Cult Witness (Cult Documentary) | Real Stories
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 19 авг 2016
- At the age of 19 Samuel Stefan, consumed by crisis, was drawn into a cult. It would be 10 years before he was able to escape.
Using a technique called ‘love-bombing’ cults prey on the vulnerable, recruiting new members with love and warmth. After a period of brain-washing, members are forbidden to leave, enslaved through psychological control, and in Samuel’s case, even violence. He was finally able to escape in the dead of night, persued by other members and seek help.
Cult Witness is an intelligent exploration of how cults attract and manipulate their followers, sharing the disturbing firsthand experiences of Cult Witness director Samuel Stefan and six others who have freed themselves from cults: Jill Mytton (The Exclusive Brethren), Jim Bergin and Judy Garvey (The Gentle Wind Project), Lea Saskia Laasner (The Janus Project), and Celeste Jones and Amoreena Winkler (The Children of God).
Analytical insights into the cult experience are provided by leadership expert Betty Sue Flowers; Benjamin Zablocki, chair of the Department of Sociology at Rutgers University; UCLA Professor Emeritus Bertram Raven, an expert on interpersonal influence and social power relationships; psychotherapist Miguel Perlado, who specializes in cult-related problems; and Urs Eschmann, a specialist in legal issues involving cults.
Cult Witness unravels the hidden world of cults; the hold they have on their victims, the reasons people form and fall prey to them and what takes place within.
Want to watch more full-length Documentaries?
Click here: bit.ly/1GOzpIu
Follow us on Twitter for more - / realstoriesdocs
Instagram - @realstoriesdocs
Content licensed from Sideways Film. Any queries, please contact us at: owned-enquiries@littledotstudios.com
For more content from Sideways Film and for licensing enquiries: www.sidewaysfilm.com/
Cults are becoming so dangerous that education about them should be included in the primary school curicullum. Also how to identify romance scams and abusive relationships.
Exactly! Society needs to understand the absolute danger or these narcissists & they are the evil that walk among us to destroy the good the righteous! It's real.....
I guess as society becomes more individualistic people who hate the chaos of it all will be drawn to cults to give their lives structure.
I would think that some things cannot be taught in school and that parents need to teach some things. I mean, why do people always want a teacher to teach some common sense things? Is it because parents are so far removed from their own kids these days and just want to pawn them off on someone else so that if something goes wrong, you can blame the school and not take any parental responsibility?
Great idea
@@WindDancer435 parents don't all know that we are overrun with dangerous cults. Theses things CAN be taught. We know many of the cults that exist. Acknowledging them is a start.
There are "intentional communities" which sound great to people who want to live a natural lifestyle. Everyone cooperates and shares. Someone has to be in charge of the money. It won't be you. Those are "communes." Same kind everyone figured out were full of it in the sixties.
The language and names of these places have changed.
Just like pyramid scheme are mlm's now, slumlords are businessmen, gurus are "life coaches" who give positive thinking seminars. Blackmail (coersive) material is obtained through "personality testing."
Everything has been rebranded so parents can't necessarily identify it and warn against it. Many are set up to look like business success opportunities, like the NXIVM esp program. Amway was said to be a cult business. A certain yoga chain store is a combo cultish overpriced sham in that it appears to be spiritual but it's really like a McDonald's-style business model.
One thing people/schools should teach the kids is to "Google" things beyond superficial online searches. Cults and businesses can pay to suppress negative information showing in searches.
My daughter is in a cult called Garden Route Gateway Church (GRGC). They love bombed her, replaced me with a so-called 'spiritual mother' and made her a deacon. They watch her day and night checking her movements. They stop in daily to enforce on her what they expect of her. They took over the discipline of her little girl and made her discipline through the set books of the cult's teachings. One of the first things they did was get me out of her life. Away from the love and protection of her family, they simply took over. I have lost her and my grandchild and there is nothing I can do about it. Cults should be criminalized then you would have legal recourse.
GRGC is in Knysna, South Africa.
there are services you can hire to get her back
+reg shovelworth right
Sarah Bucket How?
Letter Head google "recovery services/agents" hope you have cash tho.. they aint cheap, esp overseas work
I left a cult with my children last year. It's scary as hell and takes a lot of guts to do. I was the first child of the 4th generation of my family to be born into that cult
CrossStitchCrazyMum really
CrossStitchCrazyMum well done. I hope you have alot of support with you
What cult?
Well done, you've got true grit.
Which one? JDub? Mormon? Congrats on your freedom.
they never discussed how these people got out of the cults... it's not a badly made documentary, it just feels like they skipped over the most important parts.... and what happened to the austrian girl who went to south america? obviously she survived, but what happened to her family? how did she get away from the cult?
