Re post 76–the group was on our campus with same tactics over 30 years ago–they are still there and strong as ever.
Kids did flunk out of school because of time spent doing Bible study and they did cut off all relationships with parents and friends outside their church. The church would tell kids how to dress, who they would marry.
One student who I talked to about the church said she got out when they expected her to marry a boy whom she had dated exactly twice–and they had set up the dates. She said it was tough to leave–she basically lost all her “friends” but knew she had to get out. She said it was hard to believe she had followed them so long. That from the outside the rules seemed ridiculous but on the inside it seemed the right thing to do.
A girl who was in my main stream church group left to join them. She cut off all communication with her parents who called frantic to find her.
As a freshman, a friend on our dorm floor went to one of their “talks” and attended for a few weeks not knowing it was a religious group. She ultimately backed out but was totally devastated that all her new “friends” now shunned her. Fortunately she had us to fall back on for support.
I definitely warned my kids to stay way clear of them and Hare Krishnas (who have similar tactics but are easily recognizable at least).
A friend of mine spent a night with HKs as a lark–said it was definitely a brainwashing session.
He said it was more intense than he had planned on and was sorry he went.
The moonies were around also at the time busy selling 3 carnations for a buck. You probably only get one now…