It’s time to take the lid off the organizations and individuals who cry cult and expose them for what they are. For too long bullies, harassers, cyberstalkers, defamers, haters and lawbreakers using the cult word have caused grave suffering and restricted religious freedom, promoting religious intolerance in a modern day witch hunt.
In this article I explain some of what I’ve experienced from the anti-cult movement, and go into some of the issues I feel need to be addressed in any just and fair society.
Thanks for adding that useful post Matthew, very true points.
Personally I find it heart wrenching to see how the media is used to completely make people think, feel and act in accordance with certain agendas. This has allowed terrible things to take place. People’s addiction to it and thus its influence is only increasing, making more terrible events possible. That’s why I think, more than ever, it’s essential to stand up and defend the truth. To stand against the deception of those that trick people into doing bad things.
Thanks Belsebuub for exposing these groups and for what they are.
Thank you for this article Belsebuub, you make so many important points about the wider issue of the anti-cult hysteria and the organisations behind it, and how it infringes on fundamental rights.
I strongly agree that what has been done to you is terrible and it only happens because of the anti-cult ideology which has constructed a catch-all label to condemn pretty much any form of alternative spirituality. I think it is important we all look carefully at how these zealous anti-cult crusaders work and what they are trying to do, and how they are the ones who undermine modern free societies.
Firstly, by the normal standards of justice that we have today in Western society, an individual is always supposed to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. But in a mediaeval witch hunt or inquisitorial style system, the accused is labelled a “witch” or “heretic” and then presumed and portrayed as guilty. Justice is turned on its head and the onus is put on the accused to prove they are innocent, after being stigmatised with a label that is bigoted and prejudiced and which incites such hostility and intolerance towards them, to the point they are no longer seen as a human being deserving fairness in society, but as some kind of notorious mythological menace that needs to be eradicated. It then becomes impossible for the accused “witch”, “heretic” or nowadays the “cultist” to prove they are not “guilty”, because the term they are accused of being is so broad and bigoted that it applies to pretty much any form of spirituality the accusers do not like. Those doing the accusing usually have their own vested interests, and often rouse a rabble by feeding into their prejudices, intolerant attitudes and the fear and loathing many have toward anything which is different from them, in order to get others join in the accusing.
The way this works is laid out pretty well in The Crucible, where a highly convincing and vengeful young girl goes to the religious and legal authorities in her town accusing other people of witch craft while confessing to be a former witch, and sets in motion the Salem witch trials. When Arthur Miller wrote it, he used it as an allegory for the hysteria in America in the 50’s towards supposed communists.
That type of system is a complete perversion of justice. In the modern world that just should not happen, but the anti-cult crusaders are trying to foist this medieval mindset upon modern society. I have heard some of these zealous crusaders claim that alternative spirituality undermines modern society and democracy. How completely wrong they are. They are the one’s undermining the values of modern western society. These values include human rights (a western initiative) that are enshrined in various international treaties and laws, and include such fundamental rights such as:
- The right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by due process in a court of law
- The right to practice the religion of one’s choice with others without facing persecution
- The freedom of association
- Equality before the law without discrimination based on religion, creed, race, gender etc
There are obviously some people in small religious associations that commit terrible crimes, just as there are people in all other types of organisations who commit terrible crimes and abuse towards other people within or outside their organisations. This happens everywhere such as in the police force, political parties, corporations, sports clubs, armed forces, established religions, government agencies, schools and within people’s own families.
The same laws used against people who abuse others or commit crimes in these types of associations also apply to people in these organisations, and they should be treated to the same mode of justice. That is the whole point of having equality before the law – a person’s beliefs should not have any impact on how they are judged. The attempts by the zealous anti-cult crusaders to mete out discriminatory treatment to those who believe or practice things they don’t agree with, undermines all the fundamental rights and western values I listed above.
