Rama,
It is extremely important for cult members to compare notes with both current and former members to understand the reality of any suspicious group. If it can't stand scrutiny, then it is unworthy.
We often can't put the whole picture together when we are isolated within a group. We may even doubt our own mind. I know that most exers only became aware of many SOI abuses from this forum and making friends with outsiders. Eye witness accounts confirmed and validated fears and suspicions. This has led to a more rapid recovery for many.
Here is a good clip with the film maker of the movie you mentioned "Holy Hell".
All cults have their similarities and differences. It is of value to look at the operating systems of different cults even if their philosophies and practices differ.
Meet the Artist '16: Will Allen
Holy Hell Documenting 20 years inside a California cult BBC News
As we know, new members and children who grow up in the cult of Butler are unaware of the groups evolution and history. Members are not privy to the goings on of their guru. This has been "policy" for decades. Any one ever ask, "Why?" Followers and initiates have not even seen him in years, if at all. Only high value followers and the silver spoon fed elite children have direct access. But I submit that information sharing is not happening unless it is aligned with the group propaganda.
It is true that there are people in the cult with whom Chris has bestowed kind attention without "chastising" them. It is understandable that pampered and favored "devotees" stay. But it is even more interesting that some of the followers who have suffered the worst abuses, like Prema dasi, continue to be loyal and remain ... Why do you think that is?
Questions for Butler Cult Members:
Why do you rationalize the obvious weirdness and abuses you witness?
Do you find yourself going along with shit you know is wrong for fear of being looked at as "less than" desirable with your peers and the guru?
Why is your cult so secretive - no, really, WHY?
Why do you stay with the group even when the cult starts hurting you?
Even if you don't think the group is hurting you, why do you go along with it when you witness others being hurt?
It is extremely important for cult members to compare notes with both current and former members to understand the reality of any suspicious group. If it can't stand scrutiny, then it is unworthy.
We often can't put the whole picture together when we are isolated within a group. We may even doubt our own mind. I know that most exers only became aware of many SOI abuses from this forum and making friends with outsiders. Eye witness accounts confirmed and validated fears and suspicions. This has led to a more rapid recovery for many.
Here is a good clip with the film maker of the movie you mentioned "Holy Hell".
All cults have their similarities and differences. It is of value to look at the operating systems of different cults even if their philosophies and practices differ.
Meet the Artist '16: Will Allen
Holy Hell Documenting 20 years inside a California cult BBC News
As we know, new members and children who grow up in the cult of Butler are unaware of the groups evolution and history. Members are not privy to the goings on of their guru. This has been "policy" for decades. Any one ever ask, "Why?" Followers and initiates have not even seen him in years, if at all. Only high value followers and the silver spoon fed elite children have direct access. But I submit that information sharing is not happening unless it is aligned with the group propaganda.
It is true that there are people in the cult with whom Chris has bestowed kind attention without "chastising" them. It is understandable that pampered and favored "devotees" stay. But it is even more interesting that some of the followers who have suffered the worst abuses, like Prema dasi, continue to be loyal and remain ... Why do you think that is?
Questions for Butler Cult Members:
Why do you rationalize the obvious weirdness and abuses you witness?
Do you find yourself going along with shit you know is wrong for fear of being looked at as "less than" desirable with your peers and the guru?
Why is your cult so secretive - no, really, WHY?
Why do you stay with the group even when the cult starts hurting you?
Even if you don't think the group is hurting you, why do you go along with it when you witness others being hurt?