This bonus episode is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time–compare evangelicalism with cult psychology and tactics. I’ve done a lot of research and reading on this subject, and have reflected on both my own experiences as a former evangelical, as well as that of a great many others. 

In this episode, I draw primarily on the work of Dr Robert Jay Lifton’s seminal 1961 work, Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism. I also make use of his 1991 article entitled “Cult Formation” to go through not only his 8 markers of cults, but to compare them both to evangelical churches as well as more well-established cults. 

As part of your recovery and rebuilding, post-cult or post-religion, it is my hope that this bonus episode will assist you in terms of education as well as unpacking the psychology behind it all.

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