The Proper Attitude to Cult Members and Counter-cult Career(VII)

Cults Inside Out, written by American cult expert Rick Alan Ross, is recommended by many main-stream media, and also well received by other cult experts, scholars and professionals in press and legal circles. In 2005, Mr. Rick Alan Ross accepted the interview with Ms Mindy Bond, who was an editor, writer and journalist from Gothamist.com. In order to broaden our readers’ horizons and enrich their knowledge of the western counter-cult movement, Kaiwind.com (aka Facts.org.cn) has translated the interview record into Chinese. The interview record has been divided into seven parts, and Kaiwind.com added a subheading for every part in view of its relatively independent topic.

In this Part Seven, Mr. Rick Alan Ross expresses his opinions on voluntary interventions, the rate of attrition for a cult, the Proper Attitude to Cult Members and Counter-cult Career.

Cults Inside Out, written by American cult expert Rick Alan Ross, is recommended by many main-stream media, and also well received by other cult experts, scholars and professionals in press and legal circles. In 2005, Mr. Rick Alan Ross accepted the interview with Ms Mindy Bond, who was an editor, writer and journalist from Gothamist.com. In order to broaden our readers’ horizons and enrich their knowledge of the western counter-cult movement, Kaiwind.com (aka Facts.org.cn) has translated the interview record into Chinese. The interview record has been divided into seven parts, and Kaiwind.com added a subheading for every part in view of its relatively independent topic.

In this Part Seven, Mr. Rick Alan Ross expresses his opinions on voluntary interventions, the rate of attrition for a cult, the Proper Attitude to Cult Members and Counter-cult Career.

How do voluntary interventions work? 

Much like a drug or alcohol intervention, my work typically begins as a surprise planned by a family, spouse and/or those concerned. But the person who is the focus of such an effort may decide to subsequently leave, which is their choice. Three out of four don't leave and ultimately decide to end the situation that has drawn concern. 　　 

What is the rate of attrition for a cult? 

One study concluded that most people involved in cults would leave after five years. But I know of many that stay for decades. And for those that give up years of their lives to some cult group this experience may come at considerable personal expense. Relationships may suffer or be broken beyond repair, family lost, not to mention financial costs and lost opportunities. Not a day goes by that I don't receive an email or phone call from a cult victim about the price that they have paid for their involvement and the difficulties they experience in recovery. 　　 

You have amassed quite a few critics over the years. What are some of the more inflammatory and/or amusing things that have been said about you? 

Well, I maintain a "Hall of Flames" for the hate e-mail received. Recipients receive an award of one to four flames depending on how hot their comments are.

I have often been called an "anti-Christ" and a "tool of Satan." Interestingly I have been labeled both an "ADL stooge" and an "anti-Semite." And then there is the more colorful stuff. "A piece of subhuman excrement hosed into the sewers," is an old favorite of mine, but that doesn't include the more crude stuff that relies heavily upon four letter words. I consider it something of an honor that Scientology has a 17-page Internet introduction to my 196-page attached personal PDF on-line file. 　　 

Do you identify yourself with an organized religion? Do you consider yourself a religious person? 

Yes. I am Jewish and affiliated with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC), often called Reform Judaism, which has its headquarters in New York. 　　 

What advice would you give to a friend or family member of someone who appears to be becoming part of a "cult"? 

Don't overreact. Don't be confrontational. You may be wrong.

First, carefully and discretely research the group in question and educate yourself. Then make an informed decision about how you can best respond. Before taking any action get a second, even a third opinion from people and/or professionals you trust. Don't jump to any conclusions before a process of due diligence. Keep all communication as open as possible and strengthen continuing goodwill with the person you are concerned. 　　 

　　Original text from: http://gothamist.com/2005/07/18/rick_ross_cult_expert.php