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BY VIEWING OUR WEBSITE OR READING AND POSTING ON OUR MESSAGE BOARDS YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THE TERMS OF OUR FAQ. FAQ AND TERMS OF SERVICE
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| This is the page they don't want you to see... |
| Email Us! the_believers@yahoo.com NOTICE* Any email sent to this site becomes property of this site to utilize as we see fit. AIM for immediate response: Burt Infidel Yahoo Messenger: the_believers 
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The Believers Abuse Survivors Message Board This is a private message board for abuse survivors and those who support them. You must apply for membership to post on this board. Our Site Statement We are The Believers,but this ain't Hollywood. These web pages are for people in the process of evaluating their involvement with the religions of Santeria, Palo, Lukumi, Ifa and other related sects. The difference between a "cult" and a "religion" are behavioral attributes not beliefs. Religions do not threaten, harass, violate, intimidate, abuse and con, well, at least sane religions do not practice such things. If you voice your disagreement with the local Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, Jewish, church chances are they won't threaten you or your family. That's not to say the aforementioned religions are superior or worthy of your attention, only that you don't have to fear for your life if you tell clergy you don't like their religion. Another thought to ponder: When was the last time you saw a Santeria, Palo or Ifa canned goods or winter coat drive for the poor? Charity says a lot about any religion. Cults, on the other hand, have a reputation for not only ousting those who disagree but threatening and violating human rights as well. Cults are accountable to no one but themselves. Charity is lacking in the cult agenda as well; it's always money over people in a cult situation. BEHAVIOR not beliefs is the is the indicator of problematic control groups. Often, because information is highly controlled in a cult or cult like group, the whole story will not be available to an outsider entering the group upon arrival. There are two sides to every story and this is ours. There are many different viewpoints among survivors of high control groups within these religions. The viewpoints here are secular and skeptical. It's up to the priests to prove whatever claims they make about their special powers. The burden of proof is on those in these religions that claim they have supernatural powers. Our concept is simple, victims first and victims in authority. 1. To give those who have been abused the space to tell their stories and have their accounts given the respect and authority they deserve, whether they are in or out of the religion. 2. To provide support for the people who are thinking about or want to leave the religion. Leaving these religions should be on your own terms not the terms that the religion prescribes for those who want to leave. Our focus here is not on beliefs, but on the destructive behaviors of high control groups or leadership. We do keep this a religion neutral zone. And so far our best participants have actually been religious people. No, we don't allow priestly titles or proselytizing. This isn't the place to come and talk about how great the orisha are or give people tips on feeding their nganga or doing divination. 1. Our site and message board is for people who want a safe, anonymous place to post their problems, to vent. The can be in or out of the religions to post their story here or participate in the discussion of abuses in these religions. 2. Our site and message board is also for people who want to leave or are thinking about leaving these religons, which is a human right, to be free to walk away from any religion without fearmongering, harrasment, violence or peer pressure. Please do take time to browse our files and links on skepticism and cult mind control. Arming yourself with a little healthy skepticism may mean the difference between getting hoodwinked by a con artist and finding a real spiritual path for yourself. If you are someone who has already suffered at the hands of an abuser or con in these religions, upping your skeptic quotient would not be such a bad idea, now would it? So please, read EVERYTHING, embrace information, relish knowledge........... |
| Specific information regarding these religions that you need to know if you are trying to assess your present or past involvement: |
| If you answer yes to any of these questions
you very well may be involving yourself or are have already been involved
in a high control sect of Santeria, Lukumi, Palo, Ifa or related religions. On the other hand, since there is no ecclesiastical body that
any of these religions must answer to, nor is there any authority they
must be accountable to, you may not be involved in any real religion at
all, but you may be the victim of a very good con artist.
REMEMBER: anyone can set up shop as priest in these religions since there is NO accountability whatsoever. A bag of rocks, a bunch of pots, a few magic tricks, a good knowledge of cold reading techniques some knowledge of "African" language and, 'viola, instant priesthood. Anyone can be "Baba fill in your favorite African name" and many are. Even the so-called "credible" clergy with "stellar" reputations have been known to sexually abuse, threaten, harass and commit all kinds of unethical acts and WORST OF ALL, get away with it because of their "reputations." Don't let a reputation or a name fool you! There is absolutely no authority that can deal with their ethical crimes, unless it's illegal, you are out of luck. 1. Upon joining or inquiring about joining a group are you treated as an "outsider" and told that "aleyos" are not allowed to know "the secrets" or ask questions? 2. Have you been asked to pay large sums of money to "remove evil spirits", "cleansing", "to cure sickness", or to receive "initiations" that will supposedly protect you from some supposed "danger?" 3. Have you been asked to pay money to a priest for "services" in place of using that money for any real professional medical or psychological help you may be in need of? Have you spent your money to see a "priest" as opposed to seeing a medical doctor for an exam or visiting a psychological counselor for things like anxiety or depression? When you pay, is it so expensive that you must choose between real help from a professional and a promised "miracle cure" from a priest? 4. Do members and leadership of the group you are involved with become angry, threatening or violent with detractors or people who disagree with their beliefs? Or do they become threatening, intimidating or violent if someone wishes to practice their own beliefs about the religions which would differ from the group? 5. Is information controlled, or only available at a "$price$" to members? 6. Has a religious authority within the group made sexual demands or has said or done inappropriate sexual things to other members or to you? Are people who speak out about any sexual misconduct or abuse ousted or threatened for speaking out about the abuse? 7. Does every priest you visit claim that ONLY he or she has the answers and the "right" way to practice the religion? If you have received initiation elsewhere, does the priest tell you everything is wrong, but for another fee it can be done correctly? 8. Are you punished by a priest if you cannot afford a fee? A very cruel example of this would be if you are told that you need to "feed" a certain orisha to "solve" a serious problem you are having and because you cannot afford this you are denied the supposed help, which thus induces guilt and fear on your part. 9. Do members of the group you are considering association with or are currently involved with become angry and defensive if anyone questions their handling of money? Do they become defensive or angry if someone asks for an accounting of money? 10. Have you deserted your friends or any family members because of your involvement in the religion? 11. Does the preservation of the group and the religious leaders take precedence over the well being of individuals? 12. Do you or any member of the group live a fearful, superstitious existence in that you cannot make your own decisions without consulting priests? Are you in control of your own life or are you told that spirits and gods control everything and you are basically the last one in charge of your own destiny? 13. Will the religious leaders allow you to know in depth, every secret and initiation you have paid for, or do you pay for things you are not allowed to know? Basically, more information control tactics. 14. Is doctrine more important than people? 15. If animal sacrifice is practiced in the sect are astronomical fees charged to perform these sacrifices? A live rooster costs about $10, why are you being charged $1000 for the ceremony? Do you have the option not to participate in any activity you are not comfortable with, without being persecuted? 16. Do you ever suffer from nightmares or any obsessive/compulsive episodes, depression, or dissasociative episodes since you have been involved? 17. Is "god" or "spirit" something you can access on your own or are you told that only priest can access these deities? Again, another way of taking you out of the drivers seat of your own life and destiny. 18. Are you really happy or just pretending you are so you don't feel like shit because of all of the money, time, effort and sweat you have wasted on this crap? |
| The point here is to get
you to think for yourself instead of others thinking for you. Life is all about the choices you make and you can't make choices if you do not have different viewpoints to choose from. There are those out there who would prefer that you hear nothing but their information; that is why these
pages were created, so that you can have more information to choose from.
It's up to you now to make a wise choice after hearing all
sides. Choose wisely. The Ex-Believers |