Agree..there's too much info left out
i don't think that i'll ever fall for a cult...
i always question everything.
cults don't like people that keep asking questions and demand clear answers.
I'm like you. They would bounce me for being too mouthy.
I once belonged to a cult that told me that there is a stain on my soul that is the result of a couple of my ancient ancestors breaking a rule. The cult also told me that if I didn't do everything they said, that I would die and roast in a fiery pit for trillions of years. Needless to say, I told them to go away and leave me alone. I was twelve years old, and it was the best decision of my life.
Wow, you had amazing resolve, well done!
You're referring to Christianity aren't you...
sorry but cults dont recruit 12 yr old. Fake story but nice try trying to be relevent
@@ashergoldman9933 some kids have no choice a parent joins or they're born into it nice try calling someone you know nothing about a liar
@@ConnorGibbsAK could be atheism or a political or social group but Christianity wants families closer together not kept apart
The most genuine and soft way of explaining. The first time I undestand without being scared by Louud voices and noise. This is the best way it has been done. I feel happy for that person. Thank you so much.
That annoying documentary was getting in the way of all those adverts.
bhavagambhiram Agreed! You start getting into the videos over and over again then bam! That same damned "opiods are dangerous! A little goes a long way!" Yadda yadda commercial comes on. At least play different damned commercials?
Search for and download uBlock Origin and you won't see the advertisements.
Julia
You don’t need no ad blocker. Just forward the video to the end and then replay it, no ads will appear. I do that and I never see an ad. You’re very welcome. The very best to you and yours.
@@jagarfi i recently installed this. uBlock is EPIC!
@@davidallen2026 omg best hack ever!! Thank you!
"The Gentle Wind Project " sounds like a euphemism for farting in public
You are butt a gentile passing wind , cut thru the cheese and create your own sweet hot odor. Life is like a box of chocolate starfish.
Jurgen Rembold ROFL that was a good one! omg xD
@@oneoftheshadows5824 😂😂😂😂
Exactly. Brought to you by the same company that created "Summer's Eve."
Omg too funny
It's really hard for me to sympathize with or forgive parents who give their children over to cults, like the mother of that poor young girl.
You do realise that almost all parents indoctrinate their children with cult beliefs whether it be a religion or the cult of nation or the cult of Santa Claus etc. etc. etc. Cult behaviour is not exclusive to those small groups we consider to be "crazy". For example the USA tends to function as a nation-cult in which members believe that they have been exclusively blessed with righteousness and that the nation is the best in the world with a direct connection to divine ideals. In all societies children are given away to the ideals and practises and leaders of the society. Children are so indoctrinated by cultures and nations that by the time they become adults many of them are willing to give up their very lives and join the military for example. American parents and the society at large all celebrate the "sacrifice" of their young for the cause of the military even in wars that make no real sense. As they point out in this documentary cult is the root word of culture and everyone belongs to one culture or another and almost everyone indoctrinates their children to some extent so think before you presume to judge.
Well said!
@@jeromesims that would include you in a cult as you're part of a culture and most American parents don't want their kids to join the military but after 18 the parents have no choice it's no bigger in America than any other country or culture
Parents giving their children to this insanity. So evil.
A testament to the strength of these individuals to survive and speak about these horrors they survived.
Samuel Stefan has nothing to be ashamed of. He has faced a very difficult part of his life, dealt with it and moved on, wiser for it. I respect him a lot for that. Plus, he's just a really nice guy.
You respect a person you don't know?
@@teemujokinen9125 you know they don't know said person
I was in a christian cult in Hungary, for three years and they lived together, they didn't marry, they didn't contact their family and they give their money to the group. It was soo difficult to leave, and live a normal love again!
Dávid Izsó that doesn't sound Christian to me!
Yes, they are not christian.
Help me in Birmingham Alabama attacked by many cukts, cartels, groups since I'm a whistleblower to seeing a dirty cop drug smuggling in 2016 they hired hits on my life, been using scalar wave technologies, poison chemicals, stalking, death threats renting funerals cars to bee hive me, kids used to trap , manufacture crimes around me to frame me of brutalcrimes, my address Northwooddr 35215 Roebuck35215bdear Hod hear my voice I been hit hard I just try to survive thru these silent attacks, from groups if hardcore cults ,
I think you kind of hit the nail on the head here, the take your money!
I seen a few of these documentaries, and they've mostly been about taking people's money.
I'm from Britain, I would love to live with a community in America Etc, that are prepping, homesteading, growing their own fruit and veg Etc.
But I've found a few that I've contacted are all about getting money from people to get you to go and work with them for a few weeks.
