'Holy Sh*t, We’re in a Cult!'

[@tonycns]

"I’ve been involved in a number of cults both as a leader and a follower. You have more fun as a follower but you make more money as a leader." - Creed Bratton

[@rozenart5768]

tonycns Wow! Gotta give it to ya though at least you’re honest about it!!

[@CHURCHOFSOUTHPARK]

Creed is my favorite character on the office.

[@jacquelinerodriguez6620]

Lmao I love Creed 😂

[@itshardandimok]

tonycns beautifully spoken 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@chinchilladivine81]

I thought this quote just before I saw your comment!

[@tonib.3016]

A friend of mine said something I will never forget because it was so perfectly correct. He said that "seeking spirituality and looking for answers can be a good thing,it's when you think you have all the answers,that's when it can become dangerous." Or anyone tells you they have all the answers to life and its many mysteries...GET AWAY FROM THEM IMMEDIATELY!

[@stoopidpants]

You should do a deep dive on the Heaven's Gate cult. I'm sure you're at least somewhat familiar with them, but there are videos, right here on youtube, of Applewhite talking to his "flock" about how he is full of shit and he doesn't have the answers, but the "flock" reinforce HIM. And it isn't a video for effect; things get so muddled and complicated in these types of things. In the videos I've seen, it seems like he truly knew he was full of shit, at least at certain points in time, but his followers built him back up. It's really quite fascinating. Also, to this day, someone still maintains the Heavens Gate website.

[@DEWwords]

You can get spirituality easily, it's in every aisle of every liquor store.

[@Lilacleaf49065]

Also, you ALWAYS find the answers within yourself via life. Nobody can or should ever tell you what to think or feel.

[@theaccountant5846]

@@DEWwords I'll have a 12 pack of uplifting with a 60 OZ of spirituality

[@mirriulahwaterdog]

Absolutely! It never ceases to amaze me that a particular religion or another denigrates the 'pagan and magic' of the 'other' yet they themselves purport to believe in the most out of this world dogmas and scenarios that are in fact no more or less 'pagan and magical' than the others.

[@1951kvk]

When a person becomes more important than the message, then you know there's a problem.

[@GeneralLiuofBoston1911]

Wise words there.

[@lordblazer]

Landmark Education is a cult that doesn't put a single leader in the front of it. the indoctrination is done enmasse.

[@PHlophe]

Marithé , you know it lol!

[@TheAnantaSesa]

Right, the message is that profit is more important than any person(s).

[@Barry4B]

Mary Therese McCool I wish I had read your comment 30 years ago

[@riggs20]

I ain't joining no cult that makes me do burpees.

[@naomik1454]

Was thinking the same thing I'll join a cult that eat kfc and sleep all day though

[@riggs20]

@@naomik1454 Awesome! We've got 2 members so far! 😀

[@kevinerose]

@@riggs20 I like sleeping but you can have my kfc. Let's get this thing going!

[@lynnkesh254]

@@riggs20 ...count me in too

[@riggs20]

@@lynnkesh254 Yes! We're up to 4 members now! I wonder how many you need to officially go from being a weird group of friends to a bonafide cult? 10? 20? 😆

[@sudzy8285]

Whenever you hear, "We moved to a property..." You know bad shit is about to follow.

[@curiousgeorge6921]

😆😆😆

[@KDD8]

When white people say we moved to a property its always fucked up shit hahahah 99% of how all horror movies start.

[@glamorsocial7081]

Jon Ratchford These human sheep, keep following and multiplying instead of leading. isheep with iphones 😂😂😂😂😂😆😆😅😅😅🤔

[@KDD8]

@Benjamin Weiss Have you watched any horror movies my friend?

[@annahoeh6692]

I literally burst out laughing when I read this in a quiet crowded room

[@lu9167]

I was in a cult... Jeova's whiteness. I left few years before being baptised. I just could not endure all that mind and life control. They control all your life. You are not allowed to have friends or relationships outside the organisation. And one day I just woke up and decided not to go anymore... i felt guilt and unworthy for AGES. But ,thank God it's over. Yes , I made a spelling error because this cult in my country is called TESTEMUNHAS DE JEOVA. if you think you are better than me because your first language is English, maybe you are not that much of a Christian... Am just saying. Yes I still believe in God not as a person but as an energy

[@reference2me]

Freedom can be a scary thing ... you have to "think" and make up your own mind

[@lu9167]

@@reference2me some people are scared to think for themselves. But it wasn't my case. I was just a child

[@lu9167]

@Kip Jansson am glad too. They seemed so perfect . But they were poison

[@mikaelamilazzo5070]

Could that have been just the congregation you were in? My husband's family are all Jehovah's witnesses, no one in his family never even asked me to join the church! I know some congregations vary, and I'm not a witness at all, my beliefs are considered evil lol

[@lu9167]

@@mikaelamilazzo5070 think God i didn't stay to find out

[@rosehill9537]

When the picture of the leader is referred to as God...alarm bells.

[@KS-op5hb]

I think this is common in Guru type teachings though. I think he could "sell it" to folks that way by saying it is his ties to his enlightenment in India. No clue I am just guessing.

[@gaywizard2000]

Like a golden Trump statue?

[@BRunoAWAY]

@@gaywizard2000 very very like 😭

[@phil5910]

you mean Jesus

[@eliaschevette]

just like Jesus said he was god right.

[@WildwoodVagabond]

I’m still trying to recover from the damage done through a christian cult I escaped 5 years ago. I had the same experience as that lady 0:46. It was so confusing because there was so much love and generosity, but underlying there was so much control. Basically in the end I was shunned from this small group of christians who were like family to me for 7 years. The pastor kicked me out of the church for asking questions. After that none of my long time friends from the church would even talk to me. They weren’t allowed to. They cut me off just like that. Overnight. How very Jesus like. This was a church that superficially looked amazing. They were praying for revival, filled with the Holy Spirit, has miracles happen, we each genuinely loved and sought God, the whole nine yards. But when the pastor started to demand that I submit to him and his wife it didn’t sit right with me and I questioned him. Anyway, I am doing great these days and I feel more free than I ever have not belonging to any religion. I’m grateful that I had the courage to ask questions and think on my own. Otherwise I’d still be there with them. I forgive them and I hope for them that they wake up before it gets worse.

[@WildwoodVagabond]

Nicole I believe that Jesus existed and was a highly enlightened man who probably did the healing that was talked about in the Bible, but I no longer believe in him as a savior or that he was the only son of god and that through him you go to heaven when you die. I don’t believe in heaven or hell anymore. I believe there is a God. I’m still sorting through things. It just doesn’t make sense to me that there are so many religions and supposedly Christianity would be the ONLY truth out there like they claim. There are many religions that predate Christianity, like Buddhism for example, that were around for thousands of years before Christianity was born. At this point I feel like there is some truth to be found in all religions and no one religion has ALL of the truth. So no I don’t believe in Christianity anymore. I believe it is a fear based religion created to control society’s behavior, but has aspects of spiritual truth to it -in a nutshell ✌🏼❤️

[@georgias9211]

Hope you are Okay & healed?.🙋‍♀️hello from Australia 🐨🦘

[@debrajohnson3851]

Please don’t let people turn you against God. I left the church for four years, but I kept reading the Bible and He kept answering my prayers. I returned to church with the realization that what matters most is my relationship with God not the approval of church people. Yes, we should love others inside and outside the church but God should be first.

[@JimJamTheAdmin]

@@debrajohnson3851 please read their follow up post and understand the only person you are serving with this message is yourself. They do believe in God, just don't believe in one that demands total and absolute obedience through church power structures. Simply saying "I prayed and God gave me what I want." is instantly negated by me saying that I also prayed and God didn't feel like answering my prayers. Instead you should congratulate them for escaping a Christian Cult and still finding God at the end, like a Christian would.

[@home5893]

Don't stop questioning, only the truth will set us free.

[@0Flow0]

If you start to feel uncomfortable or that something goes against your own values you really need to take a step back and re-evaluate the situation.

[@psychoprosthetic]

Problem with that is that self-development is all about questioning oneself to break out of unhelpful habits and do better in life. Even mainstream psychological approaches to overcoming anxiety require that. So challenging one's habits and challenging one's values can slide into each other when you question deeper stuff.

[@DonnaLeehereandnow]

Yes and no. People are fed ideals which don't work for them, but they're the 'standard' ideals. Doesn't mean the standard is for everyone. We are all not Xian, straight, monogamous and standard.

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

Anonymous OFlowO, Um, nuthin' the matter with evaluating situations any time.

[@Swnsasy]

Thank you! If you feel more pain than pleasure, RUN!

[@coreycox2345]

@@Swnsasy Even better put some thought into what you get into in the first place. A cult might find me annoying.

[@redphill8959]

This was just secretly a Ab workout program that got out of hand.

