I think that is symptomatic -- RSQUBF discussion forum

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Date Posted: 02:52:54 08/20/04 Fri
Author: Chris
Subject: I think that is symptomatic
In reply to: Bong-jin 's message, "Hosee Ahn?" on 19:17:27 08/19/04 Thu

Bong-jin, in a cult it is very normal that the cult members praise and give thanksgiving to the cult leader. That's a typical hallmark of a cult. In Bonn UBF, all members constantly show absolute thanksgiving to Peter Chang. They never learned to live before God, but only before the cult leader. He is their true Messiah, their mediator between themselves and God.

The psychology behind this has to do with a phenomenon called Stocholm syndrome. It will certainly also have to do with the money he got from Lee. Quote from the above article:

As a basic concept, Stockholm Syndrome is the duality of a power relationship over someone. A person captured becomes deeply involved with the captor due to the typical confine of the circumstances, and because even through the abuse and threats, they still must accept them as the only source of contact and nurturing that focuses on them. The need, under duress, of approval and reassurance, when combined with a fear of severe punishment, creates the precondition for the type of aberrant attachment described as Stockholm Syndrome.

In this case, both factors typical for the Stockholm Syndrome came together: 1) He was absolutely under control of Samuel Lee, he had to quit his job according to his will, he had to marry according to his will, he had to go through all the trainings (probably also the famous "underwear" training and things like that) and Lee even had power to order a circumcision of his son. This had nothing to with medical concerns, but it was an expression of absolute power, even power over the physical body of his own children. In this situation, people feel completely helpless and at the mercy of the controlling person. 2) He also was dependent from the money of Samuel Lee, from his seeming "care" for his life, his "nurturing" him. Under the impression of these two strong factors, and because of the longevity of this situation (10 or 20 years), he had to develop a mental pattern to cope with it. This pattern is: Making SL his "true father" his "visible God", and being thankful for all of this. This was the way how he could cope best with this unhealthy and abusive situation. Remember that people developed these patterns already after only a few days or weeks, if the mental stress was strong enough. You know how strong the mental stress in UBF is, and Ahn even testified it, and this stress lasted for 10 or 20 years. So it's completely plausible that people develop a Stockholm Syndrome in that situation.

Another thing, as Joe already commented: It does not matter how many testimonies of cult members you will find where they absolutely adore their leader. This will only prove the point that it is a cult. As Joe already pointed out, you could say the very same about "Reverend" Moon. You will find enough people who will praise Moon in the way Ahn praises Lee, and even stronger. For them, Moon is their "true father". And in UBF, it is not much different. Lee made himself the "true father" of the memembers. Interestingly, while this was never too much emphasized officially, Sarah Barry is now even officially called "mother."

Again, I could easily bring hundreds of such testimonies about Reverend Moon and I could conclude my arguments with the words "So,though I'm not sure, aren't we so focused on some negative aspects of Reverend Moon or the unification church? Think the so many thankful members for Reverend Moon!"

I think it is symptomatic for UBF that it produces people who depend on and worship other people. Why do you think your wife is so focused on trying to prove to you that Lee was a saint? Because she also worships Lee in her heart. He is her true father and maybe her true husband. So many UBF women made Lee their secret God and husband in their hearts.

What you see is that in the end, not God is glorified in the UBF, but a man.

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Replies:

I think it may not be the SCHOOL FEE gratitude -- Truth seeker, 14:23:15 08/20/04 Fri