Ross, the only deprogrammer ever to work with members of the Branch Davidian cult, appeared on campus Wednesday night as part of the Esbenshade series. We know they're out there, and all we can do is wait. While the Bible says no one knows when the apocalypse will take place, members of religious groups have been guessing for a long time. The Manson Family, the abduction of Patty Hearst, the Jonestown Massacre, the Waco standoff and the Heaven's Gate suicide are only some of the noted examples of modern cult activity. Ross says many people are unsure what features define a cult.
Several features distinguish harmful cults from other groups.
For example, cults have authoritarian leaders with no real accountability. David Koresh was self-appointed. In addition, the group's focus is squarely on the leader, who defines the group. When the target of harassment by a destructive cult seeks legal action, he says, the leader and members see it as an act of religious persecution. But that would be like Billy Graham suing someone for spreading the Good News.