It is not right to take the crimes committed by a minority of groups or people and apply them to all alternative spiritual groups, any more than it is right to take the a crime committed by an individual belonging to a particular race and then make negative generalisations about the entire race – that is called prejudice. Sadly, the same attitude prevails in Western society towards Islam, where people inciting fears, prejudices and paranoia take the very real crimes committed by the few and try to make negative generalisations to portray everyone belonging to that religion in that light.
I had a Muslim cousin who moved to an Australian country town, and when he told some colleagues he was a Muslim, they said “don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone”, as if he had admitted to some kind of criminal activity and they presumed he was a terrorist. Just like with the cult scare there are organisations and those in the media and in politics who encourage this kind of view, which then gets normalised and ingrained in society.
There just seems to be an in-built fear in people towards difference – different cultures, different religions, races and ways of life. It is easy for people to tap into that fear to generalise entire swathes of people negatively to serve their agendas.
In the case of those denouncing alternative spirituality as “cults”; well if any of them, or the accusers that flock to them, had any real case to make for a genuine crime that has been committed, they can and should walk into a police station and report it. The fact that so often they create melodramatic stories on the internet anonymously or in the media shows that they actually don’t have a leg to stand on – they just hate a person or group either because they joined and didn’t like it, or they have their own agenda against alternative spiritual groups.
On this point we should be clear: absolutely no charges have been brought against Belsebuub or The Gnostic Movement for anything whatsoever. They have not been guilty of anything at all, and are innocent until proven guilty by due process. The whole smear campaign with its false accusations made under the cover of anonymity is just smoke and mirrors. It was instigated by ex-members who were asked to leave for misconduct, and then sought revenge, and they carried out these attacks while running a pyramid scheme on the side.
People should look beyond the bigotry and not be sucked in by the propaganda.
Thank you Belsebuub very much for this article, for helping us to realize deeper and more clearly the truth and the seriousness about this painful issue.
Living by these people from the anti-cult movement in the past, I’m not surprised about their actions, but to dead threaten you as they did is something unacceptable, out of my mind. It’s very sadness and hearts, seeing spirituality being attacked so badly. Also it’s unbelievable how the media supported them misleading with words and using every mean they could . They really have no limits in order to impose their will.
Opposing the attacks and standing up for the truth is a deep need from my heart so I can follow it’s message, support these valuable teachings and feed my soul. Being informed and educated enough about the lows is necessary so I can know the way to deal with these people, defend my rights and the teachings, each time. Thank you for this guidance.
It’s awful what you have been through all this time. Thank you for being there for us despite these unethical and deceitful attacks and all the effects they have had in your life, for always caring supporting and guiding us. It gave me so much strength and encouraged me all this time.
I pray from my heart that you can break free from these attacks permanently and that they will come to an end. That these teachings will can be spread peacefully and freely and that we will be able to act every time according to the Divine low, as it’s needed, following our heart, supporting you and defending spirituality.
Thank you from my heart.
Thank you Belsebuub for sharing your article.
I read it again and again…because I feel that is important for many reasons.
It is important to know the human rights, to know what we can do when someone doesn’t even respect other’s lifes and rights. Because our life is important.
Thank you
“Some anti-cult people make money out of this; there are professionals in their field who can be paid to give credibility to attacker’s testimonies – these are traders in human misery. One so-called cult expert who wrote about me was contacted by phone by someone inquiring about the nature of his article. He admitted he never met me, hadn’t read anything by me and was solely relying on the attacker’s testimonies. When asked if he was paid to write his article on me, he kept quiet.”
That is so completely disturbing.
Really shows the lack of credibility for these ‘experts’ and really the entire ‘anti-cult movement’ itself, not to mention the people who use it to attack.
Using the words ‘cult’ to attack someone is damaging on so many levels, as you’ve clearly pointed out.
