For individuals who have been out of a cult for several years, this book is an affirmation of their own experiences and a measuring stick to see how far they have progressed. In a 1988 Cultic Studies Journal review of Ronald Enroth's book The Lure of the Cults and New Religions, Fr. And we might minimize their anguish if we had a better understanding of their sufferings. Captive Hearts, Captive Minds goes a long way to help people to understand the suffering, struggles, triumphs, and joys of the recovery process. In the introduction to their book, Tobias and Lalich, both former cult members themselves, clearly state their issue is with the methods and behavior of cults, not with beliefs.
Emphasis is placed on the deception employed by cults during recruitment.
They have aptly met their goals. Providing a well-rounded, professional approach to the major issues confronting former cult members, the book allows former cult members to see that their experience, and the trauma the reader may be experiencing, is shared by many. It is comforting to realize that one is not alone, that others understand and have been there. Also, it is important to note the similarity in the difficulties and emotions experienced during the recovery of individuals who have emerged from diverse cults with different ideologies or belief systems. Therefore, it cannot be the belief or ideology that is the cause of those difficulties, but the mind control environment.