Newsletter: What Can We Learn from Cult Survivors?
Exploring Paths to Freedom from Destructive Authoritarian Groups
Dear friends,
As you know, I have dedicated my life to helping people out of destructive authoritarian groups, and I love hearing from those who have gotten out and are turning their lives around. On Saturday, I did a Facebook Live for a private discussion group of over four thousand survivors of the Two by Two cult - see below. Also, this week’s Influence Continuum podcast focuses on former Oathkeeper propagandist Jason Van Tatenhove. We discussed the importance of providing ‘exit ramps’ for former militia members, among many exciting things. We discussed conspiracy theories and effective ways to interact with folks who have entered the “rabbit hole.” In addition, I appeared on the “Preacher Boys” podcast, talking with Eric Skwarczynski, who was recently featured in the documentary, “Let Us Prey.” It’s a great talk and you can read more about it below.
My Facebook Live with over four thousand survivors of the Two by Two cult was a great success. Two by Two is a “Christian” group started in Ireland in the 1800s and has morphed to become an international cult. As with many groups, there has been a large-scale sex abuse coverup. The FBI launches probe into church investigated by BBC is just one media piece on the Two by Two cult. The survivor group kindly allowed us to upload the video to my YouTube channel.
“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 attack, led by followers of Donald Trump.
Listen to the podcast, below:
The Independent has republished an article by Rachel Sharp on the tragic case of Lori Vallow. Chad Daybell recruited Vallow into a Mormon prepper cult. They both had delusions and were moved to commit murders. Lori was convicted of murdering her own children. She testified that she believed they were zombies and were, therefore, already dead. It is always especially tragic when undue influence can move people to murder their own children. In a different group, the Kenya “Message” cult prophet told his followers to stop eating and drinking because Jesus was returning. So many hundreds died by blindly following this man.
Eric Skwarczynski, a former member of the Independent Fundamentalist Baptist (IFB) Movement, interviewed me for his Preacher Boys podcast. The episode is called “It’s Your Mind, Only You Can Control It.” Of course, he is using my meme. He asked me about my background and my influences, and we discussed how things have changed since the 80’s, how the Internet has changed the world, how we take in our information, and how cults now operate completely differently in this new world of “Information Warfare.”
As always, feel free to let us know what you think about these pieces, or what you’d like to see us talk about in the future. Thanks so much!
Unlock the Secrets of Authoritarian Control
Have you ever wondered how apparently well-adjusted individuals can become ensnared by the grip of mind control? Are you curious about the inner workings of cults and high-control groups? If so, our new course, "Understanding Undue Influence: The Essentials," will answer those questions and more.
This course explores the concept of the Influence Continuum, based on the BITE Model, encompassing Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional Control. By the course's end, you'll have the tools to spot the subtle signs of manipulation and shield yourself and your loved ones.
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Our Facebook group is growing and YOU are invited! Join us for insightful, respectful dialogue on cults, mind control, undue influence, authoritarianism, and much more. Together we can discuss what needs to be done to make a better world for all of us. We hope to see you there!