In her book “Cults Like Us – Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America,” author Jane Borden delves into the complex world of cult ideologies in the United States. She challenges the stereotypical image of cults as groups of beautiful young people dancing trancelike in the sun, highlighting how cult-like thinking permeates American culture in more subtle ways.
Borden traces the roots of cult ideologies in America back to the Puritan beliefs of the Pilgrim Fathers, emphasizing how these doomsday beliefs have become ingrained in the nation’s identity. The evolution of the term “cult” from its Latin origins to its modern derogatory connotations reflects a shift in perception towards non-traditional religious groups.
Despite the negative associations with cults, Borden points out that many once-suspect groups like the Christian Scientists and Jehovah’s Witnesses have gained institutionalized status as recognized religions in the U.S. This recognition comes with benefits, including tax exemptions, highlighting the blurred lines between cults and mainstream religions.
The proliferation of cult-like groups in the United States is on the rise, with Borden estimating around 10,000 such organizations nationwide. These groups often share common characteristics, such as a charismatic leader, notions of exceptionalism, and a doomsday endgame. They thrive on creating an “us vs. them” mentality, manipulating members by raising the specter of an external enemy.
Borden’s exploration of cult case studies, like Arthur Bell’s Mankind United cult in the 1930s, reveals the absurdity of conspiracy theories that underpin many cult ideologies. The intertwining of cults and conspiracy theories underscores the manipulative tactics used by leaders to exploit followers for personal gain.
Ultimately, Borden highlights the danger of unchecked deception within cults and the broader impact of cult-like thinking on American society. By shedding light on the insidious nature of cult ideologies, she prompts readers to question the ideologies themselves and the tactics used to propagate them.
In “Cults Like Us,” Jane Borden offers a thought-provoking analysis of the pervasive influence of cult-like thinking in America, challenging readers to critically examine the beliefs and behaviors that shape our national psyche.
