Dear Readers,
With this issue, ICSA Today celebrates 10 continuous years of publication. Since 2010, our
pages have supported the mission of ICSA, which is to serve its members “by providing
information that enhances understanding of all aspects of the cult phenomenon, including
how groups function, how they affect members, techniques of influence, dealing with
harmful effects, educational and legal implications, and other subjects” (icsahome.com/
icsa-publications/icsatoday)
We have implemented that mission in more than 100 articles by more than 75 authors from
the US, the UK, France, Canada, Sweden, Japan, Norway, Romania, Italy, Austria, and other
countries. We have published more than 40 profiles of people in the cultic studies field and
the work of more than 40 visual and literary artists, along with reviews of books and films
of interest to our readership.
Along with reports in every issue from our international correspondents, a significant
achievement, possibly little recognized, is the publication in each issue of between 25 and
50 summaries of news from around the world on every aspect of cults and cultic studies.
Most articles, art, and news reports are available electronically, listed by issue, on the ICSA
website.
There is a growing recognition of how much cultic studies can contribute to our
understanding of and viable approaches for addressing some of the most vexing issues of
our world. The articles in this issue demonstrate that relevance.
In “We Disagree—Let’s Talk,” Lorna Goldberg discusses the importance of learning to
listen and respond to points of view that question and challenge our own, a lesson sorely
needed throughout our country and our world. In “Cults: Lessons for Adjacent Fields,”
first presented to an international audience in Bordeaux, France, Rod Dubrow-Marshall,
Maarten van de Donk, and Wessel Haanstra explore what exit organizations in the fields of
violent political extremism and cults can learn from each other. Doug Duncan looks at the
writings of a former American neo-Nazi about how he became a White Supremacist, why
he changed, and how he now helps others trying to leave terrorist groups. Andrea Moore-
Emmett reviews the biography of a woman once married within a polygamous religious
society. Katharina Meredith’s powerful poems portray the inner struggles of someone
raised within the confines of a controlling ideology. Ken Garrett’s “Pink Slip” relates the
startling impact on the author of an encounter between his religious group and one of Billy
Graham’s famous crusades.
By a happy coincidence, the tenth anniversary of ICSA Today falls in the same year as the
fortieth anniversary of ICSA itself. ”1979–2019: The Changing Population of ICSA,” previews
a special issue on ICSA’s history later this year. Meanwhile, we extend our thanks to those
who have spoken through our pages, and we look forward to continuing our work in the
years ahead.
Proudly,
About ICSA Today
ICSA Today (IT) serves ICSA members by
providing information that enhances
understanding of all aspects of the cult
phenomenon, including how groups
function, how they affect members,
techniques of influence, dealing with
harmful effects, educational and legal
implications, and other subjects.
ICSA Today issues may include
• practical articles for former
members, families, helping
professionals, researchers,
and others
• opinion essays
• theoretical articles
• reports on research
• summaries of news reports on
groups
• information on books, articles, links
• information on ICSA members
• biographical profiles on selected
members
• personal accounts
• art work
• poetry
• short stories and other literary
articles
• special reports from correspondents
around the world
ICSA Today is published three times a
year.
Regular ICSA members receive the print
edition of ICSA Today and have access
to its Web edition. Students and other
special members gain access to the
online edition only.
Nonmember print subscriptions are
available. Submissions to the magazine
should be sent to the Editor-in-Chief,
Michael Langone, PhD:
mail@icsamail.com
We prefer Microsoft Word or a program
compatible with Word. Articles should
be no more than 2,500 words. Please
include a jpeg photo (no less than 360
dpi) and biographical sketch (less than
150 words) with your submission.
Appropriate submissions are reviewed
by the relevant section editor and,
when appropriate, editorial review
advisors.
