Which is the biggest cult?
597390
Christianity is currently the biggest cult on the face of the planet...
4898881
a lot of so called religions are cults. how sad. and it's mostly sad for kids and women
1216184
Jerald (1938-2006) and Sandra (born 1941) Tanner are/were perhaps the most noteworthy (certainly the most meticulous and "balanced") "anti-Mormon" critics of the LDS Church; both were formerly Mormons themselves.

They wrote on the first page of this 1992 book, "While we have been aware of the influence of the occult for many years, we were always somewhat suspicious of some of the tales of ex-Satanists... In 1991, however, we encountered some extremely important evidence indicating that Satanists had infiltrated the Mormon Church and were ritually abusing innocent people. This evidence could not be ignored, and we began an investigation of the matter."

Here are some additional quotations from the book:

"We have found the study of Mormonism to be extremely difficult. Those who would make a serious examination of this religion must pass through a dangerous mine field of false statements, incorrect theories and even falsified or forged documents." (Pg. 2)
"On July 2, 1991 we were presented with a copy of a very sensational memo purported to have been written by a General Authority of the Mormon Church... (which) maintained that a satanic cult had taken root in the Mormon Church. He claimed that he had met with 'sixty victims' of 'ritualistic child abuse,' and that 'All sixty individuals are members of the Church' ... Therefore, in November, 1991, we published it..." (Pg. 3-4)
"Although the theory that there have been fake human sacrifices in satanic rituals is very interesting and could certainly apply in some cases, we must acknowledge that many of the accounts given by witnesses contain such graphic details that it is very difficult to explain them away in this manner. It is possible, then, that there are both make-believe and real sacrifices being performed in the rituals." (Pg. 29)
"While we do not endorse many of Mr. (William) Schnoebelen's conclusions found in this book (<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Wicca-Satan-s-Little-White-Lie/dp/0937958344/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Wicca: Satan's Little White Lie</a>)... our research has demonstrated that this former Satanist was undoubtedly deeply involved in the evil practices he has mentioned. One thing is certain: Mr. Schnoebelen did deceive Mormon officials, and they allowed him to become a member of the church on August 10, 1980." (Pg. 34)
"...in his report on ritualistic abuse, (Mormon) Bishop (Glenn L.) Pace mentioned that victims told him that Mormon bishops and a stake president were involved in the satanic activities... 'people in high places today in both the Church and the government ... are leading this dual life.'" (Pg. 54)
"We, of course, cannot prove the allegations which have been made concerning these temples. If they are true, Latter-day Saints would be victims of a very evil group of people who are secretly working against the church." (Pg. 56)
"While we have no reason to believe that the church itself is involved in promoting this evil conspiracy, the extent of satanic ritual abuse in Utah seems to raise some important questions about Mormonism... Why... did it take psychiatrists and psychologists to ferret out the information concerning ritualistic abuse?" (Pg. 69)
"There are a number of similarities between the Mormon practice of blood atonement and the satanic practice of human sacrifice... (but) there are some important differences. One of the most important is that the Mormons did not delight in the sacrifice of children." (Pg. 96)
4596438
The secrets of this "religion" are revealed by an insider, now an outsider. It is astonishing, not only what "believers" swallowed but how corrupt the whole ruling power system is. Fear seems to motivate the underlings, greed the upper echelon. It's a great read but really hard to accept that thinking humans would stay in such an environment of deprivation and hardship, give up their humanity in the process,  turn on each other, and accept that this is a good thing. The terror the escapees describe as they try to get out of Scientology;s grip is mesmerizing. Very controversial, but with a ring of truth.
3419033
This book was a life saver for me and my family.  The dangers of this organization cannot be overstated.  Is it a publishing company disguised as a cult? Or a cult disguised as a publishing company?  Either way, it's all all consuming, controlling  organization that kills people, destroys families and ruins lives.
449750
This book is a wonderful book about cults.  In its pages you will find much information.  This book is probably on the "hit-list" of most cultist because it uncovers many false teachings concerning various false religions.  The liberals ("moderates") loathe it, and make false accusations against it, while those who believe the Bible will admire the time and effort put into this valuable book.  If you are a Christand and intend on contending for the faith (Jude 3), then this book is a "must have."  Though I do not agree with every page of this book, it is still wonderful when viewed as a whole.  Never mind the biased opinions of others saying that it is a "waste of money" or "unscholarly" for such accusations are false.  :)
583747
Scientology is a dangerous cult that has been responsible for more than one ruined life and death.  Whatever it may have been before David Miscavige took over, it's become a cult of personality.  This book shows the inner workings, the dark side, that Scientologists consistently deny or refuse to address.  The author is a journalist who followed up on her articles about Scientology for Rolling Stone Magazine with more research and more detail.
Truly, this was a great book with a lot of insight into this very closed organization.  I highly recommend it!
4621292
This book was very interesting.  A little insight into The Cult Leaders Of Our Time.
2162679
I was first introduced to the scam of Scientology in the 1970's and immediately saw if for the high-priced ripoff and scam that this book proves it is.  Honestly, how the leadership of this giant cult can get away with this is just mind-boggling.  It's like brainwashing slaves into believing that slavery is a pretty good idea and that the slaves deserve to be in the condition they find themselves in.  Good job Lawrence Wright.
748908
Very factual, well written description of the cult of Scientology.  Is it me or is this beyond belief?  How do they get away with the crimes and abuse that they commit?  I know in the book it explains that they bribe and blackmail people and/or agencies, but I would think at some point there are enough victims and witnesses to charge and convict these thugs of one of their many crimes.  I will never feel or look at the actors & actresses associated with this cult in the same way again.  It's no wonder that so many people think that religions are a scam!  I was approached by a Scientology member in the early 80's and took one of their tests.  I was then told that I had issues that could be resolved by taking some of their classes.  Luckily something didn't seem right to me and I ignored the whole scheme.  Lucky me!
3558020
This is the story of the biggest cult that has ever existed and it's happening right here and now.  I was in Scn for 23 years and left last year.  I had never been on staff.  I was public.  I knew something was wrong and abusive.  I experienced it.  I've read several of the exposes but this one brought me to tears at the end.  So many people who've given their lives for a game and dare I say "religion" so completely corrupt.  It sickens me.  Mr. Headley has risked all to tell this and I thank him.

