Crusades to ban a literature accused of “brainwashing the masses” show how far faulty theories of mental manipulation could go.
When Even Comics Were Accused of “Brainwashing”– Part I
read more
Featured Global
Are “Brainwashing” Theories Coming Back?
Discredited since the 1990s, theories that “cults” use mind control techniques are still promoted by anti-cultists, and now applied to QAnon and Trump.
The Fall of “Brainwashing” Theories in the Late Twentieth Century
Scholars of new religious movements succeeded in marginalizing mind control theories applied to religion. U.S. courts of law said they were right.
How “Brainwashing” Theories Were Applied to Religion
Originally, Russian and Chinese Communists were accused of using mind control techniques. Some mental health professionals extended the accusation to religions.
Testing “Brainwashing” Theories: CIA and the MK-Ultra Experiment
Having invented the theory, the CIA believed its own propaganda and tried to “brainwash” “volunteers” in Canada. It did not work.
“Brainwashing”: A False Accusation Against Unpopular Minorities
Periodically, books and media revive the old discussion on “brainwashing.” There is only one problem about it, it does not exist.
The Anti-Cult Ideology and FECRIS: Dangers for Religious Freedom. A White Paper
Six scholars look at the European Federation of Centres of Research and Information on Cults and Sects, and conclude it is dangerous for religious liberty.
Jehovah’s Witnesses: A Strange Norwegian Decision
A Norwegian court “annulled” an ecclesiastical decision disfellowshipping a woman—a clear violation of religious freedom.
Guru Jára: Why Philippines Should Grant Asylum
International precedents support a religion-based claim for Jaroslav Dobeš and Barbora Plášková.
Guru Jára: The Czech Court Case
Contesting the verdicts where they were sentenced for sexual abuse, as biased, Jaroslav Dobeš and Barbora Plášková seek asylum in the Philippines.