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
