Lowell D. Streiker

Don't be misled by the title. It isn't a bash on Christianity, Baptists, Fundamentalists, et al It is a poignant discourse on what can happen when it goes too far or awry. I ran across this book when I began my studies on manipulative psychology and cults, but was put off by the title being a good "church boy". Kind of goes back to one of my favorite quotes. The danger of having an open mind is that someone might actually drop a thought in it.

This book covers everything from The Truth Station, Amway, Children of God and the anti-cult group, conversion experience, revivalism, fundamentalism, Pentecostalism, dispensationalism, recruitment, the Shepherding movement (International Church of Christ), and much more. My experiences from 13 years old to 17, though not a cult per se, certainly were fraught with manipulation, coercion, guilt, shame, and many topics in this 1984 book.

Interesting. I bought this used book online and when I received it, I noticed it was published the year I left a specific church I had commented on above, AND it came from the public library of the city I was born in!

Oh, good, book, recommended, still relevant 26 years later. Know of a modern version? Please drop me an email.… (altro)