I am very saddened for Tom Cruise as well.  Here is a talented actor who's been used and brainwashed and doesn't even know it.  If he doesn't awake soon, it'll be too late.  The world is catching on to the the scam of Scn and he will lose much credibility.  Wake up TC!  But that's just it, Scn will not allow it until someone close to him has the balls to show him what is going on behind the curtain.

LRH and DM are selfish, narcissistic and delusional people who need to be exposed - as dwell as those in top management.  I don't say that those who believe in Scn should be made to pay, but certainly those who were aware this was fraud from Day 1 should be made to account for it - that means the Church of Scn.  Certainly they do not deserve their status as a "religion" nor their incomprehensible tax exemptions.

This book is a must read.  You will see where your money goes and will become sickened by the extravagance and waste.  Not to mention the abuse of so many well intentioned people. I am so glad I had the courage and integrity to leave.  I am totally free and Marc is helping others achieve this with his brave writing.
787594
An excellent video of the miracle and the continuing message.  I love Our Lady of Guadalupe, and her story is one of the most fascinating in Christendom.  The largest mass conversion in Christian history.  Though estimates of the number of conversions vary widely, the least I've heard is 7,000,000 Aztecs who turned from their pagan snake god worship and beliefs and became Catholic.  If you missed this on EWTN when it was recently shown, it's certainly worth the money to purchase it.  Share it with your skeptical friends.  It's a real eye opener.
4673891
Dr. Margaret Thaler Singer has counseled and interviewed thousands of cult members including those who were survivors of the Jonestown massacre on November 18,1978. Like journalists seeking the truth, Dr. Singer has been targeted by cults who feel threatened by her services and contributions to helping former members including Jeannie Mills (formerly Deanna Mertle) who were members of Rev. Jim Jones' Peoples Temple.

This book helps us understand the manipulation process in recruiting members especially the vulnerable, disenfranchised, and social outcasts. Cult leaders like Jim Jones recruited among the poor, elderly, lonely, and family units. Somehow I wished that Dr. Singer focused on some cults in depth. But in reality, she does focus that cults come in all shapes, forms, and appearances. Sometimes, cults don't appear religious in form. They can show up at work and present workshops where they are clever enough to hide the truth for their possible recruits. Once, a member is sucked into a cult. They are limited by communication to the outside world. It's another form of prison without walls. In fact, it's worse than any prison because the cult steals the mind away from it's members. They are totally exhausted from working whether fundraising for the cause or being sent for more recruits. Punishment can be harsh. Couples have been separated by the cult leader's decisions and children are the most vulnerable of all. They have no choice and often suffer the worst fate.

I admire Dr. Singer's contributions to understanding the cult psychology. This book will help many people recognize that they are being taken in by those people who appear too good to be true. Cults are still with us. I like the fact that Dr. Singer makes a point to visit the hillside mass grave of over 400 Jonestown victims of whom many were children that were unidentifiable. I am haunted by those visions of the pavilion and the bodies under the jungle sun.

This book will help those understand and educate us about people's vulnerabilities to be recruited into a cult and the process of leaving the cult and afterwards. The cult is far more complicated, complex, and systematic and the cult leader like Jim Jones and David Koresh are nothing without their members which is probably why it ended so disastrously.

I hoped that Dr. Singer continues to explore the cults especially like scientology, Jehovah's Witnesses, the FLDS (Fundamental Latter Day Saints), and Mormons as well since they actively recruit.
4346999
I loved this book.  It made me understand relgions and their purpose a little better.

I think the LDS community encourages people to find out for themselves and this just compares how each religion allows this within the different faiths, some better than others.

Plus the points of what a cult is really hits home! (Which comes from a non-LDS person) If you use that, then there are many more cults on the earth than I ever thought possible.  So stop saying CULT like its a bad thing.  If you belong to a relgion you are in a cult!
4444452
a very well done examination of a "non" religious cult, here in the heart of Hollywood, I became aware f it through a friend of mine who told me last year that he had been a member of this group,  was fascinated to learn more about it. the author painted a very thorough picture of the history and inner workings of the group as well as the aftermath.. a very fascinating read.
1099873
This is an interesting look at the cult Scientology.  In fact it is quite frightening to try to understand what motivates people to enter this so called religion
2042396
EXCELLENT BOOK.  FLOWS AND KEEPS YOUR INTEREST. HARD TO BUT DOWN.

I CHOSE THIS BOOK BECAUSE I WANTED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT SCIENTOLOGY WAS ABOUT. I NOW KNOW IT IS A CULT.