Most of them seem like a big Con!
Was it The Family or was it a different cult?
If I ever start following a spiritual leader called "Benno" someone smack me.
lurnfitness dead 💀😂
Okay! 😐
Yeah there are no cult leaders that promote critical thinking.
@@RandomRUclips123 He actually made blind people see instantly and raised the dead back to life. Check your facts
What about a spiritual leader named bonno
This is very sad. I wish their weren't such manipulative awful people in this world.
There*
Help me please in Birmingham Alabama attacked by cukts since 20q6 I'm a whistleblower to seeing a dirty cop drug smuggling from there he put hits on my life , these cukts being paid to murder me thru technology scalar waves, poison chemicals, stalking, death threats, pest control involved, some work for power companies involved in cult activities, they all get as 1 group low key murder for cartel cops, please help dont know how much more attacks I can take
I wish too
@@tamikadriver36 wow,you a nutcase😂😂
I agree. Since I consider the vast majority of religions are cults or very cult- like, including Catholicism and Protestants religions such as Seven Day Adventists or Jehovah Witnesses , I don’t find it hard to believe so many people belong to other cults. I just have a hard time understanding why people are part of any religions/ cults.
Uniquely clarifying and inspiring! Thanks to all who participated so bravely! x
Really sucks how a guy can seek to gain meaning and purpose in his life, but only end up with 10 years lost to a cult. Can’t imagine what he must go through daily
The monetary system is a cult too. We lose everything to it.
That's why we're exiting the criminally controlled monetary system ladies and gentlemen....it perverts everything beautiful about love and life .....even our children.
Enough is enough. I demand my Divine Rights and those of all sincerely loving kindhearted beings be honored.
Nonnegotiable.
Those who continue to deny us our Divine Rights are guilty of TREASON, in every way possible. Look at how Mother Nature is behaving all over the world. Divine Justice is here.🌃⚖️🌏💖
Well. Hes helping others now.
He made the choice
@@claudiaargueta3767 how
I find it interesting, that people are always seeking some sort of truth, which includes inner peace and life long happiness. I find it totally unrealistic to expect every day to be happy. We experience the full range of emotions, joy, sorrow, laughter, tears, anger, peace, love, hate etc, and that"s ok. It's ok to have good days and bad days. We are meant to experience a full range of emotions, we grow from them, we learn from them. No one has the answer to why we are here on earth. Anyone claiming they have the answer, in my opinion, is full of shit.
11scorpgirl you said it perfectly
Thank you
Thank you for this comment, I needed to read that today
God Himself, did NOT promise blue skies always and into each life some rain must fall.
@@WindDancer435 God did not forsee the failure of his creations either....and he's suppose to know the past, the present and future........
Such A Beautiful Young Man! I Can”t Imagine, Why He Didn’t Have More Faith In Himself, In His Earlier Years! He Has So Much Potential! A Beautiful Human Being! He Didn’t Deserve, To Be Treated, So In-humanely, By These, Evil, Low Lives! I Wish Him Happiness, And Love In His Life! Marjie Australia.
The most open minded people are vulnerable to this sort of manipulation, whereas less trusting people would be skeptical and smell the proverbial rat.
@Cassandra I have nearly fallen victim many times. It’s because I finally grew up and realised that it’s a massive MLM marketing scheme the world over.
@@CarolynEllisQtEllis What does MLM stand for?
Our species never lets me down when irrational behaviour shows up ...
Thank you, Samuel Stefan, for sharing your story and those of others who survived cults. I am sure you have helped countless people feel less alone.
this was one of the best docs on cults ive seen thank uu - a survivor
If we are asked by anyone not to exercise freedom of conscience, then there is a huge problem.
Don't get it twisted, corrupt people seek absolute power.
I don't understand how these things happen.
If someone encroaches on my liberty, my relationships with my family or gets too near my wallet, they're gone!
It breaks my heart to hear what these families go through when these devils invade their lives.
I find it fascinating. I'm used to my own rhythm of life. So, for someone to try to 'love bomb' me gets on my nerves VERY quickly. I've always been like that though.
lol same.. when I was younger I was more trusting, but never this much lol. also, in todays day of google ect.. how are ppl tricked?! I google everyone lol
Trailer Trash, readCombatting Cult Mind Control and you'll understand. It's by Steve Hassan.
That's the thing, you won't feel like they are encroaching on your territory, you will feel as though you welcomed them, and indeed you would.
They tell you what you want to hear, throw in a little which will appear to be prophetic insight, use some suggestive thought.. next thing you know certain parts of your brain light up like a christmas tree and you feel amazing.
You will welcome them into your life and give them everything because they give you something that you have never experienced before.