Thanks for writing this important article and saying what needs to be said. The anti-cult movement really seems like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
It’s so easy for people to use the word “cult” as a way to instantly demonize a group or individual. It allows attackers to get away with so much, by putting all these connotations, loading all alternative religions and spiritual groups together, and using a few bad cases in history to justify oppressing any group they don’t agree with.
Especially unfortunate is that it is becoming law to suppress “cults”, such as in France where there is government agency (Interministerial Mission for Monitoring and Combatting Cultic Deviances) designed specifically for this. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is conveniently forgotten:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
I think it is really important to speak out about such violations, otherwise there is no opposing explanations and people inevitably assume the worst. It is incredible how one event has been used in modern times to create this ridiculous mass media hysteria. The Jim Jones case was traumatic for many survivors, but to then have government entities that no longer serve the majority use such incidents to create pseudo ‘civil’ wars, as in the case of Waco, is simply psychopathic, exactly the same thing supposedly exhibited by one sole person originally. This flagrant manipulation and deception is nothing but tyranny. Every dictatorship has used the same ploy, manipulating public awareness against a ‘monstrous myth’ and fictitious enemy.
Thank you Belsebuub for making this issue visible in such a clear way. Not only you were attacked and suffered, but you even try to help others by exposing these modern inquisitors for what they are and help all the future spiritual aspirants. The times don’t seem to be much different today than they were back in the times of inquisition, just the methods of the persecution have changed. To destroy somebody’s image through the internet is only so easy today, so thank you again for fighting not just for yourself, but for all of us.
I agree, time to start bringing a little justice to the situation.
Under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – Article 18
Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.
In Australia, braches can be investigated by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
Freedom from religious hatred and violence is an essential element of religious freedom.
ICCPR article 20 provides that advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law.
On 1 January 2002, Victoria (Australia) put into effect its Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 which makes religious vilification unlawful. Section 8(1) of the Act states:
A person must not, on the ground of the religious belief or activity of another person or class of persons, engage in conduct that incites hatred against, serious contempt for, or revulsion or severe ridicule of, that other person or class of persons.
Note: “engage in conduct” includes use of the internet or e-mail to publish or transmit statements or other material.
There are concessions if actions are made in good faith, however by the sound of these attackers, that isn’t the case. These attacks are clearly malicious and give rise to a cause of action under statute law.
Thanks for the information Ray of Justice.
There are some informative pages on what constitutes religious vilification and how to deal with religious vilification in Victoria here, but it may be similar for other states in Australia and countries too:
http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=981&Itemid=677
http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=23370
Speaking of Victoria, the State of Victoria in Australia has created a new unique anti hate website to report hate experienced by or committed by people there.
Here is the blurb:
Are you tired of discrimination in your community? Do you feel helpless and find yourself asking – “What can I do?” Well there’s now a solution.
New Anti-Hate Spray puts the power of hate removal in your hands. Specifically formulated to combat racism, homophobia and any other discrimination, Anti-Hate Spray will leave your community clean and hate free.
Removing hate has never been this easy!
http://www.antihate.vic.gov.au/
It is really terrible that people’s free will and basic rights are not respected.
A few dangerous groups have been used as an excuse for the general religious discrimination of anyone trying to perceive the world from a different viewpoint than that of the established religions.
It is absurd that anyone can just use the word “cult” against someone else and affect them negatively so easily. But it becomes extremely difficult to remove that stain even if there is proof. It just takes the attackers to keep repeating the same word for the incited hatred to grow against even completely innocent victims.
Thank you Belsebuub for pointing out the harm that the anti-cult movement is causing and for sharing your insights.
This article provides a lot of valuable insight into how powerful forces are able to marginalize — and create a hostile environment for — the practice of non-mainstream spirituality.
It amazes me how the bigotry and intolerance of the “anti-cult” movement has been represented as so virtuous and benign and how deeply the negative cult stereotype has taken root in popular imagination.
