LET'S CHAT: CULTS.

BAD PEOPLE PODCAST // S3 EP 2 : LET'S CHAT: CULTS

In this episode we discuss: what are cults? Who is susceptible to joining one? What are some signals of cultish behaviour? How do culty groups typically operate? There are no black and white answers to these questions, but according to our research, there are definitely patterns and “red flags” that can be identified when it comes to coercive and controlling behaviour— such as thought control, shaming, building an “us and them” view of the world, omitting necessary information etc. Christa and Micah discuss some of these things in the context of Church systems, religion and everyday relationships. Information quoted at the beginning of the episode comes from the book Cultish - The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell (a linguist, author and podcaster). They also chat through some key points of Steven Hassan’s BITE model of authoritarian control. Hopefully you find this conversation helpful/insightful, and as always— DM us if you would like to contribute to the conversation!

Below is a list of resources I’ve found insightful as I (Micah) have sought to explore the topic of cults/spiritual abuse in greater depth:

Web:

Freedom of Mind Resource Center - Dr Stephen Hassan https://freedomofmind.com/

Books:

Cultish, The Language of Fanaticism - Amanda Montell

Inspired - Rachel Held Evans

Unfollow - Megan Phelps-Roper

When Religion Hurts You - Dr. Laura Anderson

A Well Trained Wife - Tia Levings

Educated - Tara Westover

Holy Hurt - Hillary L. McBride

Podcasts:

Sounds like A Cult - Host: Amanda Montell

A Little Bit Culty - Hosts: Sarah Edmonson and Anthony Ames

The Turning, Seasons 1&3 - Host: Erika Lantz

The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill - Host: Mike Cosper / Christianity Today

Holy Hurt - Host: Hillary McBride

Heaven Bent - Host: Tara Jean Stevens

The Liturgists - Host: Michael Gungor and friends

The Bible For Normal People - Host: Jared Byas and Peter Enns

Documentaries:

Shiny, Happy People / A Teenage Holy War (Seasons 1 & 2)

Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed

Secrets of Hillsong

Keep Sweet, Pray & Obey

Trust Me: The False Prophet

Dancing for the Devil

The Cult of Nature Boy

Escaping Twin Flames

The Ruby Franke Story

Disciples - The Cult of TB Joshua