There are little things which can really bend your mind. Scientology uses a lot of the same techniques, most cults do.
If you don't believe me, sit down with a friend and gaze into each others' eyes for a while, maybe 10-30 minutes and you will... well just try it.
These people are masters of manipulation and the human condition. They are extremely dangerous and when in positions of power... devastating. Hitler used psychological manipulation en masse. We all know the result of that. People asked themselves afterwards how it happened, some people committed atrocities in the name of something they believed to be good at the time, even though they bore witness to acts which make humanity weep.
It truly can happen to anyone. Be mindful. Understand what your thoughts are and why you have them and this cannot happen, unless you actually wish it to.
They are isolated and brainwashed, it's easy to say you'd never do it looking at the big picture, but they were lied to, and before you know it you're stuck and it's almost impossible to leave
I was a member of the LDS (Mormon) church for 45 years. I am out now after experiencing a lot of abuse. There are alot of similar if not identical behaviors as seen in this documentary.
Good on you for getting out 💗
@@made-line7627 Thank you so much!
I just saw a great documentary on the LDS. Child abuse in that religion runs rampant. Glad you bailed
@@sarahalbers5555 Yes! Me too! Thanks!
As a German native speaker, I have to say thank you for the subtitles at ~ min 36!
That's funny!
Many studies have shown that you can crank out any random babble that purports to be a deep analysis of someone's personality and they will recognize themselves in it. Some people will even say that their lives were changed by the "insight." That's how astrology works.
Nancy2752
Nope. This is what is called; witchcraft. They needed his hair in order to do the spell. No joke. 100% truth.
thank you for this beautiful documentary very eye opening
can i just say this documentary is like a whole movie omg. this is a work of art wow.
Very well put together documentary. Very informative. I’m sorry these people had to through these experiences.
Nicely done documentary. I find the subjects vulnerability quite wonderful. Thanks for sharing this. Keep going. :-)
The first thing he says about how he got out of the cult, his instincts kicked in. He awoke his persona and it allowed him to escape a cult XD.
Very interesting documentary, thanks for uploading this.
For all those who want to know the difference between religion and a cult is that
A cult forces you to stay with them most of the time by debt or fear
A religion is some thing you can chose to be in even when your born into a religion
Amazing. You are brave man to talk about your experience in a cult.
Never send your hair to anyone. And don't let anyone "read" you. Bottom line.
Right, I've never sent my hair to anyone. But I did go to a psychic to get my chakras read. She wanted to charge me $700. I was laughing on my way out the door. She kept saying that sometimes she can't help someone due to their "financial predicament." LOL! I HAVE some money/credit but I choose not to spend it foolishly. That chick was clueless and I saw her shortly after trying to sell baskets of stuff on random curbs, like who is really in a financial predicament here? Though, it was a little freaky because she did seem to realize I was near and looked me right in the eyes as I drove by.
kolaida like peripheral vision perhaps? Don't give credit to that idiot
Yes since it is the work of the devil
Morbidfilth
Yes, because the ‘teacher/witch’ needed his hair. Demons are real fallen messengers. Witches are real, they need a piece of you in order to work their majick. Some hair, or fingernail. The witches have control (they think they do) of demons. Evil is real.
@@davidallen2026 typical voodoo bullshit. mothers maiden name, hair, the list goes on
This is such a beautiful and well researched documentary
This lovely young man has now found his purpose in life. Go for it. Never look back. You are strong and are helping others. Thank God he escaped. He's a very wise, old soul.
It’s crazy, I almost joined a cult last year after a guy came across me on Instagram and we had a zoom call and after the call I was almost convinced to join his “group” but I followed my gut and didn’t and I’m so glad I didn’t cus I found out he was part of a cult
Thank you Samuel Stefan for sharing your story, may you go warm shod and well lighted in the mind. Sincerely Helen Cochrane. Aus.
Thank you for sharing this much needed information. There are so many cults dividing family and friends, yet they all promote an alluring 'false love' atmosphere of togetherness. We need more awareness on this subject and your work is very much appreciated. Sending love to all of you there from all of us here in Ontario Canada. ❤️🎶🍁
Wonderful documentary, thank you!
what a crazy world
Hey pop
@@madeleinefarrer8487 😆
Stopping at 9:24 to say I have met a number of people who have "powers" and made me feel like they "really know me" only to learn they did not even know the health challenges I was dealing with or many other details of my life. I have never met a spiritual teacher who truly knew everything about me and I have met some of the greatest who have walked this planet. I tell you this to say, not one embodiment or individual on this planet no matter how evolved they are knows more about you than you do. Never turn your power over to another appearance or person.