[@alquinn8576]

this is less of a cult than crossfit tbh

[@4everu984]

🤣🤣🤣🤣😆🔥

[@oceanviewfinanceoffice9914]

:)

[@northstarastrology3954]

LOL, I love it! 👍😂 In the same way, Veganism, drew me in and I believe is a cult. The cult of starvation. I'm still trying to get my health back.

[@theveganvillainess]

@@northstarastrology3954 i don't know what you're talking about there, I'm an overweight vegan and definitely not starving

[@gaia3487]

The fact that he had a picture of himself in everybody's room was a big red flag!

[@deadsoon]

Gaia he has some God Complex going on

[@dogscott7881]

Personally I worship my picture of Christina Hendrix

[@m.w.6526]

Why? Who are you to judge? What if this video is just propaganda?

[@RobWitchdoctor]

We love the leader! Na na nannaaaananana LEADER!

[@ryansmith3448]

We love the leader, the leader is love, when i'm not with him, I feel like a shlub.

[@Deeplycloseted435]

Every comment: it takes a special kind of person to be susceptible to a cult. Actually, those most susceptible to manipulation, are those that believe they are immune to it. Group psychology is a very powerful thing, as we are tribal beings. We are designed to not make waves in a group in order to survive. We strive to be perceived as important and meaningful for the group. Its in our natural instinct. In our disconnected digital world, I think we are going to be seeing a lot more of this.

[@carmenl163]

As cults are almost always related to some firm of religion, I highly doubt that.

[@sambarger3339]

@@carmenl163 most cults are not related to religion. You can have self development cults, psychology cults, political cults, etc

[@sambarger3339]

Not only are they more likely to get sucked in, but are also much harder to realize they are in one because they are so convinced that they would never have joined a cult, so it must not be one.

[@carmenl163]

@@sambarger3339 You are right, all those kinds of cults exist. But since they are worshipping a person like some God I think of it as religion. But in fact, it's not of course. I never understood how people can end up in a cult. I mean, the minute your freedom is taken away it cannot be a good environment, right? But I suppose you are right about people lying to themselves to avoid some inconvenient truth.

[@neoqwerty]

@@carmenl163 Cult of personality! Basically, cults are always about how charismatic and charming the leader is and how welcoming and loving the rest of the group is. Cults always, always, *always* prey on people who want to belong to something more than themselves, people who want to be significant and impactful. It's just that some cults prefer to claim they have prophets. (Hot take: all religions start as cults, all religions can spawn offshoot cults, it's just that some of them got bigger and more powerful and that let them ease up on their followers' control until it no longer meets strict cult requirements.) It hijacks the social nature evolution's honed to a fine art for humans, for its own purposes to get you in the group and keep you in the group and in line, unless you're so disruptive to the group that they'd sooner kick you out before you tear the group down. Critical thinking is a poison to how cults work, and if you think "I'd never fall for that/I'd never join a cult", congrats, you've failed to think critically, you're one of the suckers that can fall for it. It's only when you know how it works and what psychological tricks are in use, and are self-aware of your own thoughts and biases that you're actually cult-resistant.

[@BethanyKay]

It's crazy how these cult leaders can take a concept that is helpful in some contexts, and turn it into a full-blown cult where followers give up all ability to create their own life. I had no idea I was in a cult for 35 years. When you're a Mormon, you don't even understand what a cult IS- you just know that you're definitely NOT in one. I had no idea I was giving up my ability to create my own life inside Mormonism. I just shared my story of awakening on my channel in hopes that I can help other Mormons realize they are in a cult too.

[@kingexplosionmurderfuckoff9376]

Good on you for escaping Mormonism, I'm sur not was hard . I hope you're doing well

[@RealAlexaDanielle]

@@kingexplosionmurderfuckoff9376 I hope she’s doing well too, my mother got sucked into that crap

[@raktimparashar]

Isin't that what all organised religion has been doing for ages now?

[@raktimparashar]

@Hunting demons If you want be in some kind of dillusion forever and believe in some bullshit stone age middle Eastern story then I can't help it. Do u know how I can tell u that u r wrong because nobody can tell me what happens when we die. Beside reading that book of urs u can check some other good alternatives like Batman, spiderman etc but don't take them seriously. Just comic books u know written by someone just like u and me. I feel for you. Go and consult a doc/ psychiatrist or something. They will be able to help.

[@misatchi]

Nobody in a cult thinks they are in one. It's really easy to understand why they stay after realizing that. Cults provide a sense of belonging and community. They look friendly and inviting and use tactics like love bombing to make you feel like they fully understand you better than anyone. I have never been apart of something like this but it is easy to see why they exist. We are a species that NEEDS to have company. Isolation makes us lose mental clarity and can lead to extreme depression. At my lowest aka suicidal depression, I just wanted to feel like I had people around that cared about me. I was living alone and drowning trying to maintain two jobs and still being unable to afford my life. I thought that if this was what my life was gonna be, lonely and struggling, I didn't want it. When I went to the mental hospital, I felt a sense of belonging. I felt safe being around people who also felt the way I did. We could check in with each other and spend time together. I dreaded knowing that in 5-7 days, I would return to my life without anything being fixed. I can see how mental institutions in the past created dependency issues and why many people ended up living most of their lives, if not their whole lives inside them. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, because it is better than suffering alone but the problem was they were using barbaric techniques like throwing patients in ice baths, forcing them into chairs for electroshock therapy and lobotomies, and punishing people for being disabled. Some of what they did had good intentions, because we do use bowls of ice water to help distract the mind in times of crisis as well as small electroshock therapy on treatment resistant depression. These things are consensual and work. My point is when you are somewhere with people that think the same as you and feel comfortable in your environment, even if they treat you poorly sometimes, you learn to justify and reason with it. Religion is a cult. I feel like people are afraid to say it since we have major religions with worldwide believers. Even if it does no harm to anyone outside the believers, it is still asking you to devote your entire existence to it. I'm not knocking people for being in this, as I said, in my darkest moments I would LOVE to live in a mental hospital. I know the community can be great and the beliefs can make you feel secure. I get it, but a nice cult is still a cult and that's harder for people to understand.

[@oogaboogashooga880]

I’m too lazy to get sucked into a cult....I’d go once and never go back..not even bc it was creepy, bc I would rather sleep 😂😂😂

[@lbaqnoe]

TheBitch IsBack this is me

[@TimahR]

Lol right! I just don't have the energy.

[@ecasey91]

Right lmao I have a hard time following through on my plans

[@freeto9139]

You're right, most of these interviewee's appear sleep deprived. Could be why they don't mind sitting around meditating so much 🧘🏼‍♀️💤

[@Sistadelphia]

Riiiiight???? Being in a cult seems like a lot of work.

[@pixpusha]

How can I escape this student loan cult? It's sucking my soul out of me through my eyeballs. I don't even remember signing up for all these damn loans. Definitely feel exploited, extorted and exhausted trying to keep up with these damn payments.

[@yoso585]

pixpusha Fortunately, you are free to stop making those payments, thereby breaking free of cult behavior.

[@shontagarner8663]

Girl! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Padoinky]

Stop making payments? Sure, that’ll work just fine

[@jamietodd9741]

tell me you are at least making better money than if you had not gone to college

[@Kaerikillington]

Just don't pay it. Whatre they gonna do break your legs? Sure your credit will tank but the only thing it takes away from you are purely material gains. Life in a minimalist apartment can be great. Lol.

[@MissusTayIor]

“I saw eternity in your eyes.” Good lord. The human mind is so easily enticed....

[@elizabethbrower640]

Eternity in hell, more like it.

[@philobetto5106]

why do all cult members look like art teachers

[@elizabethbrower640]

@@philobetto5106 lol.

[@leandradozier968]

My response was “I know you fucking lying….”

[@swiftkarma4436]

@@leandradozier968 😂😂

[@MrTynanDraper]

He described getting involved in the cult EXACTLY the same way someone gets hooked on drugs. He "tried" it and got really high .. so he kept going back. . .eventually he wasn't getting very high anymore .but all his friends and life was in the cult so he was dependent on it. .even though it became damaging.

[@missyrogers7098]

THIS.

[@rsjc852]

You both are correct. Daniel is describing more of the sociological aspect of addiction, which more often than not is a huge contributing factor to why some people cannot quit - regardless of if something is physically or mentally addicting. Your description focuses more on physical addiction, where over time the body becomes normalized to a substance and becomes physically ill if this balance is disrupted.

[@melody3741]

The Soothsayer42 I'm a heroin addict, he is correct. You've never been in a cult, so you dont know how sick you get when you leave. Ask someone who left a cult.

[@melody3741]

The Soothsayer42 also if you are a real addict and not just physically dependent, you stay spiritually sick after the withdrawals go away. Still another parallel.

[@melody3741]

To be honest, what it really is is codependency gone wild.

