What next for James Ray cult survivors?

November 27, 3:57 AMArizona Rural Headlines ExaminerTrudy Schuett

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          James Ray photo from JRI

"Each student must be encouraged to take responsible measures to confront teachers with unethical aspects of their conduct. If the teacher shows no sign of reform, students should not hesitate to publicize any unethical behavior of which there is irrefutable evidence. This should be done irrespective of other beneficial aspects of his or her work and of one's spiritual commitment to that teacher."  - The Dalai Lama

Right now we’re awaiting news from Yavapai County on the tragedy in Sedona last October,  which we’re told should probably be forthcoming sometime next week.

In the meantime, I’ve been asked by fellow Examiner Cassandra Yorgey, who has been covering the incident quite thoroughly, if I’d comment on the situation from my point of view, in my dual capacity as AZ Rural Headlines Examiner and Domestic Violence Examiner. I’ve been working with victims/survivors of abuse for nearly a decade, and while I do not consider myself an expert I have seen some parallels between people who find themselves in situations of abuse, and those who find themselves in cults.

I think the bottom line here – outside of the fact that people want to “get rich quick” as in the James Ray case – is that it is only human nature to want to be part of something that makes them feel like they belong.

Something that makes them feel special.

Families are disintegrating, people are mobile and often don’t feel much of a strong attachment to their local communities, and it’s not unusual these days to find people who simply have no friends. These people are ripe for getting involved in a personality cult, which is what James Ray International shows the signs of being.

It would appear he feeds on their need to belong, to have someone to look up to and with whom they feel they have some sort of attachment. Yet, like any garden variety abuser, James Ray seems to be missing that element of concern for others that most of us have. I found it interesting when looking over his website that this is a person who couldn’t avoid taking a cheap shot at his dad, when being interviewed by Forbes magazine. (The interviewer had pointed out that his dad, Gordon Ray, is in the same business. James Ray replied, “He likes to think so, yes. As much as he likes to say he’s not, he’s a podium preacher.”)

Much of what I’ve read at Cassandra’s site reinforces the idea that James Ray did not have even the smallest concern for the members of his cult individually, despite his public protests to the contrary.

For the victims, the point in the James Ray cult where it stops being a motivational plan to succeed in business, and becomes a spiritual quest is where the trouble begins. Ray asks them to believe in magic, and they do, because up to that point Ray’s ability to persuade and motivate have worked well. They feel wonderful coming out of the initial seminars, full of hope and knowing they are up to any challenge. For some, it is the first time in their lives they’ve been part of such a large group of people who are all working toward the same goal.

As an individual progresses through the tiers of membership, it gets harder and harder to leave when things get uncomfortable. Some are able to do that, once it comes clear that they only thing they’re getting out of this process is an empty bank account. Others, however, have formed an attachment to the group and to Ray himself, and they feel like they’re letting down the group if they leave. I’m told that is actually what Ray told some people who wanted out of the death lodge that night in October.

The fact that it is supposed to be all about personal gain seems to have gone away by then. It is unclear whether the cult members have become aware of this, or if it would make any difference if they knew.

It is well-documented just how dangerous the James Ray cult became. The only saving grace in this whole situation is that many potential cult members will be able to avoid the abuse in store for them.

Just as victims of partner abuse sometimes refuse to leave their abusers, there will always be a few cult members who maintain their allegiance to their leader, no matter what.

As victims of partner abuse find it difficult to leave, cult victims find it equally difficult. They may need some help, which can be found at the links below. Family or friends may try to minimize their hardship in separation, but this kind of mind control is a subtle, yet powerful thing that may take some time from which to recover. If you have a family or friend who was involved with JRI, please recognize it was not their fault and they were subject to very sophisticated manipulation, against which the average person has no defense.

For the definitions of cults visit here.

For a major library of cult resources visit here.