A very interesting article about meditation is now featured within San Francisco Weekly. The article cites research results, which demonstrate that in some situations meditation regimes may cause serious problems.
Many groups that have been called “cults” seem to use “meditation” to make their members more suggestible and thus easier to manipulate, by inducing a hypnotic trance state. Such techniques appear common within many Neo Eastern groups, which may also use “yoga” exercises in the same manner.
A group of anti-government extremists and self-proclaimed “Redemtionists” espoused a philosophy they called “redemption-in-law.” This basically meant paying your debts with bad checks and/or phony paperwork, though I am sure they had some other more “philosophical” explanation.
Recently a group of “Redemtionists” passed millions of dollars in bad paper all over Ohio, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. But the group’s scheme broke down at a Cadillac dealership, when members tried to buy new luxury cars with bad bank drafts.
It seems though “Redemtionists” may have preached against the establishment, they longed for one of its most enduring status symbols, a shiny new Cadillac. But that desire was their undoing. Ultimately 17 members were indicted for racketeering.
The motto of the Cadillac dealer must have been, “In God we trust, ‘Redemtionists’ pay cash.”
A supposed “psychic” being sued by her former patrons for fraud has now been arrested for shoplifting.
According to the Palm Beach Post Linda Marks was picked up with a shopping cart full of unpaid for groceries outside a local supermarket. Ms. Marks claimed she was just “looking for an ATM.”
Oops. Linda’s “psychic” abilities don’t appear to include foreseeing personal situations.
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the death of the King, Elvis Presley. He was a man who enthralled more than one generation and became an American icon. Now a quarter century after his untimely death, his seemingly eternal fans are still fixed upon his image in homage.
Unlike destructive cults, Presley’s following is not suicidal or violent, though at times to some they may seem a bit odd. But despite their apparent euphoria, they are not “brainwashed.” Instead, they fondly remember simpler times and the music of a man who defined rock ‘n roll, before the “British Invasion.”
Elvis Presley exuded sexuality and caused controversy through the gyrating and unorthodox presentation of his music. But there was always something nice and vulnerable about him. The Elvis faithful now celebrate his memory. And it’s nice to know that cults can be benign and posit something special in society. “Don’t be cruel.”
Apparently Ralph R.G. Stair (69), a relentless radio religious broadcaster in Canadys, South Carolina, acted in bad faith. Stair leads about 100 people through what he calls the “Overcomer’s Ministry.” His followers often gave up all they owned to join the group, which has been called a “cult.” But now Stair is in jail charged with sexual misconduct, breach of trust and unlawful burial.
According to former followers, instead of ministering to their spiritual needs, Stair chose to satisfy his own. He was arrested for exploiting his flock both financially and sexually. Women alleged Stair had sex with them against their will and detailed his sinful nature in open court. It appears that despite his public ministry, Stair failed to be an “overcomer” in his personal life.
It seems that “Brother Stair” was not content with sex on demand. He also allegedly bilked his disciples out of their hard-earned cash, property and even retirement funds. Some say Stair was little more than a thief, or as the bible says, a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Stair is also charged with unlawfully burying a follower who died within his group compound. An autopsy concluded that the death was due to natural causes. But the deceased man’s father said that his son’s death might have been avoided with proper medical care. The remains of an infant have also been uncovered at the Stair compound.
12-15 Former members are now considering filing a civil lawsuit against Stair for various claims of personal injury.
Denied bail, Ralph Stair is now likely studying his bible behind bars.