[@katiemcneely880]

A COMMERCIAL FOR SCIENTOLOGY PLAYED BEFORE THIS 😂😂😂

[@WineScrounger]

Katie McNeely I got one for some Jewish fundamentalist thing 😱

[@lekkki1]

very weird.

[@martinsmummy2008]

Katie McNeely frightening

[@veganworldpeace2649]

Oh, wow!! Cults if all sorts are everywhere and try to gain followers in all sorts of ways. While in college, I had been targeted to join cults on 2 different occasions, yet fortunately I was aware of what the people were involved with, so I never attended any events to which they had tried to manipulate me into doing...it was to agree to accepting & being saved by Jesus as they "saw" their religion. Some years later the group was discovered to be Christian cults which targeted college students primarily. I do not know the names of these groups. They were both in Kentucky & some members lived in a house together. The women were kind, and my intuition and knowledge of cultist regions as growing up in a strict Catholic family & church made me aware of the dangerous risks and manipulation tactics.

[@chicagoliightsx]

Haha, wow! For _shame_ 😅😂🤥👽👾💩! 👎 🚫🚰🍹

[@LimeyLassen]

It's amazing how they rationalize it even years later. Like "maybe it could have worked out, it would've been nice." "I don't think I was scammed, it was just a good thing that went downhill." Years of abuse will do that, you're trained to doubt your own thoughts, internalize your negative feelings, sublimate your will and happiness to the "greater good". Even after losing faith and leaving, people are susceptible to being re-recruited by someone else because they've been conditioned into a slave mindset.

[@Jenny_Lee_]

You can see Cohen still is predatory. Even the way he talks, the way his hands were making shapes while talking. He still believes he's some kind of special leader.

[@robindeanna1323]

You're wrong about that. This is one of those things that you wouldn't be able to grasp unless you had experienced something similar to cults or brainwashing. In my opinion, cults are the culmination of broken people that have a higher level of intelligence than average , but lack the upbringing that teaches them what to do with such grand ideas and powerful yearnings. Leaders need power, devotion, loyalty, and a willingness to be submissive by followers fuels that power. In the most basic sense, cults are a group of intelligent, devoted, and misguided human beings that use nontraditional means of finding empowerment that is unintentionally misguided and unhealthy. When looked at from this perspective, empathy is key. Everyone wants the right things but is misguided and sinister.

[@nicholasbogosian5420]

@@robindeanna1323 as an ex-cult member, I've concluded that it's abuse and dehumanization even if it's unintentional. I don't believe most people are intentionally abusive, but they can have an awareness of their need for control.

[@brandonlonghi5486]

Leaders know there is no free will...freewill as you describe is simply biology not yet discovered.

[@itemushmush]

@@Jenny_Lee_ Yep, I agree 100%. People like that are just wrong in the head. He said he was "broken" for 2 years after the cult finished... I think that was just his narcissism shattering, but then reforming into a new cult leader, ready to start the whole process again.

[@locdinrelaxation844]

I'm too fat for cult life...soon as I see a floor exercise or a whole bunch of hiking...aiight ima head out 😂

[@KDL861]

Loc'dIn Relaxation I was just thinking... wow they must’ve all been in tip top physical shape. 😂

[@robynb1310]

Right 😂

[@arturoroco7301]

Yah. I don’t want to be told what and when to eat.

[@Zeldarw104]

No thank you, I'm fully capable of washing my own brain. 🤨

[@Photography332]

I wish this was longer. This was so interesting that the cult leader was interviewed after the fact. So cool.

[@liabw05]

katie same

[@chaosdweller]

Interesting right? It usually doesn't end well for them, fascinating to see him talking normally in the free world.

[@LaLA441000]

I was in an abusive relationship with a man at some point in my life, once I had "snapped" out of it and gotten out that too felt like I had been in a one-on-one person cult for all those years. I imagine it's a similar kind of experience.

[@sheilasoule2774]

That’s a really interesting viewpoint: a 1:1 cult. So glad you got free!

[@nataliafalanaoropeza1878]

You can absolutely have a cult of 2.

[@brittaolson6550]

I was with a man like that. I couldn’t believe that he was candid enough to say that he would like to run a cult (once I was already sucked in, of course). He was always saying outrageous things, because he felt that he could do no wrong. He ended up beating me and controlling everything I did but not before, basically, convincing me he was some pure, spiritual being. He also told me if he hadn’t found me, he would have gotten a mail order bride. I always told him I’d leave if he put his hands on my kids. He did and I left, and they never had to see him again. He begged me to return and I said I told him I’d leave if he did. I wish they would have put him in jail and I really don’t wish that on anyone. But he needs to have some sense of limits so he doesn’t hurt others. I’m sorry you went through something similar. A person like that can swallow you up. Glad you got away. I really felt like the mind control made me feel more trapped than the violence. I’m sure you know all the tactics…making you feel crazy, stupid, inadequate…

[@Scrapegoat]

@@brittaolson6550 While it is a cliche how many people will claim their exes are narcissists, they are not uncommon. In my case too, the mental games were more traumatic than the big physical incidents.

[@hotsummernights]

Its the same thing; brainwashing!

[@sshado2]

These are some of the most tasteful interviews I've ever seen. You guys did a good job trying to present this situation as an observer and not a reporter. And most of all, these individuals are brave for being honest about their experiences. Especially that Cohen guy.

[@sissyrayself7508]

Sshado DUhhhh.. of course it was "tasteful and respectful" it was lame stream media reporting on people who believe in their dogma of scientism.. why not handle that with kid gloves? Now, trust me if it had been a so called Christian group they would have done everything to make them look stupid, gullible, uneducated and all the other lies and false stereotypically inaccurate portrayals assigned to anything "Christian".

[@CGoody564]

@@sissyrayself7508 all a matter of perspective. Their dogma of scientism or no ridiculous than the dogma of Catholicism or Christianity. As for saying 'this would be a hit piece if it we're about a Christianity', that depends entirely on the publication. There are some out there that do the exact opposite. There are even some publications that make content that is very favorable to Christians, believe it or not.

[@CIARUNSITE]

Lmao. The two dumbfucks above me are going to join a cult any day now. Scientism hahhahahah.

[@CGoody564]

@@CIARUNSITE hate to break it to you, but there are insane people that worship science as if it were a religion as opposed to a study of how things interact in our universe. How that says anything about me I have no idea; I believe in science. I just don't pray to it for answers. I treat it as the study of interactions within our universe.

[@nonyadamnbusiness9887]

Interesting statement considering Christianity is the world's largest religion. I wish people like you would recognize that the majority of Christians who attend church go to some small church with a pastor who makes way less than an average salary and spends more time visiting the sick and elderly than in church. Christianity has a thousand flavors, but all the press ever wants to talk about is Westboro Baptist, a family cult of 45 inbred hate mongers, or some faith healing charlatan. You'll never see on the news the millions of Methodists, Disciples of Christ, Unitarians, Mennonites, Quakers and the like who mostly mind their own business until someone is need.

[@huntress1013]

The interesting thing is, whenever I read, watch etc something about sects and cults it is always that the leaders have a very magnetic personality. They suck people in and it is usually people who are battling with some form of insecurity. Those who say "nah this can never happen to me". It depends largely on what life throws at you and how strong you are. I believe that this can actually happen to a lot of people.

[@Xaforn]

Very charismatic

[@PrincessJamiG]

💯

[@sambarger3339]

It can happen to anyone. In fact, people who think they wouldn't get sucked into one, are often much more likely to actually get sucked in, and are even more difficult to get out because they are convinced they wouldn't have joined a cult. That's why it's important to know the beginning signs of a high control group to avoid them

[@carmenl163]

It's like an addiction, so yes it could happen to anyone.

[@neoqwerty]

The only reason I didn't join the JWs was because I'd recently seen a show on youtube where two stage magicians broke down how hypnotism and mentalism works and how it doesn't work if you're aware of the trick. Didn't know that 4 days later I'd be watching a kingdom hall meeting and watching a live example of mentalism at work. Hypnotic cadence, constant repetition and encouraging the targets to repeat, it was honestly surreal as an experience. I went just out of scholarly curiosity (religious myths are fun to look at, as an atheist, Harry Potter's got nothing on these!) because I always figured that the best way to get data as a writer is to actually experience it. I've never been more grateful to magicians explaining their tricks than I was that day.

[@Slaanash]

3:05 I immediately think to the King of the Hill scene. "Y'all with the cult?" "What? No, this is a co-operative community where we seek inner peace and-" "This is the place."

[@nicknormousreports3378]

Bwaaaah

[@1966-k3z]

Hank the GOAT

[@Jessica-iq6kj]

I’m blonde Jane! Jam and jelly, jelly and jam! 😆

[@ernststravoblofeld]

@Benjamin Weiss I'm solidly anticapitalist, and even so, I can't blame everything on capitalism. You can have unjustifiable hierarchies without any capital or money.

