The Temple
I meet Jeremy at a political rally. He’s selling buttons that are pinned to his white robe. Jeremy looks like a young George Harrison. He mesmerizes me with his smile and soothing tones.
On the back of my purchased “Clean Water for MI” button, I notice contact information for The Temple.
“What’s the Temple?,” I ask Jeremy.
“I’m glad you ask. It’s a place where people who want clean water and world peace gather.”
At my first meeting at The Temple, I understand that clean water and world peace are their smallest dolls of want. Bigger ones: money, power, obedience, domination…
[101 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao-Talk 
Unfortunately, that’s so true, as there is no world peace these days. There is only domination, money, power, and so on in the world’s current state.
A poignant story, Lisa 👍
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Aptivi, thanks for reading and for your comment. Nothing seems to be simple these days :(
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You’re most welcome, Lisa. I’m with you on this one. :(
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Sounds like a sinister set-up, and hopefully there is a chance to pivot and find the exit door of The Temple, Lisa.
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I hear you, Bruce. I was trying to show how cults can draw people in under disguises.
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“The good” always hides the real…
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Yes, those “happy shiny faces” masks
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Nicely done, Lisa
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Thanks, Neil :)
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great take Li 💜💜 cool story!
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CA thanks so much!
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Exactly Lisa 💜💜💜
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You nailed it, right there. Loved the tone of the narrator in this. Well done
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Sandra, thanks so much <3
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Behind every ideology, no matter how benign it sounds, are people who want to rule you.
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Totally agree, James. It’s why you have to stay on your toes and watch leaders’ actions over time.
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She couldn’t hear me yelling to not follow!
Very nicely done, my friend. And thanks for a great photo!
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Dale, I was doing the same thing! Thanks on the photo. I took that one awhile back.
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And she didn’t listen!
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This is great, Lisa. I was reminded of an excellent quote by Stephen Colbert: ““Here’s an easy way to figure out if you’re in a cult: If you’re wondering whether you’re in a cult, the answer is yes.”
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lol. I miss Colbert SO MUCH.
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it’s a trap. you’d better run as fast as you can before it’s too late.
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I hope she takes your advice, Plaridel.
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Hopefully, her first meeting was also her last.
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I hope so also, Keith.
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A most interesting take, Li.
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Chris, thank you.
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Dear Lisa,
I could feel the betrayal she must be feeling. Time to turn tail and run. (but to where these days?) Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, good question on where to run to these days. It feels like we are surrounded by charlatans. Thank you.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Yes, every cult has a trap.
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The door is always open when you enter, not when you need an exit. Great story on misrepresentation.
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Excellent comment, thank you.
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Ooooo oh no. Cult it’s a cult. Get out now
Great descriptions here of the subtle introduction to manipulation
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Thanks, Laurie!
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Scary – the groups that can lure innocence in.
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Indeed.
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