Customer Reviews

From Dean's List to Dumpsters: Why I Left Harvard to Join a Cult

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Jim Guerra's book gives the reader an excellent view of a Bible based cult from the inside out. If you've ever wondered how an intelligent young man or woman can be duped into believing what seems to you to be obviously twisted scripture, this book tells the story quite well. You are the proverbial "fly on the wall" watching Jim's true story unfold. This book tells the story of how a God-fearing, Bible reading, practicing Christian can, in a true attempt to do what is right and serve his God, be led into a counter-culture lifestyle that causes confusion, denial of emotions, and in some cases irreparable psychological damage. Jim's writing style, for the most part, is easy to read and follow. There is plenty of dialogue and the reader is able to see the story as it is told from his first person point of view. It should be a "must read" for all young people from junior high through college age ... all prime targets for the hundreds of cults that exist in our country today. All parents and grandparents should read it to educate themselves on the very real danger of cults. If you do not think such cults can touch your life, or the lives of those you love, Jim's book is an excellent educational tool that will teach you otherwise. There are many books published on and about cults, but Jim's book and those of Steven Hassan are some of the best for giving the reader a true picture of what goes on in such groups. As an experienced educator of junior high and high school students, and as a parent, I highly recommend this book.

My son was recently recruited into this group (the Brethren) while he was attending the University of Hawaii along with his girlfriend. This book and it's author were recommended to us. It was an invaluable help in learning about this group and how they operate. Jim has spelled out in detail not only the day to day life of a cult member but the phsycological processes involved in turning open-minded, independent, bright young people into conformist, sheep-like followers of a radical preacher. If you don't know about mind control and its unethical use this is one great example of what it can create. I recommend it highly to anyone, especially if you know young people that are out in the world trying to find their way.

I read this book when it first came out and found it to be very accurate. My sister was recruited by this group 30 years ago and remains a member. It is true that Jim Guerra's care for current and ex members is genuine. He wrote without vengeance about a subject that nearly cost him his life. The contents should be shared far and wide as this group's tactics are like a wolf in sheep's clothing.

If you are a Christian parent, I highly suggest you read this book. To be sure, there is great danger the "normal" folks on campus these days: hedonists, atheists, agnostics, materialists, cynics, environmentalists, and the like. However, as this book reveals, there is also danger (particularly to sincere young people) from those who appear like they are super sincere followers of the Truth and the Way, but who are fanatics in the worst sense and keep their followers from marriage, home, work, and many other activities not only lawful for Christians, but essential to living out the Christian life.

I teach a high school boys Bible study and, as a result of reading this book, I plan to include a section on the dangers of fanaticism in the study.