Personal Stories: People caught up in the cult phenomenon always have deep personal experiences. By sharing our stories we come to realise that we are not the only ones affected by manipulation and deception... Stories of personal experiences: I lost my son to a one-on-one cultic relationship   (Name withheld) It was September 1999 when I lost my only son. A mother’s worst nightmare, they say. But my son didn’t die, and I didn’t lose him to drugs or a mental illness. So why does a loving, caring, family-oriented young man suddenly shun his entire family and cut ties with all his friends? more... Former member of Circle for Investigation of Gnostic Anthropology Aust (CIGA)   (Name withheld) ...people make big life-decisions based on this subtle influence from the group and the main instructors. Then rather than empowering the individual to make clear intelligent choices, a person may make choices based on the interest of the group and its leaders. Then there is a gradual loss of personal and inner freedom...  more... My Encounter With 'Kenja'   (Name withheld) I wasn't so much as recruited into a cult. The cult enveloped me. From 1975 to 1976, I saw my father die slowly and painfully. The death of a parent at a young age makes one reflect on life and its meaning...  more... Life in 'The Children Of God' - Able's Story   (Name withheld) I grew up in a utopian seaside town learned to surf and completed a trade as a motor mechanic. I had no sooner completed my trade at the age of 20 when my mother passed away. A sequence of events was put in motion from that point that was to mould my life in many significant ways.  more...   Disclaimer:This page is about groups, organizations or movements, which may have been called "cults" and/or "cult-like" in some way, shape or form. But not all groups called either "cults" or "cult-like" are harmful. Instead, they may be benign and generally defined as simply people intensely devoted to a person, place or thing. Therefore, the discussion or mention of a group, organization or person on this page, is not necessarily meant pejoratively.