From Steve Hassan's Freedom of Mind:
Information Control
1. Deception:
a. Deliberately withhold information- from WT 06 1/15
" So, then, should we listen to apostates , read their literature, or examine their Web sites on the Internet? If we love God and the truth, we will not do so. We should not allow apostates into our homes or even greet them, for such actions would make us ‘sharers in their wicked works.’ ( 2 John 9-11 ) May we never succumb to the Devil’s wiles by abandoning the Christian “path of truth” to follow false teachers who seek to “introduce ruinous ideologies” and try to ‘exploit us with well-turned phrases.’— 2 Peter 2:1-3 , Byington."
b. Distort information to make it more acceptable- how about distirting WT history and false prophecies so adherents would still accept the org. (feel free to show examples)
c. Systematically lie to the cult member.-- Saying that only "some people" were over zealous about the world coming to an end when, in fact, the Gov Body/FDS put for the information as FACT to be obeyed without question.
2. Minimize or discourage access to non-cult sources of information, including: a. Internet, TV, radio, books, articles, newspapers, magazines, other media
b.Critical information c. Former members d. Keep members busy so they don’t have time to think and investigate e. Control through cell phone with texting, calls, internet tracking
3. Compartmentalize information into Outsider vs. Insider doctrines
a. Ensure that information is not freely accessible
b.Control information at different levels and missions within group
c. Allow only leadership to decide who needs to know what and when - those on the writing committee devoted to research so you dont have to do yourself!!!!
4. Encourage spying on other members
a. Impose a buddy system to monitor and control member--D2D by twos, sheparding calls, "two-witness" rule, hosptality, only associating with members..
b.Report deviant thoughts, feelings and actions to leadership- encouragement to speak to elders about your problems.
c. Ensure that individual behavior is monitored by group- again frequent gatherings, working together, reporting of wrongdoing, etc
5. Extensive use of cult-generated information and propaganda, including: a. Newsletters, magazines, journals, audiotapes, videotapes, YouTube, movies and other media b.Misquoting statements or using them out of context from non-cult sources
--the WT and Awake are the most widely distributed mags on the planet right?
6. Unethical use of confession a. Information about sins used to disrupt and/or dissolve identity boundaries--elders asking whether a fornicator had sex, just masterbated, was it oral, anal, gay, impure thinking/fantasizing......just sayin.
b. Withholding forgiveness or absolution-- How about waiting to be reinstated after repenting?? Hm
c. Manipulation of memory, possible false memories--intimidation tactics and JC's can make all manner of false or distorted memories come to light.
More to come!
Please feel free to share your own experiences