> However, it should be pointed out that the > idea of 'brainwashing' or 'mind control, > vis a vis, 'cults' has almost been totally > discredited.
By whom? Want a nice example? The child solders of Africa. It is not completely understood like much of modern understanding of the mind. But coercive persuasion and thought reform as detailed in Lifton's work are an important piece in our understanding of the relationship of our social and private mental natures. Of course specific cases can be shot full of holes in a court of law as does almost every theory of the soft sciences every day. That has nothing to do with its scientific usefulness as a theory to help us understand ourselves better. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Richard J. Williams" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > satvadude wrote: > > I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on the > > matter Richard. Any reaction to the story? > > > It all depends on the definition of 'cult'. > > The term 'cult' is just another term for 'sect'. > There are at least eight dictionary definitions > of the term 'cult'. > > Apparently, the United States does not have a > classification for cults in its legal system. > > From what I've read, no one has as yet been > able to define 'cult' in any meaningful way. > > However, it should be pointed out that the > idea of 'brainwashing' or 'mind control, > vis a vis, 'cults' has almost been totally > discredited. >
