by Raphael Aron
Though differing in appearance and purpose, cults and terrorist organizations nevertheless share many of the same essential dynamics. Both exploit the basic human need to belong; both feed on feelings of alienation and marginalization so common in the world today. In addition, both use similar mind control techniques to control members and maintain adherence.
With examples from numerous groups and first-hand accounts of individuals who survived their involvement, this book explains:
- the nature and history of cults and terrorist groups
- how cults and terrorist groups share the same psychological dynamics
- who is vulnerable
- what is mind control
- the attraction of these groups and how hard it is to extricate yourself once involved
About the Author
Raphael Aron is the Director of the Gateway Family Counselling Centre in Melbourne, and Director of Cult Counselling Australia. His previous books include Cults: Too Good to be True (HarperCollins), and Believe: From Addiction to Redemption (Fontaine).
Reviews
“Raphael Aron is a counselor and therapist who has dedicated 35 years to working with individuals involved with cults. This book represents the cumulative understanding he has gained from his personal observation of cults and from his experiences as a therapist dealing with the psychological damage caused by cults … Aron clearly understands the psychology of cults … a very welcome addition to the growing literature on the similarities of cults and terrorist groups.”
—Dr. Anthony Stahelski, Professor, Psychology Department at Central Washington University“Raphael Aron challenges our ideas about the role of mind control and the part that it plays in cults and terrorist groups—and provides an interesting new take on how terrorism might be countered.”
—Professor Clive Williams MG, Centre for Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism at Macquarie University, Australia
Table of Contents
| Ackowledgements | ||||
| Introduction | ||||
| 1 | The Evolution of Cults and Terror Cults: An Overview • Terrorism: An Overview • Cults, Terror, and the Internet |
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| 2 | Understanding Mind Control What Is Mind Control? Does It Exist? • Eight Characteristics of Mind Control • Control of Behavior, Thoughts, Emotions • Information and the Environment • Unfreezing, Changing, and Refreezing • Mind Control and Culpability |
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| 3 | The Subtle Process of Recruitment Who Is Vulnerable? • Entering a Cult or Terrorist Group • Cults, Terrorism, and Religious Fundamentalism |
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| 4 | Delving Deeper into Extremism Terrorism and Cultism • Debunking Myths about Terrorism • The Cult of Hitler • Philosophy of Hate—The Christian Identity Movement |
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| 5 | The Tragic Ramifications of Mind Control Fundamentalism and Exclusivity • Personality Breakdown • The Destruction of Innocence—Mind Control and Children • Victimizing the Mentally Ill |
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| 6 | The Dilemma for Families The Role of Family and Community • The Value of Certainty |
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| 7 | Responding to Cults—A Role for Governments and Lawmakers Cults, Civil Liberties, and Religious Freedom • Cults and Courts • Government Intervention • Government Control |
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| 8 | Responding to the Terrorist Threat Mind Control and Manipulation • Misinterpretation and Martyrdom • Marginalization |
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| Epilogue | ||||
| Appendix The Doomsday Document |
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| Notes | ||||
| Bibliography | ||||
| Index | ||||