Certainly, this book is quite thought provoking, and the concepts discussed here merit a serious discussion and consideration. In fact, this section of the website will be much more meaningful to you if you have read this book (But if you haven't read the book, I have made liberal citations from it below).  I have a number of comments to make about the subject matter in the book, and I have broken them up into the following categories:

• The Mind Control Hypothesis
• Christianity and the "Four Components of Mind Control"
• Conversion
• Christianity and "Cultic Practices"
• How "Exit Counseling" Mirrors Cult Recruiting
• Leadership, Integrity and Mind Control

The Mind Control Hypothesis
Hassan regards cult mind control as "a system which disrupts an individual's identity (p. 54)." He goes on:

Under the influence of mind control, a person's original identity, as formed by family, education, friendships and most importantly that person's own free choices, becomes replaced with another identity, often one that he would not have chosen for himself without tremendous social pressure. Mind control practiced by destructive cults is a social process, often involving large groups of people who enforce it. It is achieved by immersing a person in a social environment where, in order to function, he must shed his old identity and adhere to the new identity desired by the group (p. 54).

Of course, we are all subject to various social pressures every day, most noticeably at our work. The pressure to conform to certain standards of behavior exists in nearly every organization. Many kinds of influence are at work on us all the time, some of them obvious and benign (such as "Fasten Your Seat Belt" billboards) and others subtle and destructive. I cannot emphasize too strongly, then, that when I use the term "mind control" I am specifically referring to the destructive end of the spectrum. Therefore, as I have stressed before, the term "mind control" in this book will not apply to certain technologies (biofeedback, for example) that are used to enhance personal control and promote choice. It will refer to only those system that seek to undermine an individuals' integrity in making his own decisions. The essence of mind control is that is encourages dependence and conformity, and discourages autonomy and individuality (p. 54-55).

...is more subtle and sophisticated. Its perpetrators are regarded as friends and peers, so the person is much less defensive. He unwittingly participates by cooperating with his controllers and giving them private information that he does not know will be used against him. The new belief system is internalized into a new identity structure (p. 56).

Mind control involves little or no overt physical abuse. Instead, hypnotic processes are combined with group dynamics to create a potent indoctrination effect. The individual is deceived and manipulated-- not directly threatened-- into making the prescribed choices. On the whole, he responds positively to what is done to him (p. 56).

Hypnotic Processes
So how do cults perform this hypnotism? A key component of hypnotism is the "trance." While in a trance, Hassan says one's attention is focused inward, as opposed to outward through the five senses during normal consciousness. And he recognizes different levels or depths of trances. Among other things, when a person is in a trance state, his critical faculties are diminished.

Hassan says that religious cults use "meditation" to bring on the enhance state. He also says lengthy indoctrination sessions consisting of "repetition" and "forced attention" are very conducive to the induction of a trance.

Looking at a group in such a setting, it is easy to see when the trance has set in. The audience will exhibit retarded blink and swallow reflexes, and their facial expressions will relax into a blank, neutral state. With people in such a state, it is possible for unscrupulous leaders to implant irrational beliefs (p. 57).

The net result of these studies has been the consistent demonstration of the remarkable power of behavior modification techniques, group conformity, and obedience to authority. These three factors are known in psychological terms as 'influence processes.' One of the most remarkable discoveries of social psychology is that in our attempts to find the most appropriate response to a social situation, we sometimes respond to information that we receive unconsciously. (p. 58)

... under ordinary circumstances, the people around us are not all secretly conspiring to make us do something. They simply act more or less as they have been culturally conditioned to act, which in turn conditions us. That is the way, after all, in which a culture perpetuates itself. In a destructive cult, however, the behavior modification process is stage-managed all around new recruits, who of course have no idea what is going on (p. 58).

Mind Control and Christianity
The allegation of "mind control" towards the Christian faith and the ICOC is a serious charge. I will address the points Hassan raises.

Undermining Personal Integrity
In terms of behavior modification of new converts, no Christian should be trying to undermine anyone's personal integrity in the decision making process. In fact, people are encouraged to study the Scriptures and to seriously contemplate their decision to become Christians. This is the message of Luke 14:25-33-- a rational and informed "counting of the cost" that requires (not circumvents) sober deliberation. To my understanding, this is standard practice in the ICOC.

Have some Christians in the ICOC (as well as other churches) at times tried to persuade someone with so much energy that true decision making power of the person has been compromised? Probably-- but this is not the goal. In fact, such a "decision" isn't really a decision at all, and these type of "decisions" don't usually last anyway. Christians who attempt to shortcut the decision making process in people in the hope of leading them to God are both unwise and at odds with Biblical teaching for those entrusted with the Gospel. If God himself gives people free choice, how much more should we be content to let people exercise that freedom of choice?

