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American Cults
Cabals, Corruption, and Charismatic Leaders
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Check link for latest rating. ( 48 ratings, 8 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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See more"From false religions and offshoots of traditional religions to political, financial, sexual and hate groups, American Cults looks at 40 groups and leaders, their histories, deceits, manipulations, and twisted ideologies"--
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
America has spawned hundreds of cults. Charismatic leaders periodically burst into the news for the most awful of reasons. We are awash with stories of brainwashed members' struggles to leave. Meet the messianic leaders, see the indoctrination and manipulation, look at their beliefs, and read the stories of some of America's most notorious, eccentric, and unusual cults!
From false religions and offshoots of traditional religions to political, financial, sexual, and hate groups, American Cults: Cabals, Corruption, and Charismatic Leaders looks at 40 groups and leaders, including their histories, deceits, manipulations, and twisted ideologies. Some rely on systems of obedience, submission, and dependency. More than a few have mystifying beliefs. Others are dark and murderous. You'll encounter curious, bizarre, and sometimes upsetting stories of...
- Charming, manipulative, and exploitative leaders - Jim Jones, Jim Baker, David Berg, David Koresh, and many, many others.
- The breakaways from traditional religions - Father Divine and the Peace Mission, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Westboro Baptist Church, the Gospel of Prosperity, and many more.
- Political, Ponzi, metaphysical, and science schemes - the cult of the scientific method, pyramid schemes, political cults, the Unification Church, and much more.
- Aliens, extraterrestrials, and the cosmos - Church of Scientology, Raelians and Heaven's Gate, to name a few.
- End-times and doomsday cults - rapture beliefs, Edgar Cayce, the Ant Hill Kids and more.
- Racial, radical, and social media cults - QAnon, Ku Klux Klan, Oath Keepers, Antifa, and others.
- Sex, perversity, and submission - NXIVM, Sullivanians, Rajneesh, and many more.
American Cults looks at why America is such a fertile ground for cults, how some people got caught in their webs, and how some managed to escape! With more than 120 photos and graphics, this tome is richly illustrated. Its helpful bibliography provides sources for further exploration, and an extensive index adds to its usefulness.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
American Cults by Jim Willis is examined for its exploration of cults and charismatic leaders within the United States, presenting both their allure and danger. Reviews highlight its coverage of approximately 40 groups varying from religious offshoots to politically driven organisations, showing the fine line between legitimate religious practice and manipulative cult behaviour. Willis delves into both religious and political arenas, questioning the delicate balance between personal liberty and the perilous nature of blind allegiance.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781578598007
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 20 April 2023
Country: United States
Imprint: Visible Ink Press
Illustration: Illustrations
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 18.0mm
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 229.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 368
Collections
About the Author
Jim Willis earned his master’s degree in theology from Andover Newton Theological School, and he has been an ordained minister for over 40 years. He has also taught college courses in comparative religion and cross-cultural studies. His background in theology and education led to his writing more than twenty on history, religion, the apocalypse, cross-cultural spirituality, and the mysteries of the unknown. His books include Visible Ink Press’ Censoring God; Hidden History; and Lost Civilizations. He lives in the woods of South Carolina.
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