One of the approaches used at times to “deprogram” cult members is an examination of the leader’s claims within a broader historical context.
For example, David Koresh claimed he was “The Lamb of God,” but within its biblical context did this claim make any sense?
Christian scholars readily recognize that Jesus is “The Lamb of God” according to the New Testament.
But cult leaders often program their followers through distortions and twists of religious scriptures.
Unraveling such a cult program may often include working with a clergy person or someone knowledgeable about the scriptures that have been used to empower the leader and exercise control.
It seems the government of Saudi Arabia understands this principle. They have decided to do their own form of “deprogramming,” in an effort to solicit information from incarcerated terrorists and apparent followers of Osama bin Laden.
Islamic clerics are now working with prisoners to point out how far they may have strayed from basic Moslem teachings. By untwisting the Koran they hope to eventually “deprogram” the terrorists who might then provide helpful information, reports Newsday.
The FBI is observing this approach apparently with some interest.
One Saudi official stated, “It can be effective.”
Though a Saudi professor of religious studies observed that some of the terrorists “have been brainwashed to a point of no return.”
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