according to some of the info I am finding, they actually stalk and kidnap many of their members who try to flee :
http://www.scientology-kills.org/survivors_magoo.htm
"mentally enslaved by false promises of gaining godlike powers if you duplicate "Ron".(*do exactly what he says) "
According to one site, these are the tactics they use:
Fallacious Argument WORKS
Hypnotism WORKS
Repetition WORKS
Electricity WORKS
Propaganda WORKS
Lawyers WORK
Private Investigators WORK
Blackmail WORKS
Gag agreements WORK
Information Control WORKS
and most importantly:
Fear WORKS!
http://ocmb.lermanet.us/discussion/viewtopic.php?t=381
They have "re-education camps" : JW JC committee have "thought reform" discussions
Lawyers:lawyers
repetition: repetition
(JW--repetition of habitual meetings, repetition of memorization of select scripture repeatedly used for any argument whether it fits the subject or not)
Blackmail: Blackmail, (albiet Wbts are holding the dead as ransom..."You'll never see your dead sister if you don't do as we say")
Gag agreements: secrecy no witnesses to JC meetings
Hypnotism: hypnotism
The meetings are a form of this. What adult raises their hand like a 4 year old and begs to repeat a sentence from a magazine? What adult cherishes the privelige (thank you for letting me help you!) of sweeping a floor?
Private investigators: In-house gossips
The similarities are striking. I don't see a discussion board listed for them. And those actually escaping seem more recent than the JWs.
There is a new book out "Escaping Scientology" from one daring person who was in for 17 years and also worked in headquarters. It was just published in April 2007.
Perhaps this board will expand to include many others from various cults. They all have great similarities and their own little twists.
This film you posted is very powerful.
Why is no one able to stop this mental abuseby religious cults?
Or ...the old question comes circling around around again...were they already predisposed to mental problems before joining?
Thanks for posting the informative video.