Para Bolton Great advice.
They speak in such generic terms, anybody could fit into that garbage. If you need a piece of my hair, I'm out.
Thank u indeed 4 the channel,very enlightening!
beautiful documentary.. thank you
It's so tragic that those siblings hadn't seen their brother in 48 years. At least they reunited before it was too late.
Anyone describing himself as a "spiritual leader" is an hoax...The real ones don't do it.
Self-appointed titles are always very vinyl in nature.
ha ha haaa, the "real" (???!???) ones!?!?
ikr, it's all bullshit, just one is more accepted in society, because people haven't hit the age of reason yet
Here is a spiritual leader for the age of reason: George Carlin
For real, 100% correct on that.
Nobody :
World renowned therapist : "mm, mm, mm, mm, yea, yea, mm... So, what you're saying is that I'm just repeating everything you say.?. Mmm..."
Apart from the ads every 5 seconds, this documentary was really interesting :)
I was involve with a cult and leaving was the best decision i had ever made.When i left a lot followed.
That's because they already wanted to but we're afraid, much like an abused spouse. You gave them stregnth
This sounded very similar to dating and getting married then finding yourself in an emotionally abusive and controlling relationship. It may not be done on a group scale, although when children become involved they are also affected by the abuse. But this is not so different from what so many find in marriage or long term abusive relationships. And ending them, moving on is very difficult. You have to find your identity again and come to terms with what may seem like wasted years of your life. It will always be a part of your identity and the lessons you learned are never wasted.
That's what relationships are
So Sad to hear your story. But fascinating, too. Hope you have a great life:)
Again and again throughout the film, I can’t help but be struck by the similarities to being under the grasp of a person with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). The mechanisms, the methods, manipulations tactics and goals etc of a cult, are the same as those of an NPD personality, only on a larger scale.
Great point.
I believe all cult leaders have NPD. How could they not be? So similar.
@@thisbeem2714 I escaped from a cult. The leader was definitely a malignant narcissist.
@@yulialexandra774 I’m glad you escaped. Narcissists are dangerous.
My friend got sucked into what I would classify as a cult. She was looking for love and someone to follow and they saw this as a vulnerability. She started doing drum lessons at their house with their eldest son. This was two years ago now. I haven't seen her since. She reached out to me not long ago, but not for help like I thought. She was trying to recruit me, trying to convince me that they have shown her the true meaning of life and that she now knows all life's "secrets". They've convinced her she can speak in tongues. It's impossible to talk to her now because that's all she knows and all she is allowed to talk about because her phone is monitored by the father. This hurts because she was such a knowledgeable girl with so many dreams in life. She would have gone so far. They've restricted her to only being able to leave the house to do the gardening and put the washing out. She can't read or watch anything and she's not allowed any connections outside of this family of 7 that all live in a very small run down house. she can't see her family, she has been convinced they are "evil" and "working for the devil". At this point I'm under the impression that the dad is now also involved with her... sexually... He'd be over 70 now if I remember correctly... We've tried to report it to the police but they say they can't do anything about it now that she is over 18, but this began when she was 16/17 and still then even with proof of this man making her kiss him goodbye when dropping her at school (two of her other friends witnessed this and reported it to the school, then her mum reported to cops) but they still did nothing. I've tried to help her and tried to talk some sense into her but she seems brainwashed, she has no thoughts other than their thoughts, she doesn't want help because they have told her that this is how she must live if she wants to be accepted by God. I'm starting to give up and I hate that so much but it's hard to help someone that doesn't want help.
Wow this is actually pretty good. If you’re interested in psychology, definitely a fascinating watch.
Thats the sad thing, they read these genuine, caring, open, giving, loving souls...worse yet is now that beautiful person, if lucky enough to get out, maybe are completely paranoid and afraid to be that original self. Now this cult leader has deadened this person on the inside changed who they were supposed to be and not only destroys that person but every person ever that was deserving of that kind loving giving soul now doesn't get it
VOTE CURTIS THE GUINEA PIG FOR PRESIDENT Overt, narcissistic husbands do exactly the same thing. “Anything for Control!”
@@blawlor100
Lots of wives and mother's too
I feel like the therapist tends to guide him too much when he's trying to talk and tells him how he must have felt before he has the chance to express himself
Agreed
Agreed!
I sat and talked with Sam for about 3 hours but you don't get to see that and he had plenty of chance to express himself. HE chose what went into the film not me.
First she's a psychologist, second from experience I know that talking about difficult topics often requires your psychologist to talk and help explain what you were trying to express. Thoughts can get very jumbled when moving from brain to mouth and I always found it very useful when my psychologist talked with me and prompted me to say things I hadn't considered but were useful to say.
