Cults of Unreason
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| Cults of Unreason | |
 1974 ed. Book cover |
|
| Author | Dr. Christopher Riche Evans |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Paul Agule (jacket design) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Subject(s) | cults, pseudoscience |
| Genre(s) | non-fiction |
| Publisher | Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Delacorte Press |
| Publication date | 1974, 1975 |
| Media type | Paperback |
| Pages | 257 |
| ISBN | ISBN 0374133247 , ISBN 978-0374133245 , ISBN 0440544025 , ISBN 978-0440544029 |
| Followed by | Landscapes of the Night – how and why we dream |
Cults of Unreason is a non-fiction book on Scientology, pseudoscience, and cults, written by Christopher Riche Evans, Ph.D. The book was first published in 1974 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and then again in paperback in 1975, by Delacorte Press. The book was also published in German, by Rowohlt, in 1976.[1]
[edit] Synopsis
Much of the book discusses the history of Scientology: including the early period and development of Dianetics. The book also describes the E-meter, various front groups, operating thetan, and the lifestyles of members whilst living at Saint Hill Manor.[2] Other groups discussed include UFO cults, theosophy, and The Fourth Way.
[edit] "Cults of unreason"
After the publication and dissemination of Evans' book, other writers later utilized the term "cults of unreason" [3][4][5][6] to refer to strange groups, or UFO cults.
In 1980, The Council for Democratic and Secular Humanism (now the Council for Secular Humanism), issued "A Secular Humanist Declaration" , in which they referred to the growth of cults of unreason and other "bizarre paranormal and occult beliefs" in Western society.[7] Paul Kurtz has written about a growth in cults of unreason, as being encouraged by an "irresponsible media".[8] Kurtz also has utilized the term extensively, in writings about UFO mythology, and while discussing groups such as the Heaven's Gate group.[9]
Common themes discussed by Kurtz in relation to cults of unreason include an authoritarian structure, and mind control usage by the leader.[9] Kurtz also referred to a devotion to promises of a guru, in his discussion of Aum Shinri Kyo.[9] In 2003, Sir Michael Burton of The European-Atlantic Group discussed the place of "reasonable religion" within the space of growing cults of unreason, at a conference on "Faith and Conflict in the New Europe".[10]
[edit] References
- ^ Kulte des Irrationalen, Christopher Riche Evans, Reinbek/Hamburg : Rowohlt, 1976., ISBN 349801613X , ISBN 9783498016135 , ISBN 9783498016135 , ISBN 349801613X
- ^ Scientology Booklist, Martin Hunt, Cults of Unreason, synopsis, May 10, 1998.
- ^ In Defense of Science: Secular Intellectuals and the Failure of Nerve Thesis, Religious Humanism, vol. 30, nos. 1 & 2, winter/spring 1996, p. 30-39., Stephen Weldon.
In a previous Humanist article Kurtz had specifically made the parallel between the mystery cults that emerged at the end of the Hellenistic period and the cults of unreason today. He concluded that "One lesson seems to be clear.. - ^ Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, August 10, 1977.
"..science writers have called for a counterattack on the spreading belief in astrology, UFO's, the Bermuda Triangle and other "cults of unreason".. - ^ Star-News, August 10, 1977, Pasadena, California.
- ^ "The infomedia revolution: opportunities for global humanism.", Free Inquiry, December 22, 1996.
- ^ A Secular Humanist Declaration, Issued In 1980 By The Council for Democratic and Secular Humanism (now the Council for Secular Humanism), retrieved 3/1/07.
New cults of unreason as well as bizarre paranormal and occult beliefs, such as belief in astrology, reincarnation, and the mysterious power of alleged psychics, are growing in many Western societies. - ^ Where Do We Go From Here?, Paul Kurtz, Rationalist Press Association, New Humanist, Volume 114 no 2 June 1999.
And in recent decades there has been a growth of new cults of unreason and the paranormal, fanned by irresponsible media. - ^ a b c UFO Mythology: The Escape to Oblivion, Paul Kurtz, Skeptical Inquirer, July/August 1997.
Reading about the strange behavior of this cult of unreason, one is struck by the unquestioning obedience that Applewhite was able to elicit from his faithful flock. There was a rigid authoritarian code of behavior imposed upon everyone, a form of mind control...Perhaps the major difference between the established religions and the new cults of unreason is that the former religions have deeper roots in human history...The Aum Shinri Kyo cult in Japan, which in 1995 released poison gas into a crowded subway station, killing twelve people, was made up of highly educated young people, many with advanced degrees. Unable to apply their critical thinking outside of their specialties, they accepted the concocted promises of their guru. Thus an unbridled cult of unreason can attract otherwise rational people. [emphasis not in original] - ^ FAITH AND CONFLICT IN THE NEW EUROPE, The European-Atlantic Group, 7 May 2003, Speaker: The Rt Reverend and Right Honourable Richard Chartres, The Lord Bishop of London, Chairman: Sir Michael Burton KCVO CMG.
Is it possible however to move beyond the idea that reasonable religion serves to occupy the space where cults of unreason may otherwise flourish? Are there positive resources within the traditions and institutions of the world’s faith communities capable of making a contribution to peace making?
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