A combination of repetitive media representations of negative “cult” examples and the anti-cult’s usage of cherished values like “family” and “freedom” make it extremely easy to accuse someone with a minority spiritual view of being in a “cult” and make it very difficult for that person to defend themselves.
It’s quite Orwellian and frightening how an entire society can have their views shaped.
It has a profound impact on the spiritual life of many people.
Thank you Belsebuub for this article.
Thank you Belsebuub for such an insightful exposé of what has been happening to you and how.
Its quite paradoxical how these Anti Cult Movement’s actually work, on one hand they assume a role of vigilance, protection and safety for supposed victims whilst in reality they operate vigilance, protection and support for trolls, hate campaigners and anti religious groups and individuals. Your experience, as truly horrible as it has been, has come to reveal and unmask these anti cult movements for the bigotry they uphold. Just on the little research I have done, it appears to me that the anti-cult movement breaks more laws than it upholds, but its powerful PR seems to have many people fooled.
I wholeheartedly agree, “People must be educated on the laws that harassers, stalkers and bullies break and be empowered to use them. Their propaganda methods need to be understood and people informed and educated enough to enable them to see through it. Lawbreakers need to face justice, and the injustices of the anti-cult movement and those they shelter must be exposed for all to see.”
I sincerely appreciate all your efforts in bringing your experience to the public light through this article, and I hope that you receive the justice you deserve for all the injustice and malice that has been hurled at you.
I also hope that through all our joint efforts to stand up for the truth that we can help justice to prevail.
Today – at the Time of the Communication – it is terrible to see that the existing sincere efforts to teach the internal equilibrium are attacked. Attempt to interfere these beneficial teachings shows that the modern conception of freedom distorts the judgment of the righteous.
Direction is necessary for any success. And it is not advisable to do any thing, in all directions, any how, if a direction is desired. Making the choice to learn the internal equilibrium demand diligence, and choices consistent with what we want to acquire, if we want peace, love, justice, we have a course of action to follow. And this may seem an obstacle to freedom!? One day, thanks to these teachings, I learned that freedom is to choose the best path given to us to take, that is bénéfique for myself and people around me. And that freedom is not to do anything, anytime, anyhow, anywhere, with anyone.
I am for the beneficial, spiritual, internal teachings that Belsebuub teaches. These are simply the best.
Good point Emmanuelle, “One day, thanks to these teachings, I learned that freedom is to choose the best path given to us to take, that is bénéfique for myself and people around me. And that freedom is not to do anything, anytime, anyhow, anywhere, with anyone. “
“There are individuals in spiritual groups who do commit crimes, but there are existing channels that people can use to report wrong doing – there is no place for anti-cult groups in society. They sow misery, injustice and spread inflammatory ideas about people, destroying lives.”
This is something I agree with wholeheartedly. It seems that by applying that label to a group people often wash their hands off of any poor decisions they have made or actions they now regret – ‘it wasn’t me, it was the “brainwashing” that was done to me’ seems to be a pretty easy way to get out of things, only I would be embarrassed personally to use such a poor excuse for my past choices and behaviour.
From what I have seen, in most cases people apply the cult label when they need a public excuse for their radical change in views/beliefs, and/or if they have a personal vendetta against the group they are no longer a part of. Either action seems equally cowardly in my opinion. What ever happened to people being accountable for their actions (not to mention their “brains”, which appear to be too easy to “wash”)? If your views change, why not move on to something you enjoy more? There are so many pleasurable pursuits in life – why waste time dwelling in negativity and judgement of others (especially if you no longer wish to be associated with those “others”)?
It seems to me that anti-cult movements only serve to strip away the natural responsibility we should be nurturing for our lives and decisions; to provide a vehicle for anyone with a chip on their shoulder to vent their hatred for others; to provide a vehicle for people to publish accusations which are often unverified, skewed, and which can be completely false; to create opportunities for people in that niche to make money off the “cult-busting” business (like deprogramming for example); to take away the rights or others to form new religious/spiritual groups or communities; to spread fear and distrust to the public and thus to pit people and groups against one another. None of these things are useful or contribute positively to a society in any way, shape or form.