[@peggysue4253]

You mean blonde Jane and old Jane 😅

[@Tipperary757]

Most people long for a sense of community -- that is how the cult leader begins to prey on them.

[@ziggilypiggily]

True - these people are vulnerable, often don't feel they fit into mainstream society but want that sense of belonging and want someone to tell them how to, who, when, and where, without asking why. Here are ways to identify a cult from www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-identify-a-cult-six-expert-tips/ So what constitutes a cult? Eichel listed several factors: "Beware of any kind of pressure. That's probably the single most important advice I can give anyone. Any kind of pressure to make a quick decision about becoming involved in any intensive kind of activity or organization." "Be wary of any leader who proclaims him or herself as having special powers or special insight. And, of course, divinity." "The group is closed, so in other words, although there may be outside followers, there's usually an inner circle that follows the leader without question, and that maintains a tremendous amount of secrecy." "The group uses deceptive means, typically, to recruit new members, and then once recruited will subject its members to an organized program of thought reform, or what most people refer to as brainwashing." "Typically cults also exploit their members….mostly financially. Within the group, they'll exploit members financially, psychologically, emotionally and, all too often, sexually." "A very important aspect of cult is the idea that if you leave the cult, horrible things will happen to you. This is important, and it's important to realize. That people outside of a cult are potential members, so they're not looked upon as negatively as people inside the cult who then leave the cult."

[@AmberAmber]

True - both of you. The worst is that the average person assumes one must be dumb to join a cult - statistics show that the average cult member has a higher than average intelligence. XO Stay vigilant & question everything💗💗

[@ziggilypiggily]

@@AmberAmberI don't think people who join cults are dumb. They are people who come from all walks of life, looking for something that seems to be missing from their lives. Or someone has given them fraudulent information - told them what they feel a person wants to hear, but once you're locked in, its hard to find your way out. And some like myself, are born into a family religious cult-like atmosphere - I grew up in 2 types of religion simultaneously. Mainstream church and then there was my dad's more extreme religion that he grew up with. Only his parents' religion was even more extreme. That was the cultish one - with many varying abuses. Leaving meant leaving my family and leaving with a lot of guilt. I left at age 25 but it took another 10 years for them to leave me alone. Regardless how much guilt I felt, I knew I'd never go back. Its sad that my family couldn't see how hurtful their beliefs or behaviors are to others.

[@AmberAmber]

@@ziggilypiggily I feel you misunderstood me - I said average people who join cults aren't dumb - statistically they're above avg.intelligence overall. XO I'm sorry for your experiences - I cant imagine (though my indoctrination & subsequent religious abuses via Catholicism left me with a good idea of some feelings you also might've experienced). 💗✌🏼💛

[@popesarmyyeehaapopesarmyye1499]

@@AmberAmber understood perfectly RESPECT from IRELAND 💚 ✊ ☘

[@arraiacc]

Responsibly told story. You guys were careful, respectful and patient with the message and didn't try to sensationalize anything. Very rare these days, great filmmaking.

[@emmettarts1723]

The fact that people figured it out is pretty amazing. What a wonderful documentary. The self reflection is pretty sobering. Thank you for sharing this.

[@BWC028]

Yeah pretty tame as far as cults go. Yes they were looney but the all-out slavishness where the leader is sleeping with everyone's wife wasn't there..

[@j3in725]

​@@BWC028doesnt make it less bad

[@metacarpitan]

From the moment you say you are enlightned you arent.

[@repker]

"The only thing I know is that I know nothing."

[@cryptotogo6449]

by that logic even Buddha was not enlightened.

[@metacarpitan]

CryptoToGo that is true, something i had not considered. But i heard this from a monk once and it rings true to me. Althought one cannot say with certainty what Buddha said or not, the translation is "I am awake". Being awake is very different from enlightened, because one can still make mistakes and be human. Enlightened has a conotation of sainthood...

[@AbandonedVoid]

uh, no. Just because the majority of people who claim enlightenment aren't enlightened (and I'm still not convinced this Andrew Cohen wasn't, given he seemed to have a profound spiritual effect on people) doesn't mean those who actually are enlightened aren't aware enough to point out that they are. That said, "enlightenment" varies from culture to culture and person to person, so there can be a lot of shifting definitions. I say, if you want to be enlightened, define what enlightenment means to you and figure out how to get there. It's just as achievable as any other goal in life.

[@metacarpitan]

Abandoned Void I suppose you are right, it is just a matter of semantics.

[@97meeses21]

Throughout the entire video, the leader of the cult only once says that he made mistakes. However, he never takes responsibility for his actions. It's always how "the people followed me," not that "I took control of people." He's still the same person he was back then and has learned nothing. He's painted himself as the victim in all of this. He is still dangerous.

[@carmenl163]

You are right. He said: "for the people that FEEL hurt", not "for the people that I hurt". A very telling distinct.

[@tisaac8037]

signs of a true narcissist

[@stompthedragon4010]

@@carmenl163 He also said, "I lost my authority. " I can't imagine prostrating myself to the photo of a man.

[@jacksont9455]

And what’s crazy is, even his meager non-apology is more than I’ve ever heard from any cult leaders. I definitely think more research needs to be done on how to treat and prevent narcissism before more people get hurt

[@barbaradalzell2597]

There really truly is a very fine line between a cult, and a religion. I know a ton of ppl get angry when i say that, but it is true. I am a Christian, and i go to church, I belong to a church, I've been baptized (more than once actually), my children have been baptized, and have been raised within the church. I am not saying this because i am "antiGod", or "antiReligion" (although once upon a time I was very "anti-organized religion" because I didn't realize the difference between religion and the occult.) And I have always believed in God. I've always had faith. But it really truly is a fine line between the two. A church can go the way of a cult with just a few bad decisions.

[@hollywoodstar6421]

Barbara, that last line is so true.

[@robertjazz3613]

Well the only difference between a cult or religion is that a cult is a new religion or a new branch of certain religion while religion is a old cult.

[@manicpepsicola3431]

A religion the guy being worshiped is dead a cult the guy is alive

[@Julia-vc3by]

The people replying to this saying religion is a cult don't know what a cult is. You can be a part of an organised religion and it doesn't control your life, cut you off from others, etc.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@Julia-vc3by I think.the day the church started harboring known child molesters and knew about it...made it a cult. And that police couldn't do anything about it because THEY were protected...? Yeah, that's fishy AF. It's unconstitutional. Separation of church and state. Lots of people have been helped and they do a lot of good, however. Just as Jim Jones did before he went looney tunes.

[@olivberr]

He made a promise to himself that lasted an hour and a half. Lol I can’t

[@crystalalien4972]

Me

[@Maialeen]

People always say everyone could get drawn into a cult but it's not true. There's a certain type of unstable personality who is perfect for it.

[@user-kt1no7yx1u]

@@Maialeen The thing is if you are aware of cults you can recognize it and think "that's straight up cult shit"

[@Maialeen]

@@user-kt1no7yx1u All of them are aware of cults. That doesn't help this kind of unstable, perpetually unsatisfied, naive extreme follower type personality.

[@conversationswithadrianne]

😂🤣🤣😂😂

[@donnajoseph-barford1076]

My oldest son in a Cult. No contact for 2 years now. It's hard on the parents.

[@s.c.paulson6797]

I am so sorry.

[@lane6216]

I was raised in one and was forced to cut contact with lots of family members. Don’t give up. My thoughts are with you.

[@hollyhocks7360]

Let’s hope he sees the truth and returns to you

[@AmberAmber]

@Donna Joseph-Barford I'm sooooooo sorry - theres nothing more painful than to have ones child out of ones life, for any reason. I wish you nothing but the strength & ingenuity to get your baby back somehow. (My daughter cut me off 3yrs ago & has yet to tell me why - I ache). 💗💔💗💔

[@sleepystars8482]

@Donna Joseph-Barford @Elektric Skeptic so sorry, to lose a child has to be the worst thing that you can go through in life. I hope that your kids get in touch in the future. 💕💕

[@6ixConfessions]

Cult = a massive ego trip for someone. The moment they start to segregate themselves from other people is when the alarm bells should be ringing loud & clear.

[@tessnone9428]

Kimm 65 I almost got brought into the 12 tribes. I was 18- lost and alone... they promised me all kinds of things. My first night there- they took my clothes and gave me their garb... I realized we were not allowed to read the news or know what was going on in the world. No internet allowed. Only certain books. It was actually not easy for them to let me go. But obviously they did within a couple hours. They gave me a hard time about it. Looking back I see how scary that is!!

[@mendingwall3823]

I'm not sure separating from others in and of itself makes the group a cult. Some groups like the amish prefer to live separately

[@caitojones3140]

Or maybe society is a cult, and all those who segregate themselves from society are segregating themselves from the cult.

