Jon Walker Lindh: I have been following the various comments about Lindh, on TV, radio, newspapers, and on this forum. I have had mixed feelings about this young man.
Looking back: In 1968 when I became associated with the JWs, I was still 17, the same age as Lindh when he got involved with Islam. In 1970, when I was baptized a JW, I was 19, the same age as Lindh when he joined the Taliban and went to Afghanistan. In some ways, when I saw him on TV, I could see myself over 31 years ago, a True believer. Had the Watch Tower placed guns in our hands instead of magazines, would I have joined them in acts of war?
Yet Somehow: Given my experience, and that of many other ex-JWs, and other ex-cult members, and the understanding of what goes into cult mentality, I have reservations about what to do with Lindh. Part of me feels that he needs to be severely punished, and part of me feels that he needs help – long term deprogramming.
Brainwashing vs Mind-Control: People not familiar with the complexities of cults often mistakenly use the term ‘brainwashing’ to describe what might have happened to people like Lindh. Steve Hassan, in his book, ”Combatting Cult Mind-Control” made some important distinctions between “Brainwashing” and “Mind-Control”. He noted that “Brainwashing” is often harsh, for a limited purpose, and its effects are temporary. Whereas, "Mind-Control" is often softer or kinder, reaches the core of a person’s heart, and its intent is for permanent change in the subject’s world view. Lindh appears to have come under Taliban and Al Qaeda Mind Control.
The Question: What do we do with people who commit seriously anti-social acts while they are subjects of “Mind-Control”? At what point do we try to deprogram them? Or go ‘easy’ on them because we understand this social problem? Or when do we finally say, ‘Enough of the excuses, and let them pay for their crimes!’ What do you think? - Amazing