Cults like us : why doomsday thinking drives America / Jane Borden.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Borden, Jane, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cults--United States.

Cults.

National characteristics, American.

Emotions--Social aspects--United States.

Emotions.

United States--Social life and customs.

United States.

Physical Description:

x, 292 pages ; 24 cm

Edition:

First One Signal Publishers/Atria Books hardcover edition.

Other Title:

Why doomsday thinking drives America

Place of Publication:

New York : One Signal Publishers / Atria, 2025.

Summary:

"A colorful and enlightening pop history that explains why the eccentric doomsday beliefs of our Puritan founders are still driving American culture today -- and proposes that the United States is the largest cult of all. Since the Mayflower sidled up near Plymouth Rock, cult ideology has been ingrained in the DNA of the United States. In this eye-opening book, journalist Jane Borden argues that Puritan doomsday belief never went away; it just went secular and became American culture. From our fascination with cowboys and superheroes to our allegiance to influencers and self-help, susceptibility to advertising, and undying devotion to the almighty dollar, Americans remain particularly vulnerable to a specific brand of cultlike thinking. With in-depth research and compelling insight, Borden uncovers the American history you didn't learn in school, including how we are still being influenced, making us a nation of easy marks for scam artists and strongmen. Along the way, she also revisits some of the most infamous cults in this country -- including Mankind United and Love Has Won -- presenting them as integral parts of our national psyche rather than as aberrations" -- Jacket flap.

Contents:

Introduction : Weekend at Bartholomew's

The quick and the dead : on strongmen and punishment

Father knows best : on perfection and being chosen

Don't spread on me : on rebellion and anti-intellectualism

Liar for hire : on consumption and salvation

Nanny nanny boo boo : on extraction and success

Us versus them : on identity and isolation

Control-alt-delete : on control and comfort

Conclusion.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 249-275) and index.

Other Format:

Online version : Borden, Jane. Cults like us : why doomsday thinking drives America .

ISBN:

9781668007808

1668007800

OCLC:

1510770522

Publisher Number:

90101684941