[@fenrirgg]

A colleague joined Amway, she became so annoying that we lost her forever 😔

[@Karinka970]

I belive

[@arielkmusic]

Hahahaha! Idk why but the way this was worded is so fucking funny to me! 🤣🤣Omg! I'm sorry for your loss, but fuck lol. " she became so annoying that we lost her forever" omg my guy. Lol

[@venus4100]

MLM’s are low key cults. I agree with you.

[@clivechiam]

Rip

[@Xoxotho]

Lmao!!

[@tionalkcore]

“...people who feel that they’ve been hurt.” very telling.

[@KiraNightshade]

Yep, rather than owning that people were hurt. Good catch.

[@mk1st]

It is unusual to see the leader himself talk. He seems to be humble and repentant and agrees that it was not for the best. This is not the typical outcome.

[@ladymaiden2308]

Something tells me that's how he started out too. Give it time.

[@nomoresecrets3065]

...and now I am an elder in the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

[@homeskillet7423]

Said everyone at the beginning and then ended up in a cult

[@melodioushaste]

I disagree - I was born into and raised in a cult, and he still seems fucking creepy as hell.. the way he holds his hands is very distracting, and the way he looks off into space is really hypnotic. I think he knows exactly what he's doing.

[@clairew4829]

melody polakow what was your experience

[@AllisonLinner]

"Everyone had a picture of Andrew in their room." Ohhhhh I get how you remained celibate now 🙃 🛇

[@Seeotherchanels]

Vanity

[@sooofunny37]

lool

[@CM-jw5wv]

😂👍

[@missmoxie9188]

Very true

[@sudonim7552]

Instant turn off when you see that

[@alien-ann]

Is there a cult that just sleeps? I'd be down for that

[@goldensloth7]

i will send you some literature [falls asleep, forgetting completely]

[@ronluv650]

A cuddle cult 🤗

[@WorldUnitedGamers]

Yeah, Heaven's Gate, they just sleep, for a loooong time.

[@Yahpah]

I fucking wish

[@BlisaBLisa]

jonestown

[@leahcotton5315]

The best time for Andrew to be a “spiritual teacher” to anyone would have been once he was humbled - I have learned the most from very broken people, not those who claim to understand the universe or life’s purpose - the ones who *dont* understand it but get through hard times in life, those are my teachers.

[@lisazoria2709]

Being in a cult is like being in a relationship with a narcissist but on a mass scale.

[@andrewcollins6954]

"The biggest ego trip going is getting rid of your ego." - Alan Watts

[@vixxcelacea2778]

@Donal Finn Stopped clock is right at least once a day. Even shitty insane people can say something insightful or have a point. Doesn't validate their character because they say one smart thing, but it also doesn't mean the smart thing is worthless because of who it comes from.

[@bernardsmith1230]

Eckhart Tolle must have a huge ego then 😀

[@kenbob1071]

"To be free is to have nothing." "If I suggested a movie that he didn't like, I had to go to the store and buy hundreds of dollars worth of flowers...and gift baskets..." Makes sense. 😱

[@jeep19]

At least his punishment didn't involve "servicing" the leader...if you know what I mean 😉👌👍

[@AbigailThinks]

literally!!! To be free meant followers got nothing and Andrew got it all.

[@Work4Love3000]

Thanks for sharing. I was in a cult 25 years ago. I stayed for 4 years. The group did the exact opposite of what their writings said and somehow I made that ok in my mind. Really an unpleasant time. Some very ugly personalities in charge and some lovely ones that were followers. But I was smart (or lucky). I got out and broke off all contact with everybody. That worked out well for me. But I still think about it and remember how it felt to be so confused. it actually took a severe case of malaria to get me to move away.

[@lmmcg6671]

It's very easy to fall into this. These churches go out of their way to be extra nice. Especially if you haven't much close family. You feel this acceptance and love around you. It's kind of addictive almost. Your past is irrelevant and they just take you for what you are. I was in a church for 5 years and it was so hard to leave. When I left I was dropped completely which was almost more hurtful. I considered these people to be family. It's all consuming. even if you get into a relationship or have friendships they tell you to bring them to church. Even your social life is all about church. Even now it's only 3 or 4 months from I left. I'm still getting texts to say we miss you and the girls (my daughters).

[@GailOwens]

How true, there is a large charismatic Church near me that is causing as much chaos in peoples lives as an established cult. Hope you get on ok. Please re, member what you are going through isn't your fault. IF you ever need to chat message me, I have helped a lot of people leave abusive systems. I have been in na cult myself, and a church like the one you are descriing. Look after yourself.

[@irishcountrygirl78]

C Rizzy "thankfully not to an evil end". You obviously don't know about ole Ireland then. The rape of children and the murdering of babies and the slavery of their mothers, all in the name of Christianity. I'll give the links to each if these facts if you'd like. Religion is disgusting and I'm Irish.

[@irishcountrygirl78]

C Rizzy well they killed each other here politically AND religiously in the troubles. It was all relative. Both corrupt, both controlling, politics and religion. The root of all evil is money and religion, that's what most people say here now. We have become awake and now want to educate our kids to just be good people without the religious ethos or element to it. Think for themselves with a conscience and not because some wizard costumed guy on a pulpit says so.

[@irishcountrygirl78]

C Rizzy whatever gets them by l guess, but in my grandmother's day the priests in the Catholic Church used their "power" for their own agenda. She watched their parish priest take money out of a starving home and walk out their door without even a look back. So that's left a bitter taste in our mouths l guess. As long as they aren't controlling or trying to change a person's way of living then it's fine. I have never met a Christian though that hasn't beaten me over the head with their bible though. 😂

[@LibsRockU]

Several dynamics I have experienced in my past fundamentalist xxx-ianity: 1. It is not OK to think about yourself & your needs (unless they are met by god). Total garbage. (healthy response? There is a healthy selfishness. Find it.) 2. The make mega-churches so that you will be immersed in their world. Gymnasiums & bands etc. Makes it much more difficult to get objective about the legitimate other options you could experience outside of the church. You are essentially forced to be there. (solution? Get the hell out! Run. Don't walk.) 3. Charismatic leader who is "called by god". (total mind-game garbage.)

[@normanoro206]

I'm just glad they made it out of that cult. Unless they're really careful, power can corrupt even the most well intentioned of people.

[@allenhemphill5868]

Norman Oro Im really starting to think that everyone with great power becomes corrupt. Some get caught some dont.

[@dianehawkins8436]

@@allenhemphill5868 Any position of power or authority. Large or small.

[@mikeoveli1028]

@@allenhemphill5868 Having lots of money can be just as dangerous. Not that I would know much about it.

[@alc4ever24]

I'll bet you all left with great abs though lol

[@staceylili6703]

alc4ever24 I was thinking the same thing 🤣😝

[@RocLobo358]

@@staceylili6703 me three

[@TEO.187]

Spiritual burpees

[@Danielle33384]

alc4ever24 🤣🤣

[@Pablo123456x]

I'm just 1 minute in the video so I can't get the reference yet by I like this comment already

[@homeskillet7423]

For real. I wanna see their abs and upper body tone. I mean they all might end up needing knee replacements but they got some core strength I bet.

[@hannahhester8376]

Me personally, I think the former cult leader was very brave to come onto this video and actually talk about how and why he started this cult. Bet you anything, Warren Jeffs, the polygamy cult leader and high rankers, and Scientology's leader, sorry, I forgot his name, and high rankers still in, Jehovah's Witnesses leaders, etc. etc. (insert cult name here)...Public apology? HA! Never, ever happening.

[@vixxcelacea2778]

@T South Agreed. When people are scared, desperate to have some solid truth to stand on no matter what, they can easily become what cults are. Most people don't have nefarious intentions, they have good ones. But dogmatism and desperation drives people to believe things just so that they can be a universal truth. This is why I get so frustrated with people saying science is just another religion or cult. It's not, because it's never ever claiming that something is a universal truth. Science is that something is 99% true, meaning there is always information to change the way we understand things that we don't know of it doesn't claim to know, it is the pursuit of knowledge. Religion, cults, etc all think it's 100% and questioning otherwise makes you a social pariah or someone to be prayed for.

[@Krusher115]

The leader of scientology is David Misgavich (I believe that's how it's spelt). I read his father's book about his escape from scientology and his experience of being the father of the leader.

[@dionysosfan]

I

[@pmaughmer]

That was actually impressive. It shows two sides in this case. Dude seemed like he was on a journey, started showing it, peoe started following, he creates organisation. The followers are as morally culpable as the leader and vice versa.

[@Desert_Dreamin024]

Actually, they’re are plenty of Former Jehovah’s Witness leaders on here that have channels discussing details and apologizing for being a part of the organization. Just have to look for them.

[@RLomoterenge]

“I’ve been going around the world reaching out especially to people that have been hurt”=I’ve been desperately looking for more followers especially by preying on the weak

[@pmaughmer]

And the weak seek it.

[@TIG2MAN0]

that was a great documentry. My family growing up functioned like a cult with my dad as cult leader. and when you grow up in it its normal. so when you leave its hard to adapt to reality.

