In this episode, Derin bravely goes in to greater detail about life inside the cult and his opportunities to leave.  Listen first to the original episode about Derin joining this cult here.  Derin articulately expresses, not just his own journey, but the narrative of those who were in the cult right alongside him.  Derin's vulnerability and courage help us to hold our own experiences up to the light of his experience and see the extent to which we might be participating in similar social dynamics.  Derin concludes with a beautiful poem by David Waggoner, "Lost."

Warning: This episode contains stories of manipulation and abuse. 

Doug Recommends the following book:

• Robert J. Lifton's Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism
  

The following links are not endorsements.   If you have a need please contact local resources.

• Directory of Cult Recovery Services and Warning Signs of a Cult
• Steve Hasaan's "Freedom of Mind" center
  

Books by James Davison Hunter to help you question yourself. 

• The Culture Wars (the book that coined the phrase)
• The Death of Character: Moral Education in an Age Without Good or Evil
• To Change the World: Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility

Visit us at www.etsy.com/shop/DougThyNeighbor Please your wardrobe and support the podcast. 

You can also donate at ko-fi.com/dougharrison

---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theheartburn/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theheartburn/support