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Came across this and found it easy to read and understand. I especially like this part:
""""Eventually the cult member’s self worth becomes dependent on the cult. The cult’s self worth replaces any independent self worth. The cult member feels that any and all happiness is because of the cult, and the “sins” of the real world are the cause of their unhappiness.
Once the individual has reached this point they will have also lost most of their independent thought.""""
Reminds me of how ones priorities really become determined by the 'cult' beliefs after a while. I never had any interest in 'ascension' or psychic ability or any of that stuff prior to rse. Being happy and fulfilled yes, but dining with aliens or enlightened beings, never.
Even when in the school, there were some things I didn't buy into which allowed me to feel a sense of individuality (I realize that was only a farce), still my priorities were not really my own. Of course, I felt like I had chosen them to be my own but the idea for them came from ramspam.
It's all so cleverly wrapped up in the suggestion that these are such expanded thoughts and how could we have possibly had these desires previously because our minds weren't able to think that big. But thanks to ramspam... it's the perfect sales pitch, like selling refrigerators to the eskimos. You didn't even know you needed it before! Suddenly you can't live without it...
Suspicious if you ask me. 
Liz,
Interesting thoughts you share. I don't have time to comment more now, but I will.
I had an experience with an old neighbor, who told me her church prayer group was praying for me. It's a long story. I was taken aback. I did not want them to pray for me ! IMO, if someone asks you to pray for them, you have the option of doing so, or bowing out. This was totally unsolicited - and unwelcome, given that they had a christian agenda. Bottom line is that it was connected to me going to their Bible Study group. I did for about 8 - 9 months, and told them it seemed like a false doctrine to me and I couldn't go anymore. (Then came the prayers) My neighbor, who meant well in her righteousness, begged me to go. I told her I wasn't joining a church. Been there, done that.
Anyway...all that to say I agree with your view about prayer - unless - for me, someone asks. I would honor it if they asked me for themselves or their child, but not for an "agenda". Just the same as I'd honor their request for me to help them by babysitting, or borrowing a cup of sugar...you see what I'm saying.
Okay, have to go.
It's wonderful when a person finds the joy-peace in their life. I understand what you're saying because I'm very happy with my life, too. I also don't have to face the same challenges that some people have to deal with, either, though. If I did, I might have another viewpoint.
Watcha - in response to your first reply, yes I see what you're saying about people not seeing the point no matter how it is presented. That's the nature of being red in the rainbow I guess...
Also, it's the same reason I didn't look at it sooner than I did when I was still in rse. It shakes the very foundation.
Isn't it funny that one of the claims of rse is how 'the teachings' will revolutionize our view of the world and our self but when it comes to revolutionizing one's view of rse, no one is quite so willing.
Hypocrisy in action.
Again I say, if it's really that rock solid then it can be challenged and it will stand the test.
Liz, I have to admit that some of your posts had me slightly confused but I think I understand what you're saying about the dichotomy of 'being whole' and yet having to pray for things. Are you saying that when it comes to teachers or religion, they should make up their mind, either we are god or we are wretched things that need to pray for our salvation...?
When it comes to prayer, I think some of it does come down to what one's view of god or the universe or whatever is, which is certainly opening a can of worms, lol. If someone asks me to pray for them or a friend I usually just say, I'll keep you in my thoughts or I'll be thinking of you. I don't 'believe' in prayer, yet keeping them in my thoughts - while I don't think it will make any difference to their reality - is a way of being compassionate and showing my solidarity with them, for what it's worth. I agree with you too Lost, that sometimes you just let someone 'pray' for you if that's what makes them happy - it's the thought that counts, right?
Lost in Space - the argument could probably be made that the article is too simplistic or lumps too much of religion in with 'cults' in general but the assessment of how cults/groups/religions draw people in when they are low makes a lot of sense to me. At that point, when you have been pulled out of the depths of despair, it's almost as though you owe something to the group/ teacher for 'saving' you, and so the cycle is set... 
Interesting thread. reminds me of some ex-member rap sessions I've sat in on at conferences.
Liz: Much of your personal philosophy reminds me of John Lennon's song "Imagine".
Lennon was shot to death by a crazy man, Mark Chapman, who heard voices telling him to do it:
"The song "Imagine" also angered Chapman – at prayer meetings and religious rallies, Chapman and his prayer group also sang a parody with the lyric "Imagine, imagine John Lennon is dead." Chapman had also read in a library book (John Lennon: One Day at a Time by Anthony Fawcett) about Lennon's life in New York. "He was angry that Lennon would preach love and peace but yet have millions [of dollars]," said his wife Gloria. Chapman later reported that "He told us to imagine no possessions, and there he was, with millions of dollars and yachts and farms and country estates, laughing at people like me who had believed the lies and bought the records and built a big part of their lives around his music."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_David_Chapman#Motivation_and_mental_health
The reason I bring this up is that people will not let us merely "let them be". What do we do with a man like mark Chapman--let him live in peace in his own reality?
Many people hate me for "interfering" with controversial beliefs and with cult members, yet so many others find value in it.
I think we would all like to live in the spirit of Namaste in peace with the holy silence around us---I know I do and I take advantage of it every chance I get, like when i walk my dog or work on a painting.
Keeps me sane...
....then I turn around to face the reality that I am married with children and I go to work nightly to face crazy people, some of who will say F$#% Y&%# after I say Namaste [figuratively]!
I think peace comes from how well we handle adversity. The "Lord's Prayer" is a behavioral formula for peace from one cultural religion. It contains the universal plea for reciprocity that leads to peace: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
just some thoughts to add to yours....and all.
Being involved in many forms of spiritual studies over the years, I know I have points of view that may not be like everyone else.
Thank you Joe for your views too.
I do enjoy looking deeper at these questions anyway.
Smiles.