[@sokyoul]

A cult would never work for me, im too stubborn😂 My general rule is to do the opposite of what im told, i cannot stand someone telling me what to do

[@fredck4191]

Unless it's the cult of reverse psychology, then you're toast😂

[@corynasf9749]

every single person inna cult thinks that about themselves

[@cruelangel7737]

Intelligence is not equal to critical thinking skills.

[@DynamicUnoTea]

Cruel Angel Too Right.

[@stephaniestafford3797]

Oh my goodness, so true!!

[@PearComputingDevices]

You got that right

[@PearComputingDevices]

Well, I put them in the same camp as Obama bots. Progressive ideology is so toxic and yet attractive. I think people do themselves a disfavor when they put themselves in to a box. That's why I think things like identity politics is toxic and highly corrosive. Who cares if your white, black, single or a mom? What difference does that make? None. Yet that's the first thing you hear. "As single black mom.." and somehow that's more important then the topic at hand. It's much too limiting, and a huge turn off to anyone with an ounce of intelligence. Personally thinking beyond emotion is most important. You can feed off emotions after you've reasoned first. Most people simply don't do that. So that leaves my question to you. Are you smart enough to use reason and logic before emotion? If not you probably have not got a leg to stand on.

[@cruelangel7737]

dorian diddles When you used the term "intelligent" in your comment, I'm curious, I want to know what might you mean by that? What is the definition of "intelligent" you used, or meant, when you wrote that comment? Thanks.

[@annwe6]

I was part of a cult for two decades. I was young and vulnerable and gradually drawn deeper in over a number of years. I recognize that wake up feeling the intervieweeshad. The illusion begins to slip and then, wham, you see it all for what it really is. It was painful and I'm still working through anger at my self and the cult. Still, I'm free now and finally finding out who I really am.

[@DietscheMejal1]

I grew up in a cult and as a kid I always knew something was off, I was always very skeptical. My parents left and exposed the whole thing, so it fell apart here in Mexico and in the US but in Germany it’s still going strong.

[@kathymisuraca5047]

Children of god?

[@andykara2003]

Buddha: focus love on others, there is no me. Andrew: me me me - I was this, I was that, I'm enlightened (even though my own teacher Papaji denied it)

[@silverbat5873]

....So happy that I'm an introvert.

[@misatchi]

Even so, we still need people in our lives. Human beings are social creatures and often some of us fall for this stuff in times when our mental health is at rock bottom and all we really want is someone who seems to care and understand us. Cults look for people like this. I am definitely an introvert but I know if someone said the right things to me when I was in crisis mode, I'd probably listen and go with them.

[@tumininu8086]

You should start a cult :)

[@natalie8212]

Thank goodness this group dissolved before anything drastic happened. I've done endless research on Jonestown, and trust me, it started similarly. It was a nice idea from the start, believe it or not. A different kind of society, where everyone is equal and we all pull our own weight to better our own little area in the world. But ego and power made a madman of the proprietere for the people who bought into this.

[@aceofspades1217]

I have little sympathy for Andrew but I appreciate that he takes some level of responsibility.

[@Keyser666]

So what movies didn't Andrew like? Fight Club? Children of the Corn?

[@AdolfoCores]

"Samsara"

[@BobPagani]

He really disliked the later Police Academy sequels. You know, the ones Bobcat Goldthwait wasn't in.

[@aidencassidy77]

In September 2016, after over three years absence from public life, Cohen unveiled a redesigned website. This included an announcement of his intention to return to formal teaching, beginning with a retreat planned for early 2017............I guess enligtenment is a hard habit to break...lol

[@bryceflores864]

Oh no.

[@zerosysko]

Not surprising; even those "apology" emails shown in this doc were pretty lukewarm. Sounds like he's constructed his whole identity around being a spiritual leader and can't quit the addictive thrill of having followers fawning over him and prostrating themselves literally and figuratively. Like, just work on your own enlightenment dude and leave everyone else alone. If he was truly humbled and had clarity beyond "I made some mistakes" than he'd not try to be anyone's guru anymore. He'd recognize that he has control issues and abusive tendencies and clearly can't handle the responsibility - there's a difference between teaching what you think you know and ruling over people's lives and minds. Gandhi made sure to state there is only one member of Gandhi-ism (himself). Peace Pilgrim didn't ask for followers or money or position herself as high and mighty at all; she just did her own thing and spoke her truth. It's not uncommon for abusers to cry mea culpa and do some token repentance/therapy when their victims finally take a stand or they get caught (or else break the other way and get violent or even more controlling). It's damage control to try and reverse the clock back to when they had power.

[@MrNick615]

zerosysko sure and they learned valuable lessons about what not to do when brainwashing and controlling your cult, so ostensibly, his sabbatical and return probably makes him more dangerous if he's processed what went wrong and how not to repeat it..

[@cindys9491]

Of course he did. "This time will be different!" He even said he has no life other than this. He got high off of using and controlling people. Yes, some people can change, but for some there's no material reason for them to change. He became a religious leader at 30 and doesn't know how to do anything else (that will get him as high).

[@AnitaGupta-jz8cd]

They're really brave and intelligent for both breaking free and getting out of that cult as well as appearing on the video and talking about such a painful past 💜

[@bigboat8329]

they arent brave and intelligent at all because they got into it in the first place

[@tamasmarcuis4455]

A malignant narcissist's place is in Business and Politics where they can harm the many not the few.

[@LadyJaneF0x]

you have a way with words

[@perforongo9078]

Exactly! We have socially accepted places where we put such people.

[@Mark-yb1sp]

I left a cult 20 years ago and I still feel the damage today. I have never felt connected to society, to churches or even know who I am after I left. I will probably take this to the grave and most of it is my own fault.

[@saffylew]

Master Sergeant You at special, you were created with a purpose by God. He wants you to be able to have a relationship with Him. His name is Jesus, He died on the cross so you and I can be forgiven for all the wrong we have done and rose again proving He is God. He made you and wants you to fulfill your purpose and destiny. He is the one who gives life meaning because He created it! When you come to Christ, you are FREE from the shackles of past mistakes and you have abundant and everlasting life. God promises joy, Love, peace, patience, gentleness and so much more despite whatever challenges life throws. I don’t know where you are based but I encourage you to read the bible www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1&version=NIV I’m here and I would like to connect

[@kattz9051]

I'm glad you're free at least.

[@saffylew]

Redrustyhill there’s a difference between a cult masquerading as Christianity and finding Jesus. Have a blessed day, I pray you meet Jesus too

[@complexlittlepirate3589]

@@saffylew Fuck off, how dare you try to manipulate this guy who's already been through the religious mind-fuckery mill.

[@saffylew]

@@complexlittlepirate3589 Have a great day. Hope you're well. I point people to relationship with Jesus not religion because Jesus is truth and freedom from anger, pain and shame. I encourage you to reread my message and find the wonderful gift of knowing God.

[@hankh5977]

"The Gang joins a cult"

[@rose4490]

Is that an episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia?

[@lorol5224]

hehe the best comment.

[@joshaaron3587]

LOL that would be an amazing episode.

[@savagerampage69]

Ok but they actually started one

[@traserodegatonaranja2717]

Omg I immediately heard the theme music in my head when I read this... it’s perfect and they should hire you!🤣

[@yislenablack4373]

It doesn't sound like Andrew owned any of his mistakes. A lot of his "apologies" sounded like something to make him look good. "The cult fell apart when people started disassociating with my teachings." No, the cult broke up because of his manipulation and narcissism. It sounds like he was saying "my teachings weren't convincing enough."

[@pmaughmer]

Omg get over yourself. The followers that built him up are no less responsible for what transpired. They wanted it, no less guilty. Simple psychology.

[@jeep19]

At least he didn't steal all the money 😅😜🤭😷

[@KiraNightshade]

@@pmaughmer People who end up in cults make mistakes along the way, not listening to gut feelings, but they are the victims of a powerful manipulation. The profuse apologies the guy picking movies had to do if he made a mistake, no normal person would ask for that. He compelled the group to behave that way. And exactly as the original comment states, the leader isn't repenting at all and displays a lot of narcissist traits, including the lack of an apology, a lack of genuine self reflection. He sees himself as a failed spiritual leader rather than a corrupt individual.

[@picklep9812]

I didn’t interpret him like that at all

[@brains7942]

@@pmaughmer Your "simple psychology" sounds more like victim blaming. Let me guess, victims of assault "wanted it" too, huh? Sit down.

[@AlexaBellaMuerte]

Homeboy was buying this dude flowers! None of my boyfriends have ever brought me flowers after they piss me off. Incredible.

[@TomTobin67]

You're beautiful. You should choose better boyfriends that will buy flowers for you.

