Secular Books

If you cannot obtain these books through Amazon.com, you may be able to order them through the International Cultic Studies Association, a secular organization. This site does not receive any income from purchases made through AFF.

The Boston Movement: Critical Perspectives on the International Churches of Christ Editors Carol Giambalvo and Herbert L. Rosedale- If you desire to learn about the ICC and how they operate/what they teach and the effect it has on many followers, then read this book. It gives ample room for several people to relay many aspects of their involvement and how it changed them, as well as some history on the organization. In 1997 I happened to meet a young man who had been recruited into one of these churches and saw firsthand some consequences of his involvement. I found this book to be enlightening on the subject.

Cult Encounter and An International Story of Exit Counselling by Helen & Rick Larsen- Helen Larsen became involved with an extraterrestrial cult called Earth Mission. The book is written from the perspective of Helen and her husband, Rick, as well as brief thoughts of other family members and friends. The Larsen's are very open with what they went through and were able to show the thoughts and feelings of several people. They take one before the cult encounter and on through Helen's exit and just a little into the recovery days. I would have liked more on their recovery phase. This book is good reading for anyone who wants to learn about cults and how a person can become involved.

Recovery from Abusive Groups by Wendy Ford, published by the American Family Foundation- The author of this book underwent two involuntary interventions and had been involved in a Bible-based group. Contains brief thoughts on various issues related to being involved in an abusive group. To me, it only skimmed the surface of different issues and appears to assume that most members of these groups have little or no contact with friends and family members. I rated it fair due to the above.

Captive Hearts, Captive Minds : Freedom and Recovery from Cults and Other Abusive Relationships by Madeleine Tobias & Janja Lalich- The beginning of this book is dry and has psychological explanations, but readers are forewarned. There is some good information in this book, both for those ex-members as well as family members wanting to understand what happened. Discusses the cult phenomenon, healing process, some special concerns, as well as several personal experiences.

Cults in Our Midst : The Continuing Fight Against Their Hidden Menace by Margaret Thaler Singer & Janja Lalich- Though not yet finished reading this book, I find it is an easy-to-read expose on the damaging effects of cults. Though it includes psychological information and terminology, it can be understood by the average person. Find out what cults are, how they work, and how people can escape and recover.

Snapping: America's Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change by Flo Conway & Jim Siegelman

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini, PH.D.

Combatting Cult Mind Control by Steven Hassan

Here is a video where Steven Hassan describes his time in the Moonies and talks about how he helps people who have been involved in controlling, unhealthy groups.

Releasing The Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves by Steven Hassan

Cults: Faith, Healing, and Coercion by Marc Galanter

Recovery from Cults: Help for Victims of Psychological and Spiritual Abuse by Michael D. Langone

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