I know what you mean Jenny here, “From what I have seen, in most cases people apply the cult label when they need a public excuse for their radical change in views/beliefs, and/or if they have a personal vendetta against the group they are no longer a part of. ”
This goes to show that “cult” is a bigotry word and it only seems to have gained credence because of established organisations that base their profits on proliferating this term, such as the media and the Anti-Cult Movement. This term would not be used if it didn’t have a financially viable aspect to it or if it couldn’t incite fear in people to control their choices and decision making, so as to sway them either politically, religously or financially.
Then it seems to me that the term ‘cult’ is actually a money spinner and a control mechanism by which established organisations net the population, like you say it has nothing useful or positive to contribute to society. Self knowledge and standing up for what is right, on the other hand, is how people learn to see the net, not be caught in it and learn to be free of it – which to me is why its so powerful and why it is attacked.
I hope that more and more people wake up the real agenda behind the anti-cult movement and start to question and make choices based on questioning, investigating and understanding.
Thank you for this article, Belsebuub, it’s really helpful how it clearly outlines the way the anti-cult movement functions, and also points towards what we can all do about it and the rights that we all have.
I find it quite disturbing that the anti-cult movement is able to operate by preying upon society’s fears and positioning itself as a helpful resource for people, when really it is the exact opposite. The fact that small numbers of individuals are actively working to limit our ability to practice our chosen spirituality (even though it may be considered ‘alternative’ or ‘fringe’ to many) in this day and age, is appalling. These are supposed to be modern times.
And it’s even worse to see how you’ve been attacked, totally in ways meant to be dehumanizing.
I am definitely interested in seeing our right to spiritual practice defended, and really appreciate the candor with which you discuss these issues.
Thanks for taking time to share this information with us.
What has happened to you and the practitioners of your teachings is totally unjust. The actions of these trolls have ruined many lives and and families and continue to do so. And this is totally unfair. We have a right to practice the spirituality of our choice without fear of being persecuted or being classified as a cult member. It is great to finally see more and more testimonies refuting the ridiculous claims that have been posted on the hate site.
The actions of these people have caused so much damage and it needs to stop. As Jordan said we all experience with these teachings that is different than of those few people who post on the hate site. It is these experiences that will allow the truth to be put forth and hopefully those really interested in spirituality will see the truth in all this, and will have an opportunity to experience things for themselves. Rather than being turned away by someone’s lies and deceit.
Dear Belsebuub, it’s very sad to hear you talking about these things, but I understand that active defense from this type of persecution, using legal and ethical means, is also a part of a real spirituality.
I should admit that despite all your precious spiritual insights which you shared with us before and my inner guidance, I also got affected in my heart by that ongoing smear campaign. One thought which I used to have, was “well if there is so much negativity – there must be something wrong from your side”. But it is not even logical to think like that! I just got used to read so many nasty things said about you to the point of accepting that this persecution is something normal…
It was so helpful to read your explanations about what happened and read testimonials posted there… http://gnosticfreedom.com/witness-accounts/
Thank you for your insight about how the anti-cult movement workes…it is very similar to what happens in Eastern Europe. It is well known nowadays, that it used to be a part of a communist propaganda to spread lies and persecute severely all small spiritual groups there under the label “secta”. When I was little, I heard things said seriously, like “All sects are extremely dangerous. People like baptists do crazy things such as painting chicken eggs in different colors, and also sometimes they steal and kill little children”. Unfortunately after communism collapsed, this persecution still continues by many people, some of them quite powerful in society, such as heads of some mainstream religious organizations, some politicians with their own vested interests, etc. I was quite surprised to see similar things happening in apparently more civilized Western world…
I can truly relate to what you say about the need to be active in defending the truth and get educated about laws broken by anti-cult movement, as well as their methods – so they can be countered.
