Delusion: Growing Up in an Amish Jewish Cult (Growing Up in An Amish-Jewish Cult)

Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (9/08) As an avid reader, I have read most of Ms. Hochstetler's books, but this book really made me look at what we will endure to find faith. Patricia Hochstetler's parents were very faithful Amish people; one day they were captured in body, mind and spirit by a man only known as the Elder. His ability to cite the Bible word for word led them from a sunny world to one of deception, total abandonment of family, friends and a happy lifestyle. How could one not get medical care for a child who needed it? Or, be told what to wear and how to act? The underlying process is that of a cult, a place where one gives up all identity to follow a religious leader. Ms. Hochstetler takes us through her early years trying to be faithful and follow the golden rule; however, the more she attempts to be good, the more is taken away from her. This is the story of her years between ages four and six-- she questions if God really would make her family suffer or excommunicate her mother because of false charges by the Elder. "Delusion" by Patricia Hochstetler is a book you can't put down. As a college professor I have studied cults for five years and I am still amazed at what individuals are willing to sacrifice to live the good life.

No one plans to join a cult, reminds Author Patricia Hochstetler, who tells us her story in "Growing Up in an Amish-Jewish Cult: Book One: Delusion". People seek to be closer to God, and to bring their family with them as to protect them from damnation. And all too often, power hungry manipulators take advantage of this - and that is how cults are formed. Told from a child's perspective, the story of "Growing Up in an Amish-Jewish Cult: Book One: Delusion" is especially heart-wrenching as the simplest questions with the simplest answers such as "Why Can't I play with a doll?" goes unanswered. "Growing Up in an Amish-Jewish Cult: Book One: Delusion" is highly recommended to any who want to learn about the phenomenon of cults and for autobiographical community library collections everywhere.