Newsletter: Cult Propagandists Are Abusing the 1st Amendment
How tax-free dollars fund studies to defend abuse
Last week, I did my regular livestream on Wednesday, and a special livestream with Dave Troy on Friday. I also did a special livestream yesterday with Lev Parnas on his and my Substack. This week’s regular livestream will be on Wednesday, February 18th, from 2-3 pm Eastern Time. Feel free to bring your questions!
In addition, we’re gearing up for a special livestream with ex-JW elder Isaac Carmignani on Monday, March 2nd, at 2pm. We will be discussing How the Jehovah’s Witnesses Get You to Sign Over Your Will. Why do you need my real estate if the world is ending? as well as what is happening worldwide with this authoritarian doomsday cult.
Sometimes, when I criticize the tactics cults use to recruit, retain, and exploit members, I hear from cult propagandists who bring up religious freedom. I have previously written about the Russian cult Allatra and their infiltration of religious groups in DC, the EU, and even the UN.
They accuse me of being anti-religious freedom. I believe these questions are critically important and require a deeper discussion. Actually, I’m for the First Amendment, which guarantees freedoms like religion, speech, and assembly.
In fact, my own life’s work started when some Moonie recruiters used deception to deprive me of my own religious freedom.
Cult Propagandists and Freedom of Religion
In this week’s free post, How Cult Propagandists Hide Behind The First Amendment, I discuss how - and why - some sociologists of religion provide justification for cultic abuse while shielding destructive groups from the consequences of their actions.
We’ll explore:
The difference between belief and behavior
The so-called “scholars” who have become hired guns for “religious freedom” ignoring ethical research and factual publication
The difference between being able to believe - and being able to leave
Why it’s not about the word “cult”
What is the real threat to religious freedom
This week’s article is free for everyone. We are grateful to our paid subscribers, who can access all of our resources, including expert interviews, useful articles, and comprehensive guides, including:
The Cult of Trump? What “Cult Rhetoric” Actually Reveals - My response to Benjamin Zeller and other cult apologists
The Attempt to Redefine Religious Freedom with Frederick Clarkson - about the concerted effort to move the United States away from the Founding Fathers’ plan for the separation of church and state in the Constitution
Exposing Cult Propagandists with ex-Scientologist Jeffrey Augustine - a deep dive into the world of cult propaganda
This weekend, I will be speaking at the three-day Principles First Summit in Washington. D.C.. I am so excited to meet George Conway, Adam Kinzinger, and Joe Walsh in person. They are just a few of the main headliners who will be there. I will be having my turn to speak on Saturday. If you wish to attend and wish me to sign copies of my books or take a photo with me, come, please! This is a large grassroots summit on conserving America’s liberal tradition and navigating the path to a principled future for our country.
You can buy tickets to attend the event here.
I’d love to see you there!
Christian Nationalism and Potential Vice‑Presidential Succession
In this week’s episode of my Cults, Culture & Coercion podcast, From JD Vance’s Family of Origin: ‘Hillbilly Elegy’, Christian Nationalism, and Potential Vice‑Presidential Succession, I talk with Nikki McCarty, cousin to the vice president and survivor of the family’s high-control belief system.
She has spent many years deconstructing their Christian Nationalist upbringing and serving as a social worker and therapist in the child welfare system.
She has analyzed her family’s belief system through the lens of my BITE Model of Authoritarian Control™ with surprising results. I think you’ll love her unique and insightful view of the religious views currently shaping our political landscape.
Listen on Apple | Spotify | Watch on YouTube
Read my Substack post about the interview:
As always, please let us know what you think about these pieces or what you’d like to see us discuss in the future. Thanks so much!
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