Daniel Pipes
Mobile Edition
Regular Site

Terrorism & The Cult Syndrome
Reader comment on item: What You Can Do To Help Win the War on Terror

Submitted by Carol Gantos (United States), Oct 4, 2006 at 10:46

My husband & I founded a group for those wishing to exit Cults. (not Satanic Cults) At one time we were members of a religous cult so we speak from first-hand experience. The hate preached to the members begins very young & is a brainwashing technique pure & simple. The beliefs are inculcated in the hearts, minds & spirits of these people & becomes literally a way of life, which is the reason they are so honored to give their lives. The constant praying, reading of their holy book, meetings, preaching, and forming their circle of friends that share the same doctrines is a "control" method that they soon learn to readily and gladly accept.

Other than the highest ranking among them, reading other materials that may "open their eyes & minds" is discouraged and sometimes punished so they are almost ignorant of any other views or proofs that what they believe isn't all there is with God. Other materials are considered lies. Many times they are taught that they shouldn't even listen to anything but the teachings their leaders give them. How do you reach them?? Unless they are willing to engage in all forms of dialogue, you can't reach them. Unless they are willing to prove to themselves what the real "truths" are, it is near to hopeless.

The fact that they are willing to die to have "virgins" in heaven as a reward shows that their reward is fleshly, earthly, and far from spiritual, which is what Allah (God) is all about. That is the first point you speak to in reference to their beliefs & that this is possible right here without ever having to die. They don't have to go to heaven to accomplish this objective or "reward." Is it totally impossible to show them the truth? No, but it takes time, proof they can see for themselves & a desire to know the truth.

We have worked with hundreds of Cult members and as long as the truth is their objective you have a chance. We have also spoken to many organizations and groups on this subject. It's important to keep in mind that what they are doing, no matter how horrendous, they do for God. Once they can understand that God does not want or expect murder, they can be reached.


Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened for relevance, substance, and tone, and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome, but comments are rejected if scurrilous, off-topic, vulgar, ad hominem, or otherwise viewed as inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the Guidelines for Comments. For informational purposes, we identify countries from which comments are sent.

Submit a comment on this item

Search by Enter name or date
Search Forum Comments:

Reader comments (13) on this item

Title By Date
Testimonial - Contribution for organizations.. [241 words]SvetlanatchkahMar 22, 2009 18:37
Acknowledge Reality [74 words]WillDec 27, 2008 23:21
Time for Action [111 words]PDMDec 18, 2007 11:18
the real meaning of Islamism [114 words]Christopher GameSep 16, 2007 00:00
The Best Thing You Can Do [155 words]MarciSep 10, 2007 15:42
What you can to help win the war on terror [148 words]AnneJul 5, 2008 07:42
Specificity [123 words]Monte GardnerJun 15, 2007 20:22
eBay CONDONING terrorism by helping them make profits. EBay.- Does terrorists eBay? [260 words]YnnaFeb 19, 2007 03:47
Anti-jihad activities [177 words]joe kaffirFeb 1, 2007 00:59
Ending terrorism [119 words]dfwhite19438Jan 30, 2007 19:45
All of which is pointless [215 words]Noah WilkDec 21, 2006 20:45
Hmm [15 words]D willMar 13, 2007 21:54
⇒ Terrorism & The Cult Syndrome [388 words]Carol GantosOct 4, 2006 10:46

Comment on this item

Name
Email Address (optional)
Title of Comments
Comments:

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened for relevance, substance, and tone, and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome, but comments are rejected if scurrilous, off-topic, vulgar, ad hominem, or otherwise viewed as inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the Guidelines for Comments. For informational purposes, we identify countries from which comments are sent.

See the 25 most recent outstanding comments.

Back to top of page