Cults in Our Midst: The Hidden Menace in Our Everyday Lives - Tapa blanda

"The definitive A to Z work on cults.... It would have been a tremAndous resource and comfort to me and my family through our ordeals.'' (Patricia Ryan, daughter of Congressman Leo Ryan, who was assassinated by members of Jim Jones's Peoples Temple) "This straightforward overview offers a clear explanation of the nature of cults and the threat they pose to individuals, families, and society. Perhaps the most striking point made here is the contention that most Americans will be vulnerable to cults at some point in their lives." Essential reading for all citizens in a free society to learn how even here it is possible to coercively persuade people to give up their freedom and harm themselves and their children in the process.'' (Edgar H. Schein, author of Coercive Persuasion (1961), and professor of management, MIT Sloan School of Management) Many Americans feel helpless when manipulative, mind-stealing seducers take our children, our parents, our wealth... Singer explains the process, exposes their methods, and strengthens us all.'' (Mike Farrell, actor and producer, member of the board of advisors of the Cult Awareness Network) Should be read by everyone who wishes to understand the incoherence in the therapeutic movements damaging families and destoying public confidence in mental health professionals. This is a superbly written, carefully detailed, enlightening book.'' (Paul McHugh, chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medical School) Age, education, sophistication, and wealth are not vaccinations against getting involved in a cult.'' (Margaret Singer)

Since the 1970s, in the US alone, an estimated 20 million people have joined cults. Currently, 3000-5000 cults are working to recruit new members. At any point in time, 2.5-3 million Americans are active cult members. Often a cult is disguised as a legitimate business or organization: a restaurant, self-help group, psychotherapy clinic, or leadership training program could be a front for a cult. Anyone - no matter what age or income level - could be susceptible to the covert and seductive nature of a cult. This work looks at what cults are and how they work. It offers information on how to help people escape cult entrapments and recover from the experience.