I don't want to make assumptions but I would guess you've never gone to a psychologist session before - what seems imposing to an onlooker is incredibly helpful to the person they're trying to help.
+Scibie Hi there, you shouldn't assume. I've been to a counsellor who was also a psychologist and I've been to a cognitive behaviour therapist, and my background is behavioural. I understand your comment but in my opinion, the video shown portrays it in a way that makes it seem like she is speaking for him (although she may not be). That is my opinion of the video shown, however, if you look at the comment above, you'll see Jill has said she had spent 3 hours with him before this, however, we are not given this info in the video. The intro he gives for Jill, 'I was amazed at the fact that she seemed to understand the things I was talking about' further compounds this initial opinion. And again this is my opinion of the video itself and what we see at face value. Perhaps a clearer intro to Jill and a mention of their previous sessions would have changed that completely.
This is heart breaking.
"Why didn't you just leave?" is such an ignorant question.
there is always a time before you join where your brain should click on and you leave. Being born in to 1 is different then joining and the ppl who join unless desperate should be able to just leave. I did it with the 12 tribes cult
A great documentary. Powerful, poignant and frightening.
Damn this makes me want to open my future house one day to housing ex-cult victims to aid in transition and escape
Do it !!! 💗
If you have the room and the understanding, do consider it! There are so many people that need help! 😘
There is a bunch of people who believe in Q! How can we deprogram them?
@@janycebrown4071
First figure out the programmer.
Betcha it's a 3 letter agency.
@@janycebrown4071
Even more people believe in BLM, another cult. Dangerous stuff.
I love how I got a Mormon advertisment
Franchesca J 🤣😂😂😂😂
One truth church 🤣
That’s because Mormons ain’t a cult and it’s the true church on earth
🤣
Diploproblem
Size is no indication of a cult just look at how many religions there are.
I once had a female cult member try to recruit me using her sexual appeal at a junior university campus. This isn't a new tactic, though, it's a very old one. They do it to get you to go to their meetings and then they want to know everything about your whole life and to tell you everything you're supposed to think, feel, and do.
She didn't want to do that. As soon as she got me to go to a few meetings she totally abandoned me and wouldn't return my phone calls.
Her purpose was to be really friendly and act interested in a guy just to get him into the cult. She was a recruiter and nothing more.
The cult people themselves were very friendly but super absorbed in going to meeting after meeting every day and wanting me to be with them all the time from Day 1. I didn't want to be in any religion let alone any cult I just wanted to be with her.
A cult is nothing like a religion. There are similarities but they're control freaks.
people be crazy
theres no real difference between religion and cults
THOTH Yes there is a difference and you'd know that if you had the education or personal experience (both which I have) to know the difference.
+Damien Holland 👌
This is on another level
This was a cool documentary, thanks for the upload! My favorite part I think was when the guy used the word "ninny" talking about harry krishnas in New York - LOL - who uses that word?? Ha! That guy. And it was awesome!
"cool documentry", "favorite part", "awesome"- really? I think you are really missing the point here.
I was born into a cult. My mother still believes that Herbert Armstrong was the end time apostle and is waiting for the world to end.
Dravenousone1 I was born into a cult too, but mine was quite frankly much worse. It was not a religious cult, it was a spiritual cult. The name, Church of Divine Mother, the Joylife Path or Anaga Yoga. The leader was my father, an introverted 'jesus' looking man who went to India during the 1960's and became a self proclaimed Guru. During the early 90's he would give light sessions to dozens of people, eventually starting a commune in New Mexico called Samala. By the late 90's he had lost his first wife by becoming abusive and began to get more and more abusive as power got to his head. Many Community members left but a few stayed, often through manipulation, and they are the family that I know today. My father believed he was God and was attempting to reach eternal life with "God Law Powers"(miracles). He told everyone who their soul was and the history behind it and how to better themselves by improving their karma. If you were full of "bad energy" you were a dark soul. He would coerce people with the threat of millions of lifetimes of suffering. He would often use anger, rage and physical hitting to fight "demons" that he believed caused negative behaviour. Since everyone must practice "obedience" he controlled everyone and everything. If he said jump you jumped. We would be forced to bow on the ground for hours at a time without being able to move. This practice was called "head down". He would often time command people to do hours and hours of headdown and slap them or have others slap them for having "bad energy". Everyday I remembered hearing the wails of people crying as my father screamed and hit them and punished them for hours. Every. Single. Day. My infant brothers were slammed on the ground being hit and slapped as hard as the person could, oftentimes it was that child's own parent who sat on them to keep their heads down, all the time wailing in the torture of being pinned and beaten. The same had been done to me. It was a nudist household frequently and we wore red and black colors, like the walls. We were not allowed to leave, associate with people, or disobey; and what we ate, watched, wore, said and did was entirely controlled. All of the children including me were homeschooled. We chanted hindi words and did meditation or "energy work" for hours every day along with severe punishments. I left when I was 15. I am 26 today. My Mom and her youngest son left last year after spending 25 years controlled by my Dad. To this day there is still one mother and child left in the cult. I am in secret communication with her. My entire family is ruined and broken, damaged in every way. I'm going to be writing a book about this so the world will know the truth and I will have closure. One day I will be on Tedx!