I really hope that people who attack you and your wife, will find something constructive where to direct their energy and time…
I’d just like to offer my ongoing full support for everything you have said in this article Belsebuub. I think you made a lot of really important points for the terrible wider implications of this anti-cult movement in society and it is truly deplorable to me and many others the things that have been falsely said about you throughout the whole of the smear campaign. I pray that justice prevails and you can one day publicly teach in person again and we can all practice our spirituality in peace without having to look over our shoulder.
Thank you for continuing to provide your valuable teachings and insights through this website and your e-books despite the oppressive circumstances against you.
The organisation that we are involved with has held meetings and classes open to the public from the beginning, all the teachers are volunteers who have gained personally from the practices and want to pass on the teachings to others, free of charge, although we do accept donations ( no coersion )thousands have taken the courses. You cant actually stay in this group if you really dont want to, it requires time and much effort and sacrifice to achieve the spiritual goal of enlightement. You would still be better off for trying than not trying at all. That is all, personal goals, Compared to other religious bigotry the attacks have been mild , but still damaging to all concerned, The world is bleeding and wounded everywhere I look from attacks on fellow humanbeings, its endless and relentless, spiritual groups are at least a way to stem the flow of hatred, of course there are abusive cults, they are usually found out, if people are aware of their rights. From evidence that I have seen people who stay in abusive cults or groups are full of belief in this or that and are ready willing and able to do whatever the one in charge requires. This organisation has never been based on principles like that. We have been given tools and techniques to use to gain our own experience and requirement is do it yourself. This group has unique teachings and my experiences and discoveries have proven themselves to be real and true. I thank you and all my teachers for you help.
Thank you for writing this article. I totally agree with all that you have said.
I think its a very important article to write and hope it goes far and brings light into this hateful anti-cult movement.
What really struck me was bringing it back to the law – If groups are breaking the law then there are the appropriate bodies to take action (the police!) the anti-cult movement has no place in society. Its people who cannot fathom or comprehend another way of life other than their own beliefs and cannot allow others to be different.
The whole thing seems incredibly backward. I don’t see why these people do not put their energy into something worthwhile.
It saddens me that you are under attack from these people. Thank you for sharing this article & having the courage to shed light & truth into something which is so unjust.
Thanks for that Belsebuub. I totally agree that those who share the views you brought up and can see the truth of what’s going on, and especially after having experienced it to greater or lesser degrees, should be standing up to do what we can to help. How could someone spread spirituality/spiritual teachings while at the same time allow for the only venues in which the teachings are given to go to pieces, let alone the teachings themselves? Thank you for once again having the courage to stand up and say what needs to be said because it needs to be said, and take on yet another injustice in the world. Your guidance and insight in general is much appreciated.
This article is like the tip of the iceberg, you see the ice on the surface but what lurks beneath the water is much larger and in not seen, not until you look under the water line can you see the the true size of that ice berg! Humanity has been dogged with groups of people that want to control everything that people do, they think that they somehow have the right to impose on anybody what they think is right for people, so who’s the cult? if you don’t believe in what they say or follow what they set out to be “normal” you could end up in prison or your life ruined because they have an ability to influence people and get a momentum of bigotry going in the media that then somehow turns in to the politicians making laws. Look at the campaign in Australia with politicians wanting to make anti cult laws to stop religious/spiritual groups from operating down here! (not to mention what is happening in other parts of the world, take France for example) its only the momentum that the media drives that gives this any real strength, Lets face it people in control of the word don’t want people to be truly spiritual the controllers of this world want everybody to do what they want, buy things that they make, believe in what they believe and in the near future all sorts of injustices will occur to people’s all around the world due to the power few that are hiding under the surface of the water, the people you don’t see, the organisations making it all happen, it’s just like an iceberg you see what’s on the surface but what is underneath is something else, that’s bigger than you first thought.