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Terrorism & The Cult Syndrome

Reader comment on item: What You Can Do To Help Win the War on Terror

Submitted by Carol Gantos (United States), Oct 4, 2006 at 10:46

My husband & I founded a group for those wishing to exit Cults. (not Satanic Cults) At one time we were members of a religous cult so we speak from first-hand experience. The hate preached to the members begins very young & is a brainwashing technique pure & simple. The beliefs are inculcated in the hearts, minds & spirits of these people & becomes literally a way of life, which is the reason they are so honored to give their lives. The constant praying, reading of their holy book, meetings, preaching, and forming their circle of friends that share the same doctrines is a "control" method that they soon learn to readily and gladly accept.

Other than the highest ranking among them, reading other materials that may "open their eyes & minds" is discouraged and sometimes punished so they are almost ignorant of any other views or proofs that what they believe isn't all there is with God. Other materials are considered lies. Many times they are taught that they shouldn't even listen to anything but the teachings their leaders give them. How do you reach them?? Unless they are willing to engage in all forms of dialogue, you can't reach them. Unless they are willing to prove to themselves what the real "truths" are, it is near to hopeless.

The fact that they are willing to die to have "virgins" in heaven as a reward shows that their reward is fleshly, earthly, and far from spiritual, which is what Allah (God) is all about. That is the first point you speak to in reference to their beliefs & that this is possible right here without ever having to die. They don't have to go to heaven to accomplish this objective or "reward." Is it totally impossible to show them the truth? No, but it takes time, proof they can see for themselves & a desire to know the truth.

We have worked with hundreds of Cult members and as long as the truth is their objective you have a chance. We have also spoken to many organizations and groups on this subject. It's important to keep in mind that what they are doing, no matter how horrendous, they do for God. Once they can understand that God does not want or expect murder, they can be reached.

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