Expert Opinions
After a wide range of research and study by experts on psychology, religion, cults, and sociology, these experts report their findings and opinions as shown below:
Psychiatrists and Psychologists
The content, techniques, procedures, and delivery of The Landmark Forum have been carefully studied by dozens of psychiatrists and psychologists.
An eminent US psychologist, renowned for his objectivity and professionalism, recently completed a study of The Landmark Forum. In his report (PDF), he stated that it is philosophical in nature and beneficial in numerous ways. Many psychologists and therapists echo those conclusions.
Read more comments from a selection of psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists:
Edward H. Lowell, M.D., P.A. (PDF)
Richard Bralliar, D.O. (PDF)
Jim Miller, M.D (PDF)
Steven S. Callahan, Ph.D. (PDF)
Clergy Members and Religious Professionals
Religious professionals and clergy members alike report Landmark's programs provide no theology, dogma, or doctrines. They also report, however, that the programs often empower and enhance both their own and others' religious beliefs, practices, and views. People from all religious backgrounds participate in Landmark's programs.
“I have had occasions in the course of my work to speak with a large number of priests, ministers, and rabbis who have taken Landmark programs, and without exception they have said that their experience was good and helpful in their ministries…”
| Rev. Robert L. Shearer, Episcopal Priest See full text. |
Read more comments from clergy members and religious professionals:
The Rt. Rev. Otis Charles, Bishop of the Episcopal Church (Anglican) (PDF)
M. Basil Pennington, O.C.S.O. (Trappist Monastery) (PDF)
Rev. P. Gerard O'Rourke, Catholic Priest (PDF)
Sister Miriam Quinn, O.P. Cabra Dominican Sister (PDF)
Rabbi Arnold Mark Belzer (PDF)
Experts on Sects and Cults
Well-known authorities on the subject have stated that Landmark Education and its programs have no characteristics of sects or cults. (PDF)
Lowell Streiker, Ph.D. (PDF)
Edward H. Lowell, M.D., P.A. (PDF)
Margaret Singer, Author of Cults in Our Midst (PDF)
Aloma D. Marquid, Former Special Agent, F.B.I (PDF)
Richard Bralliar, D.O. (PDF)
Jim Miller, M.D. (PDF)
The Rt. Rev. Otis Charles, Bishop of the Episcopal Church (Anglican) (PDF)
Additionally, the board of directors of the original Cult Awareness Network (CAN), well-known and respected for its effectiveness in identifying cults in the 1980s and 1990s, stated that it does not consider Landmark Education or any of its programs to be a cult or cult-like. (Note: The original Cult Awareness Network ceased to exist in the late 1990s, and an unrelated group calling itself the Cult Awareness Network Hotline was established.)