Three months ago, I received word from Steven Hassan that he would not only like to read my new book, but would like to interview me. Steven Hassan is the author of Combating Cult Mind Control: The #1 Best-Selling Guide to Protection, Rescue and Recovery from Destructive Cults. He believes, as I do, that the best way to combat mind control groups is for former members to share their stories. According to Vimeo, my interview has now gotten 100 plays in approximately 100 days. That equates to someone watching my video every day for three months. Please continue to share your stories. Here is mine.
A Cult from South Korea
Recognizing a cult in America is not always so easy. Americans tend to be drawn to groups who seem generous, have a clear vision, and do charity work. Today I came across an article that highlights one such cult group, and its characteristics. I found it highly relevant.
Confessions of a UBF Leader
Believe it or not, yes I was a UBF leader. I was a Shepherd, a Fellowship Leader and a Chapter Director over the course of two decades. I was an insider of insiders. I now realize one more reason why I participated so strongly–God had a plan to expose the UBF leadership through me. I knew KOPAHN theology very well. I understood the ins and outs of UBFism. I knew how to use the UBF-speak insider language well. I was “sold out for Jesus” and fully committed to making America a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Here are my confessions, which continues the confession series of articles on the old ubfriends site.
Captive Set Free
My name is Susan, and this is my true story…I was introduced to the Toledo Chapter of UBF around ’93/’94 by a guy named Jeff. He introduced me to his Korean bible teacher, Hannah. She was excessively persistent in calling me, showing up at my dorm, and offering me all kinds of “help” through 1:1 bible study. I finally gave in and agreed to study with her. Little did I know that this would lead to a long, harrowing 2 years of spiritual abuse and hell.
Four Ways to Identify Your Personality
“You’re just anti-UBF” (or “pro-UBF”). Or “You’re just a conservative Republican.” Or “You’re just a liberal Democrat.” Or “You’re just stubborn, selfish, self-centered, self-obsessed and stupid!”
No one likes to be categorized or caricatured. Yet, people do have preferences, particular traits, personalities, biases and giftings. Also, almost everyone has some (highly annoying) idiosyncrasy! UBF likes people who are loyal, committed and who do not question or disagree with or challenge their leader(s). Because of this UBF also does not like people with opposite traits. Here are some traits UBF leaders do not like. People are indeed different. So it would be beneficial to understand our differences.Read More
How To Seek First God’s Kingdom
Matthew 6:33 was my first key verse after I became a Christian in 1980. To this day, this verse prompts me to evaluate my priorities and my heart. It also spurs me on to love and good deeds (Heb 10:24).
My first application of Matthew 6:33 in 1980 was to read the Bible the first thing in the morning when I woke up, instead of reading my medical books first. At the time, I was a medical intern at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. This was very good for me. It helped me to set myself grounded and rooted in Scripture the moment I woke up in the morning. I still earnestly wish to do so, yet sometimes, more often than I care to admit, I make my expresso latte and check my emails first …. subconsciously I think!Read More
Do You Have an Inner Hitler?
As the year draws to a close, I want to share a few thoughts about my new book project. The theme is confronting our inner Hitler. So if you can set aside Godwin’s Law for a moment, consider this intriguing idea: do you have an inner Hitler? If so, have you confronted your inner Hitler and removed the force from having power over your life?