Stranger Things

2003

Oct. 1: Let Us Prey (The Guardian)

QuoteMany new students starting university are curious and idealistic. Which makes them vulnerable to the increasing number of cults targeting campuses, reports Lynne Wallis ...

2012
Aug. 25: Dangerous Traits of Cult Leaders (Psychology Today)

Dec. 2: The Psychology of Cults (ABC Radio)

2013

May 28: What Awful Marriages & Cults Have in Common (Psychology Today)

Sept. 26: How Cults Gain Power Over an Individual: a True Story (The Huffington Post)

2016
Jan. 4: How To Spot A Spiritual Sexual Predator (Hevria)

July 11: With Coercive Control, The Abuse Is Psychological (New York Times)

2018
June ??: 10 Signs You're Probably In A Cult (Zelph On The Shelf)

Aug. 11: How Cult Leaders Use Music For Mind Control (Refinery 29)
Why It Took Me Five Years to Realize I Was in a Cult (Vice)

Aug. 13: Think You Wouldn't Be Lured in by a Cult? You May Want to Think Again (Elpais)

I read about the following undue influnce case eleswhere, and then in Googling for it just now, I found a summary that was written by Jon Atack, a former Scientologist, and author of several books, one I have read - and I intend to read more. I didn't realize it was written by Jon until after reading it. It was a nice surprise to see his name attached.

Here is Jon Atack's Amazon page, and the book I have read of his, which I recall was one of the first books I've read about Scientology, is A Piece of Blue Sky: Scientology, Dianetics and L. Ron Hubbard Exposed

An interesting interview with Jon:


The concept of undue influence has been well established in British contract law for over 400 years. Presenting here courtasy of Jon Atack, a case from 1617, and the notorious Mrs. Death - apparently her real name. And well, if but a nickname, it would fit. And it is interesting that she essentially lovebombed her victim, a tactic cults use often in recruiting.

The Long History of Undue Influence: Mrs. Death & Her Victim Mr. Lydiatt (Open Minds Foundation - founded by Jon Atack -author and former Scientologist)

Related from the same site: The A to Z of Coercion.