LOS ANGELES—For nearly 40 years, Paul Morantz has waged an intense war against cults that have used sophisticated brainwashing techniques to induce followers to surrender their assets, their moral compasses and even their lives in exchange for false promises of a better world or some divine reward. It was a war that nearly cost him his [...]

This entry will be occasionally updated with related stories, some set in full some linked. 1.Ten Years After Jonestown, the Battle Intensifies Over the Influence of ‘Alternative’ Religions November 17, 1988|BOB SIPCHEN | Times Staff Writer But the most interesting litigation of late involves either a former member who is suing the organization to which he or she [...]

by Paul Morantz, copyright 2010 I was camped in Androssen, Scotland, 1970, watching the sun set from the beach sand.  I had no idea how cold the winds would get and by late night I would be inside the public bathroom for warmth.  Like a homeless man I had to awake occasionally to the noises and [...]

He would not have hesitated.  There would be no going back for bullet-proof vests, better weapons, waiting for SWAT or following police protocol.  Two shooters were in a Columbine school building and every second lost could also mean a child lost.  He would take the risk of entering.  Risking his life to save others was [...]

Two of my life’s best friends met for the first time this July 4th-- Nicky and Nikki. Having the same names phonetically was not a coincidence.