many of those who are deemed to be vulnerable (recent divorcees, the grieving, etc.,) frequently regard their cult experience as a positive and therapeutic experience, even after leaving the cult environment (Dawson, 1996:205). Although, as Dr. John G. Clark suggests, these seemingly vulnerable people join cults in an attempt to feel better about themselves (Dawson, 1996:207), the same thing can be said of many who join mainstream religious organizations. Regardless of whether the vulnerable person chooses to join a mainstream religion or a cult it is nevertheless, still a choice. The exercising of freewill, or choice, by cult inductees is evident but their frequent church, or cult, hopping done in order to find a group whose beliefs and practices best answer their questions (Dawson, 1996:205). The brainwashing theory conveniently provides an outlet for the anti-cult movement to answer to the question of why some people chose cults over mainstream religions. It allows those who leave cults and regret their former connections to avoid taking responsibility for their actions and takes the blame for their unexpected behavior away from them. Doing so, the brainwashing theory cancels out the possibility of freewill. In conclusion, it could be argued that, if brainwashing was a relevant theory, the anti-cult movement exhibits more mind control behaviors than do cults, when considering their participation in action such as breaking down and their consistent use of propaganda and half truths....
