You Can’t Ask That: July 25

Tonight on You Can’t Ask That former Cult members will answer questions such as “How Could You Be Stupid Enough to End Up in a Cult?”

Hidden from society, with secret rituals, rules and beliefs, the reality of life inside a cult is something most people have never witnessed first-hand. This episode of You Can’t Ask That gives an unprecedented glimpse into the complex lives of eight Australian former cult members — how they joined, what they were subjected to on the inside, and how they ultimately escaped.

Asked how he could you be stupid to end up in a cult, David Ayliffe from Melbourne reflects, “I’ve asked myself that question many times. The important thing to realise is that no-one joins a cult”. David initially joined a Christian ministry in the 1970’s after witnessing its practices, “I came across this group that was practising deliverance and healing exorcisms. I saw this woman who seemed to have incredible gifts that I couldn’t understand. She initially thought she had the stigmata… then she claimed to be God”. As the group evolved around him, from ministry to cult, David chose to turn his back on society, living largely in isolation for 16 years.”

9pm Wednesday on ABC.