[@cujo8212]

" Be a pimp not a simp " - Jesus christ

[@narayansivajiramos999]

😄😄😄😄👳👳👳😃😃😃😃😃

[@jimmieoakland3843]

The problem is that these experiences they feel at first are very real, very powerful, and people want more of them. This is understandable. But older, more established traditions have warnings about mystical experiences. They are the beginning of the search, not their ultimate goal. At some point, hopefully, you will go into the dark night of the soul. That is where the real progress comes. It is difficult, but if it was easy, everyone would be enlightened.

[@kripaharris237]

Yes .Spiritual growth recognised by our equanimity in all situations and the radius of our love

[@koridevereaux]

I have been in a cult and almost killed myself just to get out, and I still worry every day that some day I might fall into another one, because cults are so tricky and can creep into your mind and take over, like boiling a frog in water. Cults don’t just have to be religious, it can be through some lifestyle, hobby, career even and many other things. All it takes is an individual or a group that seeks power and control. It’s a dangerous world out there y’all.

[@TaylorMeadowSun]

May I offer some encouraging words? I believe you will never fall into a cult again because you know what that experience feels like now. There’s no way you could ever go back. Once you see it -you can’t unsee 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@sylviababajide7660]

Insurance money cult is real I got out 6 days a week

[@baybeeblue1510]

I'm glad that he was willing to talk. Even if I do not agree with what he did at least he is not hiding.

[@3dge--runner]

Nothing wrong with meditating for 1000's of hours. I've been on zen retreat (Sesshin) many times and even lived at a monastery for a while. I loved every min of it. I also still meditate 2x/day. Its a great practice. These people made the mistake of including extreme guru worship and devotion and spoiled the soup.

[@aplanedomain9550]

“We accept the reality with which we are presented” - Christoff Truman show. We are born into a cult. “Enlightenment” is realizing that everything is a cult.

[@maryhannah6115]

“You’re in a cult. Call your dad.”

[@jaymanlivecom]

lmao

[@brookelambert7204]

Murderino 101

[@roz1495]

SSDGM

[@mirandashana1806]

Stay sexy and do God’s missions

[@MissDelanee]

Stay sexy!

[@sophiejones7727]

The secretiveness of this group is perhaps the most terrifying thing of all. I lived less than a hundred miles from this place, drove past it all the time, never knew it was a thing.

[@pmaughmer]

So you should know what every ones up to all the time everyday. That's a cult mentality.

[@sophiejones7727]

@@pmaughmer we are talking about organizations here, not individuals. It is usual for organizations to make their existence and general activities public. an organization that doesn't, is characterized as secretive. Given that you constructed a coherent and correctly spelled sentence, I think you probably knew that.

[@pmaughmer]

Haha cheers mate. Tis true. I wish I believed organizations in general were completely transparent. But yes I can't argue against your point here as I was coming from the perspective of if I'm just living with a couple other people, no cult shit, share similar views wanna be kinda off grid and chill from the craziness of the world, leave me be leave every one else be. This obviously was probably nothing like an intentional community. So you never saw any one coming and going into town for supplies groceries etc? Or they were just never open about their religion/cult?

[@sophiejones7727]

@@pmaughmer I mean, I assume some of them went to the same stores and what not. There aren't many options in that area. Though maybe they had deliveries, idk. But an interview with the leader on local radio or tv would have been standard. One might have expected them to buy ads in theater programs, or sponsor public events. Never did any fundraisers, which is particularly weird for a religious organization. If you were living off the grid with a few people you would, unavoidably, know what everyone was up to all the time. In fact, since you would be depending on those people for survival, you would probably want to know that. After all, if they're slacking off: you could starve, or freeze, or your house could fall on your head. Be careful what you wish for. It's much less stressful to live in a place where you don't have to worry what your neighbors are getting up to, because it has no importance for your life.

[@nicholecooperonline]

Both secrecy or no privacy at all are both signs of control which is not good

[@fivedee5D]

Interesting piece. The biggest piece I took away from watching this, was gratitude for the 1.5x speed button.

[@fishbuddy547]

Five Dee I know this is random but you have a really cute haircut.

[@JonMcGarvey]

Lol yes!

[@conniehoukamau2899]

Ty

[@starsatnightsparkle1318]

Dang...where is that button???

[@etcetraetcetra3173]

Thanks for tip!

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Narcissists don't change, they just change tactics. Anyone notice how hypnotic and calming the former leader's voice was? The way he sat so still with his hands carefully displayed in the same position and gazing off to the distance as if he was hearing some spirit voice, always keeping his voice low, calm, soothing. He knows exactly what he's doing and hasn't changed a bit. Just goes to show you that anyone can end up in a cult. Our brains are wired for it.

[@debbiesitarz3455]

Just like Keith Raniere of Nxivm - it's a shtick or persona they hone. Gone are the days when the leader would yell, shake, scream and pump his fists at his adoring followers.

[@leanna107]

Very perceptive of you. Now I flashed back to wondering if the cult I was in had similar technique- like when people sit and listen to the lds leaders in their boring rhythms for hours while you have to sit with predispositioned regard to them and the words out their lips. It makes me sick now, and I had no understanding of tactics then.

[@cosibellacristenas]

Finally a cult leader with the guts and integrity to take responsibility.

[@trishpipkins]

Isabella Young has he really though?

[@JaneAlison008]

Trish Pipkins exactly, what he says is safe for him, if some people didn't break the cult, he would probably continue that sh*t till today because he was extremely comfortable as a "guru".

[@lane6216]

He seemingly has. Probably though he just realized the jig was up and this was the best route to take to save face.

[@alyssapeterson8307]

He has in this video, but he is still doing retreats and classes in India

[@herewegokids7]

Nope

[@Smashy360]

We're all looking for answers where none exist. Don't allow this vulnerability to enslave you to others. They have absolutely no more insight than you.

[@100consciouseternallightho6]

Smash There are a huge amount of people that have more insight than most. Physicists know that nothing is solid or physical. So we are eternal energy and light beings, constantly being created. There are many books that say this, but they are kept out of schools and hospitals by trillionaires that make no money from them. This is a corporate world, which means it is psychopathic. Many people are calling these corporations psychopathic. Watch the video. They only care about themselves, so they teach only what makes them money.

[@stephenchase6611]

@@100consciouseternallightho6 Take your meds!!! 😃😃😃

[@100consciouseternallightho6]

@@stephenchase6611 With the smiley faces up there, I think that you may be ironic. Other than that, I have accomplished reading over 200 books that say "get the hell out of dodge" because these nazis want to rule the world and have put up those 5G towers all over San Antonio Tx. Any day they could beam us to smithereens or they could raise the amps so that we all have the worst headaches. It is not enough for them that radiation is smothering us all with its rads, especially from fukushima, but they put in place an allopathic system favored by the nazis and then call it health and medicine. This is one of the surest signs that nazis have taken over america. These nazis are the biggest cult of all. The youtubes Barbara Honegger creates are another sure sign that nazis have taken over. She worked in the white house for 30 years listening to these nazis with their plans. Then she resigned to write at least 2 books: "October Surprise' and "9/11 Toronto Report" by James Gourley; and to make youtube videos that we all need to watch and then go to a notary republic to help put these nazis out of power. The book "Hands of Light" written by the physicist Barbara Brennan says we are eternal, multidimensional, electromagnetic, holographic energy and light beings. There are pictures in this book showing us what we look like out of these bodies as energy beings and holograms. She has built a college system where YOU can earn a bachelor's degree. Learn what it takes to heal yourself, then those smiley faces will be yours everyday.

[@lane6216]

Yep!! I tell my children it’s like Dumbo with the magic feather. We all think we need something to hang onto in order to fly. That’s nonsense. We need nothing outside of ourselves to be okay. If someone tells you otherwise, they’re probably selling something.

[@dianehawkins8436]

@@100consciouseternallightho6 Sounds like you are following a cult. But you are right about corporatism. It is destroying the fabric of mankind.

[@RodCornholio]

My grandma thought I might join a cult. Never joined anything. Not a frat, car club, Scouts, chess club, church...nothing. The closest "cult" I am part of is a GNC discount card for supplements and shit.

[@petrauhrakova]

LMAO, this makes me giggle a bit.

[@kristamadden9546]

pftha! I laughed at this, GNC can be kinda culty.

[@thelegendkillersshittyduff1335]

@Howdy Justice what if no one gave a shit what you think have you ever thought about that asswipe

[@thelegendkillersshittyduff1335]

@Howdy Justice you uncompassionate sack of turd shit

[@Moonwalker4ever87]

RodCornholio 🤣🤣

[@crazy8sdrums]

Everybody needs a hero. I believe I will be mine.

[@JoziTube]

The property is nice can't they use it for something else

[@nervousn1nja]

It was probably foreclosed on after people left and the business couldn't continue making payments.

[@aarfeld]

Tanglewood should buy it for student housing and instruction in their summer music camps with Boston Synphony members.

