve never personally had this particular problem, all I can do for my friend is to lend a sympathetic ear…and try to do research to see if I can forward any helpful advice to him. He has said that the most confusing part for him, is that she’s not a drug/alcohol abuser, acts normal and kind in a lot of other ways…but is absolutely closed off and becomes irate to ANY criticism (even factual ones) of her group. Anyone ever go through this, or know someone who did, and if so how did you/they handle it…and was it successful? This particular link seems to cover a lot of the same issues and problems...that he’s described to me. Cults (Poke Here) Quote:
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#2
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There are folks who specialize in deprogramming, or there used to be. Some research may locate one. Sometimes the deprogrammers are former cult members. It is an extremely difficult procedure. Care must be taken about legal issues. It is tricky and does not always work.
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"No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth." Plato “To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.” Thomas Paine |
#3
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One thing. They are not all the same. What might help your friend's granddaughter might vary from the kind of cult involved. Content Pages of the Encyclopedia of Religion and Social Science Last edited by Taltarzac725; 08-21-2019 at 03:37 PM. |
#4
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Does the granddaughter live with your friend, her grandfather?
In what type of cult is she involved? I'm not knowledgable regarding any type of cult, however, I would think for her to be reprogrammed, she would have to be somewhat receptive. If the cult is "dangerous" could it be reported to authorities? Is she so far gone that he could have her Baker Acted? That situation is really so sad. Your friend really needs to speak with a professional. Is there some kind of mental health facility or hospital near him where he could go speak with someone for advice? |
#5
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Very difficult question. First at 27 she is going to have to be receptive to the idea of deprogramming and I expect that is not going to be easy.
Second is the question of what is the "cult"... not everyone would agree on that I am sure. In the case of a minor it would be easier, but still have legal issues. |
#6
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It is better to laugh than to cry. Last edited by graciegirl; 08-21-2019 at 02:00 PM. |
#7
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Before we go too far down the road of "Baker Act" lets not forget that the person is a 27 year old, an adult, and has the right to her own beliefs.
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I do think that a disinterested and qualified 3rd party would have to make a determination if a person is a threat to themselves or others before considering actions taken against their will. Let's not forget the Parents and pastor of the teen that beat him to death trying to get him to denounce the devil, just a few years ago. |
#8
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I believe in myself, my family and friends That's all I need to guide me start to finish
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Don't take life Too Serious ..It isn't permanent |
#9
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For those offering what appears as heart-felt suggestions, to a very disconcerting problem for my buddy...I thank you.
For the usual suspects, looking to get yet another thread they don't like closed... |
#10
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So I went that afternoon to check it out. He had handed me a card that said Unification Church or something like that with the address. Turned out they were the Moonies and he was the Chapter Head for Northern Nevada. Some man at the apartment laid out the Moonies plan of uniting the races by interracial-marriages. Arranged marriages with the aim of procreation primarily and not romance. I poked holes through the plan the best I could but still got invites from the black man for the Weekend Retreat and they had started phoning my parents with very insulting phone calls about my parents corrupting the youth. I finally picked up one of these calls and used language a sailor would be proud of. These weekend retreats were where the Unification church brain washes people. A lot involved separating the target from his or her care givings or parents and friends. I did talk in private through an essay about these experiences with that Sociology of Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. He had wanted me to give a speech about it in front of the class but I said no feeling very uncomfortable about the whole experience. It only lasted about ten days if that. And just a couple of visits by me to this apartment near UNR as there was a very cute girl I was attracted to and the black man also played on that as much as he could. "She is going to be there...." These "cults" do seem to target those they see as vulnerable. All the lonely people.... Jerome (the black man/Northern Nevada Unification Church Chapter head ) could tell that I was a man with few friends and he played on that for all it was worth. Last edited by Taltarzac725; 08-21-2019 at 08:50 AM. |
#11
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I did look up that man-- Jerome-- on Facebook and he got out of that world which was good for him. There are different cults though and some can be extremely dangerous to get involved with in any way. Last edited by Taltarzac725; 08-21-2019 at 11:13 AM. |
#12
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Not sure how the topic got switched to or at least zeroed in on religion.
This topic is discussed more and more every day in this country as folks try to hide from reality. Religion sometimes is used as a phoney crutch but further investigation would reveal it is a sham. NO religion condones much of any cult action. It has been used as an attraction but certainly not limited to that aspect of life. I read a book on the Jonestown debacle and all the criteria listed fit. |
#13
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Exactly. I've purposely avoided speaking of specifics as to what type of cult she is in...as there are many, many types. What almost ALL cults have in common however, are most of the items listed in the first post, so reviewing them...might be a good thing. Combined with the fact that anyone in any type of cult are most likely to both deny any facts and vigorously defend it, until such time (as someone mentioned previously)...THEY have chosen to recognize/listen to the truth and want to change. This is more of a quest of HOW to convince someone who has, in essence, become brainwashed...finally admit that to themselves. When facts, proof, similar examples and the truth don't seem to make much difference, because it's primarily a 'gut' feeling (and/or bias) of the affected...where does one go from there? After all, the willingness and courage to stand up and admit one is/was wrong, is a trait that is rarer than it should be...and only the strongest among us seem to be able to do. My buddy is primarily looking for that opening, regardless of how small...that will begin to get through to his beloved granddaughter. |
#14
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They used a lot of sexual politics those two afternoons to try to get me to commit more. It is often the social misfits who get pulled into some of these cults. Depends though at what stage the cult is at. Some get very established and sophisticated. |
#15
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Emily St. John Mandel's novel Station Eleven goes a lot into cult like thinking. It is set partially in the US after a flu wipes out most people in the world and leaves some towns to cults that develop because of the lack of law and order. There is a travelling group of actors and musicians who travel through some of these towns. They are a big part of the novel.
It might be a good read for this friend's granddaughter. It was a National Book Award finalist around 2014. Also very well written and thoughtful about just about everything. Is one of the really deep books you find once in a great while. Last edited by Taltarzac725; 08-21-2019 at 12:50 PM. |
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