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Welcome to the Rick A. Ross Institute of New Jersey

An Internet archive of information about cults, destructive cults, controversial groups and movements. The Rick A. Ross Institute of New Jersey (RI) is a nonprofit public resource with a vast archive that contains thousands of individual documents. RI on-line files include news stories, research papers, reports, court documents, book excerpts, personal testimonies and hundreds of links to additional relevant resources. This Internet archive is well-organized for easy access and reference.

Due to the size of the RI archive a search engine is available for your convenience. See Getting Started for instructions on how to effectively use and navigate through this website. Useful points of entry are also located to the left on this page.

Today's top 10 most popular subsections within this database:
1.Scientology
2.Jonestown
3.Polygamist Groups
4.Herbalife
5.Heaven's Gate Cult
6.Landmark Education
7.Benny Hinn
8.Skinheads
9.Abusive and Controlling Relationships
10.Jehovah's Witnesses

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One of Scientology’s favorite cult apologists helps Associated Press understand “charismatic leaders”

Virginia Commonwealth University Professor David Bromley, often referred to as a "cult apologist," has been a recommended "religious resource" of Scientology.

Bromley has also been touted as an "expert" on "new religions," commonly called "cults," by the so-called "new CAN" (Cult Awareness Network), a former anti-cult organization taken over by Scientologists.

Now the man Scientology looks to for cover, has been asked by Associated Press (AP) to explain "charismatic leaders," and the people that follow them.

Hardly a reliable source on such subjects, Bromley held forth anyway about "cult" leaders like Tony Alamo, whose Arkansas and California compounds were recently raided by law enforcement.

The religious studies professor commented about the "intense commitment" of cultists, which many might otherwise describe as "fanaticism" brought about through "brainwashing."

Bromley has chosen instead to call this the "hot stage."