A democratic organization supporting separation of state and church, and promoting understanding and acceptence of atheism and freethought in our community

A democratic organization supporting separation of state and church,understanding and acceptence of atheism 

and freethought in our community

AOF Activities & Events

Escaping a Cult Isn't Easy                                                                                                              Hits : 561
Sunday, June 24, 2018, 01:00pm - 03:00pm
Location :  Reason Center, 1824 Tribute Rd, Suite A, Sacramento, see map
cultSee the broken ones, the forgotten ones, the flotsam on life's river. These are low-hanging fruit for cults, groups that love-bomb them then peel away autonomy, drain their hearts and drink their souls, leaving them more rag-doll broken, forgotten and lost than ever.
 
Documentary exposés such as Going Clear and the Scientology and the Aftermath series by Leah Remini show heartbreakingly how religious cults exploit and cripple. Sadly though, cultism is not limited to religious or quasi-religious groups. Cult-like dynamics appear in personal development organizations, networking associations, recovery groups and private relationships. Even families -- many familes can be abusive and cultish.
 
Steve Clark's deeply personal talk will walk us through dusky corners of psychology, interpersonal communication and sociology. A Silicon Valley software engineer, Steve poured most of his adult life into the 12-step and self-help world. He will share his story to show us that, while these appear on the surface to be good, the underside often has the manipulative patterns of cults.
 
It took years of slow deprogramming, including working with specialists, for Steve to break away at last. Steve says participants in recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous should eventually graduate out, rather than remain forever in the program.
 
Steve Clark
 
A word about our venue. Reason Center is the ONE meeting place in the region dedicated to freethought, non-theism, rationality, skepticism, atheism, agnosticism and non-belief. It's open just for you and your friends. Events are generally free. But to help it continue, please donate. Reason Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are tax-deductible as allowed by IRS regulations. Visit the website, www.reasoncenter.org.
 
This is one more scintilating event of the AOF Speaker Series. To encourage more, see http://www.aofonline.org/support.html. (Note, AOF is not a cult. It it were, we'd be a lot richer.)
 
(Bonus: This event will mark AOF's 25th Anniversary!  Expect cake, maybe ice cream, and celebratory words on our very checkered history.)
Contact :  See our Contact Page
Event free. Parking free. Wonderful free cooool air. But bring a snack or beverage to share if you can. Any help, all help, is very much appreciated.