Happy When Curious

Rebecca Moore: Religion, Cults, Violence and History

March 24, 2023 Brady Ryan
Rebecca Moore: Religion, Cults, Violence and History
Happy When Curious
More Info
Happy When Curious
Rebecca Moore: Religion, Cults, Violence and History
Mar 24, 2023
Brady Ryan

Is the human brain more wired towards story than a set of rules to follow?

Can religion prescribe behavior without trying to describe reality?

What is the most successful example of religious violence?

What is the difference between a cult and a religion?

These questions and more I discussed with Rebecca Moore. 

Rebecca Moore is Emerita Professor of Religious Studies at San Diego State University. One of her research specialties is new religious movements. She co-edited "Peoples Temple and Black Religion in America" and authored "Understanding Jonestown and Peoples Temple" . Her book "Beyond Brainwashing: Perspectives on Cultic Violence" came out in 2018 and "Peoples Temple and Jonestown in the Twenty-First Century" came out in 2022.

Moore also specializes in the history of Christianity. Her book "Voices of Christianity: A Global Introduction" is a text-reader for college courses. "Women in Christian Traditions" offers a feminist analysis of the role women have played in the development of Christianity and "A Blessing to Each Other: A New Account of Jewish and Christian Relations" is one of her newest books.

Check out the amazing Jonestown Institute here

Show Notes

Is the human brain more wired towards story than a set of rules to follow?

Can religion prescribe behavior without trying to describe reality?

What is the most successful example of religious violence?

What is the difference between a cult and a religion?

These questions and more I discussed with Rebecca Moore. 

Rebecca Moore is Emerita Professor of Religious Studies at San Diego State University. One of her research specialties is new religious movements. She co-edited "Peoples Temple and Black Religion in America" and authored "Understanding Jonestown and Peoples Temple" . Her book "Beyond Brainwashing: Perspectives on Cultic Violence" came out in 2018 and "Peoples Temple and Jonestown in the Twenty-First Century" came out in 2022.

Moore also specializes in the history of Christianity. Her book "Voices of Christianity: A Global Introduction" is a text-reader for college courses. "Women in Christian Traditions" offers a feminist analysis of the role women have played in the development of Christianity and "A Blessing to Each Other: A New Account of Jewish and Christian Relations" is one of her newest books.

Check out the amazing Jonestown Institute here