Hypnosis
Hypnosis may be a valid phenomenon, but anyone who has ever sat in (or led) a boring meeting or classroom session knows that very little information presented in such a "conducive" environment actually "sticks." Comparing church meetings and Bible study times to hypnotic sessions makes about as much sense as comparing college lectures or professional business meetings to hypnotic sessions. While some Bible study sessions may be lengthy and sometimes boring, the value of the lessons is seen in the active participation of the student, his learning and coming to a real and lifelong faith and not just agreement in the face of fatigue or intimidation.

Lifton's research proved that even the strongest "mind control" techniques (and some of the ones he cites in his book are shocking) rarely produce lasting results. Attempts to pressure someone into a decision against his will invariably results in a cognitive dissonance that results in the new "beliefs" being rejected. For those seeking to lead others to Christ, the goal is not a quick decision nor a short-lived faith, but a long-term faith. Long-lasting conversions can only take place when the person being converted is fully cognizant of the decision under consideration, and makes a conscious decision to submit to the terms of that decision. Again, to the best of my understanding, this is the goal of evangelism in the ICOC.

Group Dynamics
Group dynamics play a role in behavior modification in any social setting.  Every social group (secular or religious) in the world does this, it is hardly cultic or evidence of "mind control." Of course Christians engage in group dynamics designed to foster behavior in accordance with their beliefs. It may be observed that God himself designed social structures (whether they be family, village or church) for this precise purpose. By freely associating with a group, an individual chooses what influences he wants to shape his life. People who want what Christianity offers choose to associate with Christians.

Christianity and "Mind Control"
Did Jesus use mind control? Considering Hassan's criteria, this would be the same as asking if he undermined anyone's personal integrity, used any hypnotic technique to shape peoples thoughts, and did he utilize group dynamics to modify anyone's behavior?

Well, there are several instances in the New Testament where Jesus appears to have demanded immediate decisions from people. The call of the fishermen (Mk 1:16ff), Levi (Lk 5:27ff), the rich young man (Mt 19:16ff) and the would-be followers (Lk 9:57ff) come to mind. While in each case there is probably some familiarity with the teachings and expectations prior to each of the situations, it is clear that Jesus expected the right choice to be made "on the spot." As such, the only opportunities for reflection would have been prior to these incidents-- which would mean that these people had been considering the choices at hand long before these "on the spot" incidents occurred.

Other incidents in Jesus' life indicate that he allowed for, and even demanded, adequate reflection prior to making choices. For example, he urged would-be followers to "count the cost" (Lk 14:25ff). He asked "what do you think?" frequently as a teaching method (Mt 17:25, 18:12, 21:28, 22:42). Jesus certainly desired to engage the minds and critical thinking faculties of his hearers. Trusting Jesus and adhering to his word was a process that did involves critical mental faculties.

There is no evidence of Jesus using any hypnotic technique, though allegations could be made because of the long hours in travel, teaching and prayer seen in the Biblical record. However, his opponents had an a priori bias that Jesus couldn't possibly be persuasive based upon facts alone, so those he persuaded were accused of being deceived and even "under a curse" (Jn 7:47-49). Jesus was often accused of deceiving the people (e.g. Jn 7:12, Mt 27:63). (For what it is worth, Hassan likewise seems to have some a priori  bias, as he seems to suggest that no one could take on a new belief system and make changes in his life accordingly without some "deception" or sinister manipulative process behind it.)

Group dynamics? Following Jesus consisted of following him exclusively and not becoming a part of a "group" per se. There is no evidence that the group of disciples was intended to exercise influence upon each other; their primary influence was Jesus. In the church age, however, there is a known dynamic of associating with godly people to maintain a godly influence in ones life (Heb 3:12, 10:24, e.g.), in accordance with the Proverbs (Proverbs 13:20). The group dynamic to help people do what is right is very godly and is prescribed by God himself.

Jesus certainly could be guilty of having an "agenda" for people. He had a plan for Simon Peter the day he met him (Jn 1:42). He has a plan for the fishermen when he called them (Mk 1:16ff). He has a plan for all followers of him for all time-- to take up their cross daily (Lk 9:23) and to teach others to follow him (Mt 28:18-20). Whatever the details of God's plan for any of us, it certainly includes submission to him in ways that we cannot comprehend at the time the initial commitment is made.

Copyright © 1999 John Engler. All rights reserved.