Steve Hassan: “Money is not always number two but power is always number one.”
That is a very important point which Mr. Hassan brought out! Charismatic cult leaders have a way of pursuing and obtaining money, property, fame, and sex; however, the most significant underlying motivation for them consistently is power.
When you take a look at the leaders of the Watchtower organization, especially the well-known charismatic leaders of their monarchical era (i.e., Franklin Rutherford), they are infamous for their quest for total control of their adherents, getting them to spend countless hours and money in support of the organization. As many of us are already aware, Rutherford managed to amass an extremely luxurious mansion and sizeable property (i.e., Beth Sarim), including two of the most expensive, high-end Cadillac cars around. Now, you may think that this was a monetary accomplishment – and it was – however, all that would not have been possible without first securing (apparently by legal strong-arm tactics) the one main thing which made him what he was and carried him along on the seas of unquestioning loyal support: POWER!
And where do all the current governing body members live? Bethel headquarters. Those desirable accommodations, all nice and neat and clean, with all the amenities – and, of course, all tax-free and served well by basically slave labor – are where those leaders live – that’s their “home,” and so the better their institutional facilities become, then all the more so their “home” becomes. It is all a reflection of themselves – and, subsequently, their power.
Remember, first comes the power, and then the fruits of people’s loyalty (i.e., various donations, wills, trusts, estates, insurance policies, etc.) will follow.
Mr. Hassan spoke well in identifying “what drives people who are leading cults.” He’s obviously been there himself and knows what he’s talking about.
