AboutBlanchjoe Expertise What is a Cult? Are cults dangerous? How does one become a member of a cult? Why do people join cults? How does one leave a cult? Why do cults exist? Are cults benificial?
Experience I have studied comparative religions for more than 25 years. I am currently a student of Ruchira Adi Da Samraj. My primary area of study is the interpersonal dynamics of the Guru/Devotee relationship.
Question I have a family member and their child about to disappear into a cult. What can I do to stop it?
They are about to be gone.
Answer Interesting Question.
Nothing.
If they are adults who have the legal right to excersize they own choices, there is nothing you can do, and any attempt to cajole, argue, or threaten will only underscore their decision.
Your only function is to love them regardless of the decisions they make, . . .as hard as that sounds.
One of the great difficulties of life is that the one thing we cannot protect our loved ones from is their own decisions.
It is important to remember that prior to 1965 the word "cult" was not a negative one, and not all so called cults are negative, and it is important to understand that all the great worlds religions began at one time as cults.
However learn as much as you can about the organization that your family member is entering, both the good and the bad, and be there for them when they need you.