International Cultic Studies Association
P.O. Box 2265 • Bonita Springs, FL 34133
Phone: 239.514.3081
Email: mail@icsamail.com
Website: icsahome.com
Ann Stamler,
Associate Editor
Michael D. Langone,
Editor-in-Chief
For editor bios see icsahome.com/elibrary/people
With this issue, ICSA Today celebrates 10 continuous years of publication. Since 2010, our
pages have supported the mission of ICSA, which is to serve its members “by providing
information that enhances understanding of all aspects of the cult phenomenon, including
how groups function, how they affect members, techniques of influence, dealing with
harmful effects, educational and legal implications, and other subjects” (icsahome.com/
icsa-publications/icsatoday)
We have implemented that mission in more than 100 articles by more than 75 authors from
the US, the UK, France, Canada, Sweden, Japan, Norway, Romania, Italy, Austria, and other
countries. We have published more than 40 profiles of people in the cultic studies field and
the work of more than 40 visual and literary artists, along with reviews of books and films
of interest to our readership.
Along with reports in every issue from our international correspondents, a significant
achievement, possibly little recognized, is the publication in each issue of between 25 and
50 summaries of news from around the world on every aspect of cults and cultic studies.
Most articles, art, and news reports are available electronically, listed by issue, on the ICSA
website.
There is a growing recognition of how much cultic studies can contribute to our
understanding of and viable approaches for addressing some of the most vexing issues of
our world. The articles in this issue demonstrate that relevance.
In “We Disagree—Let’s Talk,” Lorna Goldberg discusses the importance of learning to
listen and respond to points of view that question and challenge our own, a lesson sorely
needed throughout our country and our world. In “Cults: Lessons for Adjacent Fields,”
first presented to an international audience in Bordeaux, France, Rod Dubrow-Marshall,
Maarten van de Donk, and Wessel Haanstra explore what exit organizations in the fields of
violent political extremism and cults can learn from each other. Doug Duncan looks at the
writings of a former American neo-Nazi about how he became a White Supremacist, why
he changed, and how he now helps others trying to leave terrorist groups. Andrea Moore-
Emmett reviews the biography of a woman once married within a polygamous religious
society. Katharina Meredith’s powerful poems portray the inner struggles of someone
raised within the confines of a controlling ideology. Ken Garrett’s “Pink Slip” relates the
startling impact on the author of an encounter between his religious group and one of Billy
Graham’s famous crusades.
By a happy coincidence, the tenth anniversary of ICSA Today falls in the same year as the
fortieth anniversary of ICSA itself. ”1979–2019: The Changing Population of ICSA,” previews
a special issue on ICSA’s history later this year. Meanwhile, we extend our thanks to those
who have spoken through our pages, and we look forward to continuing our work in the
years ahead.
Proudly,
About ICSA Today
ICSA Today (IT) serves ICSA members by
providing information that enhances
understanding of all aspects of the cult
phenomenon, including how groups
function, how they affect members,
techniques of influence, dealing with
harmful effects, educational and legal
implications, and other subjects.
ICSA Today issues may include
• practical articles for former
members, families, helping
professionals, researchers,
and others
• opinion essays
• theoretical articles
• reports on research
• summaries of news reports on
groups
• information on books, articles, links
• information on ICSA members
• biographical profiles on selected
members
• personal accounts
• art work
• poetry
• short stories and other literary
articles
• special reports from correspondents
around the world
ICSA Today is published three times a
year.
Regular ICSA members receive the print
edition of ICSA Today and have access
to its Web edition. Students and other
special members gain access to the
online edition only.
Nonmember print subscriptions are
available. Submissions to the magazine
should be sent to the Editor-in-Chief,
Michael Langone, PhD:
mail@icsamail.com
We prefer Microsoft Word or a program
compatible with Word. Articles should
be no more than 2,500 words. Please
include a jpeg photo (no less than 360
dpi) and biographical sketch (less than
150 words) with your submission.
Appropriate submissions are reviewed
by the relevant section editor and,
when appropriate, editorial review
advisors.
International Cultic Studies Association
P.O. Box 2265 • Bonita Springs, FL 34133
Phone: 239.514.3081
Email: mail@icsamail.com
Website: icsahome.com
Ann Stamler,
Associate Editor
Michael D. Langone,
Editor-in-Chief
For editor bios see icsahome.com/elibrary/people
