Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 4, No. 2, 2005, Page 52
Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA)
How Abductees Were Conditioned to Become Killers
Forcing them to kill other abducted children, or be killed themselves, served effectively to
gain the loyalty of thousands of young people kidnapped during the last 18 years by the
Lord’s Resistance Army of Joseph Kony, in northern Uganda. The results of the LRA
experience [detailed here through interviews with the victims and first hand observations]
have been psychologically devastating and often physically ruinous. (Melanie Thernstrom,
New York Times Magazine, Internet, 5/8/05)
Manson Family
Atkins again Refused Parole
Former Charles Manson follower Susan Atkins‘ eleventh parole appeal has been denied by
the California Board of Prison Terms, which said that she will not be allowed to appeal again
until 2009. Atkins, a member of the Manson Family cult, took part in the 1969 murders of
actress Sharon Tate and four others. A spokesman said the board cited the ―gravity‖ of the
crime and the ―cruel and callous manner in which it was carried out‖ as reasons for the
denial. (AP in San Diego-Tribune, Internet, 6/1/05)
Mujahedin Khalq (MEK)
Cult-like Commune of Iranian Exiles in Iraq
The Mujahedin Khalq (―People‘s Holy Warriors‖) settlement in Iraq, peopled by Iranian
exiles who hope to overthrow the Teheran government, is ―a deeply paranoid cult guilty of
imprisoning and brainwashing new recruits,‖ according to detractors and former members.
―The sense of being on the front lines in the fight against an evil foe fuels an obsessive level
of commitment that MEK cadres and leaders say is vital to their cause.‖
In order to focus on the struggle, married residents of the well-developed town must
divorce and remain celibate. Children were sent out of the commune shortly after the 1991
Persian Gulf War. The language people use indicates a high degree of political
indoctrination. The more than 400 who have defected in recent years are called ―quitters,
too weak to pay the price.‖
Although Shiite religious observance is mandatory, MEK is wholeheartedly feminist. Pictures
of leaders Maryam and Massoud Rajavi are everywhere, and Maryam‘s sayings and ideas
are cited in a way reminiscent of Maoist China. Communication with the outside world is
passed first through the leadership. (Ashraf Khalil, Los Angeles Times, Internet, 3/19/05)
Nashville Church/International Churches of Christ
Cult-like Tactics Alleged
Two former members of The Nashville Church, an affiliate of the International
Churches of Christ, have sued the organization in Williamson County Chancery Court
claiming the church uses cult-like tactics, manipulation, peer pressure, and guilt to force
members into tithing and making other financial donations. Seventeen-year members Jack
and Kay Pelham want to recover over $93,000 in tithings and offerings. The ICC, which has
congregations around the U.S. and internationally, has on a number of occasions been
accused of cultic practices, including the micro-management of members‘ lives. (Mitchel
Kline, The Tennessean, Internet, 6/22/05)
Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA)
How Abductees Were Conditioned to Become Killers
Forcing them to kill other abducted children, or be killed themselves, served effectively to
gain the loyalty of thousands of young people kidnapped during the last 18 years by the
Lord’s Resistance Army of Joseph Kony, in northern Uganda. The results of the LRA
experience [detailed here through interviews with the victims and first hand observations]
have been psychologically devastating and often physically ruinous. (Melanie Thernstrom,
New York Times Magazine, Internet, 5/8/05)
Manson Family
Atkins again Refused Parole
Former Charles Manson follower Susan Atkins‘ eleventh parole appeal has been denied by
the California Board of Prison Terms, which said that she will not be allowed to appeal again
until 2009. Atkins, a member of the Manson Family cult, took part in the 1969 murders of
actress Sharon Tate and four others. A spokesman said the board cited the ―gravity‖ of the
crime and the ―cruel and callous manner in which it was carried out‖ as reasons for the
denial. (AP in San Diego-Tribune, Internet, 6/1/05)
Mujahedin Khalq (MEK)
Cult-like Commune of Iranian Exiles in Iraq
The Mujahedin Khalq (―People‘s Holy Warriors‖) settlement in Iraq, peopled by Iranian
exiles who hope to overthrow the Teheran government, is ―a deeply paranoid cult guilty of
imprisoning and brainwashing new recruits,‖ according to detractors and former members.
―The sense of being on the front lines in the fight against an evil foe fuels an obsessive level
of commitment that MEK cadres and leaders say is vital to their cause.‖
In order to focus on the struggle, married residents of the well-developed town must
divorce and remain celibate. Children were sent out of the commune shortly after the 1991
Persian Gulf War. The language people use indicates a high degree of political
indoctrination. The more than 400 who have defected in recent years are called ―quitters,
too weak to pay the price.‖
Although Shiite religious observance is mandatory, MEK is wholeheartedly feminist. Pictures
of leaders Maryam and Massoud Rajavi are everywhere, and Maryam‘s sayings and ideas
are cited in a way reminiscent of Maoist China. Communication with the outside world is
passed first through the leadership. (Ashraf Khalil, Los Angeles Times, Internet, 3/19/05)
Nashville Church/International Churches of Christ
Cult-like Tactics Alleged
Two former members of The Nashville Church, an affiliate of the International
Churches of Christ, have sued the organization in Williamson County Chancery Court
claiming the church uses cult-like tactics, manipulation, peer pressure, and guilt to force
members into tithing and making other financial donations. Seventeen-year members Jack
and Kay Pelham want to recover over $93,000 in tithings and offerings. The ICC, which has
congregations around the U.S. and internationally, has on a number of occasions been
accused of cultic practices, including the micro-management of members‘ lives. (Mitchel
Kline, The Tennessean, Internet, 6/22/05)
