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Twelve Tribes cult assistance.

JSFolk

Critical Thinker
J
Joined
Nov 13, 2001
Messages
401
I've got a problem I was hoping you guys could provide some advice for... the sister of a friend of mine has decided to join the "Twelve Tribes" cult in New York. My friend and their mother are both pretty freaked out about this and want to drive up to try to talk her out of this, but aren't sure what to say or what kinds of things work in situations like this. The sister is an adult, and has been living a very hippie-ish lifestyle for some years, making all her own clothes, growing her own food, not using money, etc, so it's not like this cult is going to take all of her life savings or anything, but they still sound rather scary.

Any advice or help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Background...

http://www.twelvetribes.com/
http://www.twelvetribes-ex.org/
http://www.apologeticsindex.org/news1/an010905-18.html

I've not found any sites without a pro- or anti- axe to grind, so take these with a grain of salt.
 
Cults... cults... I barely remember the advice I was given about cults.

Always keep in touch with your sister, and tell her if she's ever having trouble, she can always go home.

Unfortunately the distain for material posessions may prevent her from wearing a watch, but she needs something so she can keep track of the time. I bet the Twelve Tribes don't make their own clocks, or keep any around for that matter.
 
Sadly, I'd have to say it sounds about like any other religious group anywhere. Some good - they recognize the true name of Jesus, and some of the more realistic aspects of his teachings. Some bad - like beating children and submission of wives.

But the cheese, man, the cheese - HOW can anyone be holy and not eat cheese?

Seriously, though - given it seems to have the basic fundy concept of female submission, I'd say get your sister away from them, and introduce her to self-esteem. Quickly.
 
Oh yeah, weird foods are another cultic danger. Make sure your sister is getting enough nutrition in her diet. Maybe ask her what she eats every day or something.
 
c4ts said:
Oh yeah, weird foods are another cultic danger. Make sure your sister is getting enough nutrition in her diet. Maybe ask her what she eats every day or something.
Click to expand...

Indeed. It's not uncommon for cults, on weekend retreats, to deprive their members of certain essential nutrients. As a result, the cult members are weaker - both physically and mentally - and are much more susceptible to the cult's message.

You absolutely cannot be too careful here. If you can't keep her from going, make sure she's eating right and staying healthy.
 
Given the name, on their "beginnings" I expected to see Moses and Rabbi Judah.

Purchase a copy of a movie called Ticket to Heaven. It's a Canadian film based on the Moonies. They have the anthropology of cults down pat.
 
Thanks for the advice, but I'd like to stress that this isn't my sister, but the sister of a friend.

My sister lives in Birmingham, AL, which isn't as bad as joining a Jesus Cult, but has some startling points in common.
 
I suggest you get her family to visit her as much as possible.

One problem I see possible, is that if her parents are to negative about the cult, they might try to cut off all ties between her and the family. It would be important to keep a low level of skepticism. Because if you attack the cult, she might see you as the enemy and side with the wackos. I think the key word would be "caring concern"
 
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