Professors of theology at leading universities hem and haw and tell us we don't really know what motivates these folks. Columnists point to these events as evidence of the spiritual bankruptcy of modern society. Family members comfort themselves with the belief that the cult members were "doing what they wanted".

    While there is some kernel of truth in these observations, they continue to miss the main point, which is the issue of mind control, and the extent to which an individuals free thought and actions can be undermined in these totalistic groups.

    For decades, tens of thousands of ex-members of such groups, like myself, who have experienced this reality first hand, have told of an environment that creates severe psychological pressures for conformity and absolute obedience. Yet there seems to be a reluctance in society to heed the warning, to truly accept how completely and systematically the cults can reduce peoples choices and shape their behavior.

    Jonestown, Waco, Order of the Solar Temple, Aum Shinrikyo, and now Heavens Gate are the extreme groups whose beliefs led them to murder or suicide. Every victim is a testimony to the power of mind control. Yet there are many other religious/political groups that have, to a lesser or greater extent, the same characteristics and similar potential for abuse, the same disregard for basic human rights.

    We tend to ignore these groups as long as their activities don't touch us personally or don't make headlines. Perhaps it's easier to dismiss them as "just weirdos" than it is to deal with the difficult questions of faith and human nature that such considerations require. Yet we should remember that the cult members don't start out weird. (My friends might dispute that in my case!) Something happens to them in the group. If you were to ask any person, "Would you give up everything that is important to you, sever all contact with family and friends, stifle all dissent, obey the leader without question, let the group make all personal decisions, shave your head (or castrate yourself), until the day you will commit ritual suicide (killing your own children as well, as in Jonestown)?" everyone would say "Are you kidding?!" Yet it happens. Not because people chose to, but because they get involved in a process they don't understand.

    In our culture, religious freedom itself has become a sacred belief. I'm not suggesting that it should be otherwise. But we must recognize the potential for abuse that exists, and start asking some hard questions. Does freedom of religion really give extremist groups the right to deceive, manipulate, and exploit? The right to use demonstrable techniques of mind control to virtually enslave naive young people? How can we best educate young people to recognize undue influence? How can we instill a sense of healthy skepticism? What are they missing in their lives that attracts them to such groups in the first place? When does sincere religious faith become dangerous uncompromising extremism?

    Facing this problem head on will not only help protect young people from abuse, but also help foster our own spiritual growth.