Is there any way a person can avoid getting involved in a cult?
We hope so! The first and most important safeguard is to realize that anyone can end up in a cult. Momentary crisis situations make people vulnerable. When you acknowledge that it can happen to you, you will be more aware and less gullible. This is especially significant considering the deceptive, seductive and extremely persuasive tactics of recruiters. Second, if you are going through a rough time and you are far from home, be especially careful in whom you place your trust to help you. Call home. Let your parents or siblings know you are having difficulty. Contact a friend. If you are in school, contact the Hillel or a local rabbi; go to counseling services on or off campus. Cult recruiters are not always friendly strangers; they can be classmates, people in your dorm, even professors. If you are asked to go to a lecture or free dinner, don’t yield to the pressure or go out of curiosity without knowing the nature of the group. Don’t give your name, address, or phone number. If you a