CoG?
@@kush1000ful You definitely should write about your unique experience!
@@kush1000ful did you write that book?
@@judemorales4U Yes! Write your book. The world needs to know about their demonic spirits! God bless you and keep you safe! ❤
One thing about cults they know how to drive fancy expensive Cars! Lol.
Also, very expensive Gulfstream jets.
Great video! 👍🏼
I'll never understand how people get sucked into this. I understand literally being born into it, but to willingly fall for it...unfathomable.
I am too curious. Tried being shaman possessor. No bait yet, just couple of suicides in us news and one elderly that asks ME for loans.
Where is the interview being conducted? Its so beautiful. I need to visit.
Hinzmana I think it's in Switzerland.
It's central Switzerland
Parents need to keep their kids close and teach then to question everything, this would save many kids from cults.
What about the parents that drag their children into cults?
Very nicely done!
Brilliant documentary, yet painful for someone who was brought up in an occult like environment
Jill Elizabeth occult? You were brought up in an occult?
OMG i live there! i thought the road and the scenery where he drove in the opening scene looked familiar... and then there "Jill Mytton-Psychotherapist- BEATENBERG (ch) !!! that's literally the 15 minutes away from me!
Hi Kim. Only just seen this. I am actually a counselling psychologist but there is not much difference. I come to Beatenberg about twice a year. I used to live in Zurich. It is a wonderful part of the world, I always come over when I am tired and need some rejuvenating!
I'm envious. It is so lovely there. I have been to Zurich, but none of the alpine towns. Also, I would love to have a couple of Bernese Mountain dogs.
made me cry to hear their stories. so sad 😢
I was/we were 30 years in cult in England and broke free 2010.
I can empathise with everything here.
I wrote a book, it was published and travelled the world during the last 10 years.
Covid 19 has now put me in to captivity again in a different way...and I'm struggling but its going to be fine.
(Not a Complete Shambles Nikki Rollinson)
excellent film. locations are beautiful for such a horrible past of living life in a cult.
Sheep following a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Free speech for all ● EXTREMELY WELL SAID !!!!!! BULLS-EYE !!!!!! 🎯
John 10:11-17 l am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does no own the sheep, sees the Wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the Wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd
All of this has Meghan markle's tone to it believe it.
@@helenboula3538 I'm curious
What about mm
*Did he just slate Hare Krishna* 34:38
DO U KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO PLAY A TAMBOURINE
So glad that Samuel did get out. I hope he is thriving.
What a strong man that leaving the cult and listened to his gut and brain. Extraordanary strong. 💯
The bit about Elvis's wife being in heaven when she's actually still alive killed me XD
Abby Beatson She's now Tom Jones' missus
Haven't we all learned from Jonestown?
BOON THAGOON no
Jim jones started 20 mins from Were I live. The reason he didn't come here was there were too many church's in my town. He would've got busted out from he's lies. But God protected my town.
@@jeremysmith5513 God protected your town and just let 900+ people die somewhere else.. That seems logical.
No... And Heaven's Gate didn't do the trick either 🙄
When I was 18 and was asking who am I, I just did a lot of drugs and went to raves.
You probably got lucky that a person like this didn't run into you.
I remember that feeling, one night I was Ermantrude
Still asking that question? The truth shall set you free the Bible says so.
Hahaha this is THE best comment! 😆
maggie siskin Hey I'm 18, lol😂
I love the fact that the therapist and the swiss guy meet on the Beatenberg. It's so beautiful up there.
All cult followers have something in common w"weak personalities “and all cult leaders have something in common “Strong personalities “
That's not fair, many vulnerable people have great strength. A lot are just starting behind the 8 ball or have trauma from childhood that leaves them vulnerable.
