But psychological professionals can make important contributions to the public education crucial for dealing with the problem. With greater knowledge about them, people are less susceptible to deception, and for that reason some cults have been finding it more difficult to recruit members. Yet painful moral dilemmas remain. When laws are violated through fraud or specific harm to recruits, legal intervention is clearly indicated. We must continue to seek ways to encourage a social commitment to individual autonomy and avoid coercion and violence.
Few words arouse such strong feelings.
In this issue of AFF News Dr. Lifton explores the process of Cult Formation and the key components of the thought-reform environment. Copyright 1997-99 AFF, Inc .