[@Koolyococo]

Playboy mansion 2.0?

[@shr00mhead]

I would erect the center for the enlightenment of my cock.

[@CybershamanX]

+JoziTube No doubt. Definitely an interesting and unique property. Check out the hole in the ceiling at the 8:19 mark. I wonder if someone (or the head guy) would stand above or if it's just something that makes you stand in one place, look up and turn in a circle to read the text. All I could make out is "The Guru principle..." and the end "...recognizes only itself". They should leave that in. That is, if they want to promote the cult factor. I think it would be interesting to have something like a tech startup in that building. As long as it didn't, you know...turn into another cult. ;)

[@ScientificGentlemen]

In a way this Cult Leader was a successful Guru. He fooled those who were willing to be fooled, and their leaving liberated them as individuals. The truth is that you must follow yourself! Find peace in yourself, not in any other human. There are guides to point in the right direction, but don't follow the guide around as if they are the answer themselves. GO!

[@sissyrayself7508]

Nice Shapes not sure how "liberating " the whole thing was.. other than maybe they questioned their core beliefs later. If not, then are they liberated?

[@raphaellavelasquez8144]

How could someone from NY get enlightened? OMG

[@JT-ss6si]

Lol

[@jackhoff529]

Cause they tend to be drones

[@joshuamiller8682]

Raphaella Velasquez that’s what I was thinking? What?

[@Tracymmo]

It's a racist view of non-whites from other cultures as exotic and magical.

[@kalebbryce]

Lmaooooooo

[@fredrm6023]

I grew up in a physically abusive household with two parents who were successful narcissist. Became a narcissist myself in the process to manipulate them into letting me go at 18 then slowly started healing myself throughout the years as I separated myself from them. It’s been 10 years since I left, I’m alone but happy

[@barritoothy]

Hope you have some friends!

[@stevem815]

Nice to see someone tell a story without trying to whip up drama and outrage.

[@thomasparisithinkhub]

I think, from the explanations and testimonies given, that Andrew Cohen may have started out truly helping and inspiring his students- until his ego grew and he devolved into something else. Kinda sad for all involved.

[@Laurell_Silentshade]

thomas parisi that's gotta be the first time I've heard of a repentant cult leader. Though if what another comment said is true about restarting another enlightenment program, then the apology was entirely self serving and wasn't actually an apology. Maybe another ten years down the road we'll be hearing, Whoops sorry guys. My bad. I'll get it right next time. Third time's a charm!

[@am5790]

usually the conundrum of the dominant mainstream middle middle class to high middle class. easier to focus on such endeavor rather than work for justice and fairness in social experience.

[@LluviaAva]

laurellss88 i actually was surprised he repented and that no one got psychically hurt. Him showing remorse made me feel like he wasnt as bad as a guy as i was expected and it felt refreshing to see him reaching out to the people he hurt.... But then reading hes up to it again makes me see hes probably never going to change. This should have been a life lesson that what he did was wrobg and to never want to do it again....

[@laidambones]

thomas parisi I do believe that what happen to me and my family. With another person.

[@nataliemccall7291]

Absolutely. I've yet to meet an Enlightenment junkie involved in useful ethical employment. All those hours spent on meditation cushions achieves nothing of value.

[@leah2308]

I'm in something of a celibate icebox myself 😟

[@stephaniecuellar3192]

l know the feeling. l also made the choice to both be, and be so happily. What appears to others as coldness is my freedom of detachment. As for celibacy? Also, a choice. There's resources which l can use for other purposes.

[@zachbos5108]

Join my hot cult.

[@dogscott7881]

Tell me about it...

[@saintstorm7]

File folders

[@poponachtschnecke]

Hah, me too. I moved back in with a parent after getting dumped, now I feel too poor to date.

[@cherylduckworth8185]

This shows you how a little bit of charisma can go a long long way. Some people are just good at leading others by the nose. This sounds what it's like to have a romance with someone who you didn't realize was a narcissist from the love bombing to the devaluation to the discard. People can really get a hold of your head if you let them.

[@leanna107]

Absolutely it is the same abusive cycle- often leaders are narcissistic and some beyond it into sociopath or psychopath.

[@johnkrummel2956]

In other words, he was not enlightened.... but at least he's honest about it and shows self-reflection about his mistakes

[@dianehawkins8436]

Ya. When you hear words like 'enlightenment' or 'empowerment', walk away.

[@richardsmith748]

Amen

[@davyjones8645]

Low-key always wanted to join a cult unknowingly. Then be like "...wait this is a cult" ...that's usually where my fantasy ends

[@ApprenticeOfAll]

Davy Jones 😂😂 Same!

[@taebeebee]

no you dont. i was raised in one and it fucks you up

[@melanie6014]

@@taebeebee You can say that again! I recently had a complete breakdown and identity crisis that blindsided me, and I've come to realize I never had a sturdy foundation or answers to the questions "Who am I?" "What's my purpose?" "What am I choosing?" I grew up in a very toxic, manipulative environment. I was following blindly.

[@kennedy8791]

oh my god it’s the weirdest experience ever and i would say agreed if i haven’t been through it and it’s so scary to look around and realize all your friends are brainwashing you and everyone you care for is watching you like a hawk

[@stantonmick]

Lots of types of cults. Basic features include taking over your social life, separating from family /friends or incorporating them into the cult, monitoring of behaviour, love bombing at beginning, extreme shaming, handing over financial resources, separation of cult / corrupt world / enemy complex, specialized language to the cult, control of diet / sexual drive, punishment for leaving the cult, etc.

[@stompthedragon4010]

Yes. Well said

[@jaystan233]

Sleep deprivation

[@snippets981]

Listening to this dude reminds me EXACTLY why I have always been uncomfortable with social media's terming people as "followers"... cuz I could see the mass forming of cults from the get go, ugh.

[@mikarosen3535]

Hate to be this way, but I have to know the seven or so movies this guy hated.

[@horsepanther]

LOL

[@iarrcsim2323]

Yeah. I wonder if one of them was Forest Gump or Driving Miss Daisy.

[@sissyrayself7508]

Mika Rosen I could care less about the opinions of this dude.

[@vladsnape6408]

I was going to suggest the third Ghostbusters movie, but it was released in 2016 which is too late to be one of those movies. Perhaps one of the movies was Battlefield Earth, which was bad on many levels, but in addition, was promoting the ideas of a competing franchise (Scientology).

[@simplethings3730]

Porky's, Porky's II: The Next Day (1983) and Porky's Revenge! (1985) and a remake of the original titled Porky's Pimpin' Pee Wee (2009). But that's only 4.

[@alexbelles1370]

That was surreal to listen to, it’s like these people get immersed slowly enough to where they can’t feel their loss of free will and takes a scarily long time to realize it’s gone. They seem like genuinely very intelligent people and, honestly, I fear that I could get sucked into something like this easily.

[@Wendededed]

"No one looks for a cult in the yellow pages"

[@MyMelanatedScope]

The reason I found this video is because I was literally looking for a cult to try to join to see if I could outsmart it 🤔

[@christopherpena193]

@@MyMelanatedScope what do you mean by outsmart a cult lol

[@annabelcrescibene4257]

Antonio Brown I watched it so I could help my friend grow hers

[@First-Last-108]

In Los Angeles they do

[@RogueBoyScout]

Ahhh, that's what I am doing wrong.... Maybe I should advertise on Craigslist

[@JoxisOi]

"One man's cult is another man's religion." Wow.

[@hectorrodriguez6843]

I met this girl who was a Jehovah's witness, she wasn't allowed to make friends, date, attend parties, dance unless it was a event from the organization. Of course I helped her by waking her up, she's doing waaay better now.

[@frances3254]

I do wonder what it is within myself that makes 'cult' so attractive?? So far I'm seeing how much EASIER it was to be 'told' rather than think for myself. Still learning, I'm 85 best to all searchers!

[@echastee]

Don't blame yourself. The leaders are master manipulators that feed on the energy they take from everyone. It could happen to anyone given the fight circumstances.

[@frances3254]

@@echastee Thank you for your very kind and supportive words!!!!

[@frances3254]

@@samanthachurch Thank you Samantha! In 1980, taking univ. english course, wrote an essay (subject, the effects of advertising on self). 'Self' against 'Them' and how much easier to let 'them' guide me. The closing, 'how Lonely without 'them'. I'm 85 now and more convinced this has been the 'work' for my life. And so, my favorite saying, "onward thru the fog". I wish you all good!!!

[@stompthedragon4010]

I was involved in a cult for a short time when I was young. Anyone remember EST? I was actually more or less cohearsed into it. My initial reaction when I first went to one of these seminars was fear, mistrust, and that it was STRANGE. You pay for the seminar so I stayed and started getting sucked-in. I think I did 2 seminars. I can't remember exactly what started turning away from it but I' m glad I did.

[@karifoto]

Should be titled: “a hundred signs this was a cult”