Why doesn't Samuel say what group he joined? All the other people he talked to did. It's kind of coy and annoying. Also, what's the point of the scene w/ the lawyer? Why didn't he just tell his sister himself?
very insightful
this is very interesting! My own son got involved just half a year ago in a new cult community here in our own little Rocky Mountain town! He, at 33, was already lost and involved in a series of criminal mischief, the acceptance by that group and their guru, the very "Mother God of Creation:, she also claims to have been Jesus, - meant everything to him and boosted his self esteem in grandiose dimensions, - he now was "Arkangel Raphael", and still today, a few months later, after he already fell out of grace by his lack of discipline, - he is presently back in jail, - it is haunting him as to believe that he indeed is the un-appreciated incarnation of this arkangel, suffering injust punishment, and waiting to be rescued by "Mother God". Well, Mother God in the meantime moved to Florida with some intimate group members, where she can drink her daily wodka in more comfort and privacy, still life-streaming on RUclips every day, once from Florida, the other day from Crestone Colorado. (Lovehaswon is their capturing name!)
That woman died a few months ago
@@elsakristina2689
Excellent news
@@elsakristina2689 Best news Everrrrrrrr.
I can't tell the difference between cults and organized religions.
love this . thank you do that comment.
There's a major difference. Some sociology courses, books, or reading of the definitions should help you. Simply put: A religion you can enter and leave on your own will a cult doesn't want you to leave and they'll do some nasty things to make you stay. A religion you can adopt some of their ideas and still be part of that religion a cult wants you to adopt all their ideas or they'll hammer away at you until you relent.
Educating yourself is key in learning the (very real) difference. Maybe you didn't learn much from watching this documentary (I question whether you even watched it).
Damien Holland I grew up with strict catholics and evangelical christians. There are a lot of similarities with these ''cults'', more so than differences.
Also, I could have done without your snide comments. Before insulting someone, you might want to learn a little about them and their point of view.
Indeed, _you_ can't tell the difference between cults and organized religions but others can.
There's a huge difference between cults and religion. Religion is mainly based off of God, cults are mainly centered around someone that calls them self a God. Cults are very dangerous and almost impossible to leave, Christianity doesn't force you to stay. A lot of religions you can cherry pick what you believe and don't believe, in cults you don't have that choice or that right. You become a slave almost, and people don't leave based off of fear.
I guess these people don’t have TV? They have never heard of JIM JONES?
Or Waco?
Great content, too many commercial breaks: 5 of them within the first 10 mins!
My mother escaped a cult that she was raised in. I feel that her poor socialization scars were passed on to my brother and myself. Even cutting yourself off completely has consequences, but I am glad that she did it. Her sacrifice is that she is not allowed to speak to her family (or vice-versa) and therefore for holidays and for love, she has to rely on her husband's family. I can't imagine leaving a cult without a strong romantic relationship to support you.
I really liked the part where the old man explained in length to Teresa what her brother has being going through.
my nephew is always telling me how he found a group of people with the same thoughts and live away from everyone else I say its a cult and stay away. I hope he listens cause I worry so much. he is young and lost with useless parents.
First of all...great cinematography.
Secondly...to state where I come from. I am one of those 'ninnies' refered to that chants hare Krsna. And have been for 31 years. I have not seen any of the horrendous abuse that is refered to in this film. If anyone is aware of stuff like this happening in the Hare Krsna movement. Please send the details to me and after proper investigation I will have those responsible thrown out and brought to the attention of the appropriate legal authorities.
The young man said he was immune to this sort of thing. No one is immune...constant vigilance is a requirement for anyone trying to maintain personal autonomy. I thought the interviewer was leading him...on several occasions.
He said something towards the end that I think sums up his experience & the kind of process he must face on a day to day basis - @ 51:17 "It can happen to anyone." I think that's important for anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation. @ 51:42 " I'm almost immune to get trapped again, & YET I KNOW THAT IT IS SUCH A SUTTLE PROCESS, & IT REQUIRES A LOT OF AWARENESS - SELF AWARENESS."
And she adds [which I think is brilliant - BTW!] @ 51:32 "That 'Sense of Self' HAS TO REMAIN & YOU DON'T, YOU SHOULDN'T, KIND OF RELINQUISH YOUR OWN POWER TO ANOTHER HUMANBEING EVEN IF THEY'RE HELPING YOU!"
Yes, he'll take his past with him, but only to 'Remind Himself Where He Doesn't Want To Go!
Guys & Gals, we don't have to go down a certain alleyway just to find that it's a 'Rough Road Ahead"! Read the signs along the way & GO BACK if it seems too good to be true &/or when there are other signs ahead telling you to 'BEWARE!"....
I pray to God, to point me in the right direction each & every day. I find if you have someone you can talk to can help too - they sometimes see signs you can't see because you're too close or because you want it to be so. Listen to your gut - your intuition; that's what it's there for! May your travels be safe & productive for your future ~ your beautiful future ahead!
~ Peace