K. Webster
asked
Lawrence Wright:
I love your books about religion and cults, as I have a great interest in them myself. In your research and writing, do you see any connections between cults and rapid onset political movements?
Lawrence Wright
Absolutely. I think religious cults replaced political ones in the mid-twentieth century. Naziism had been conquered. Stalinism lingered after the dictator's death. The Cultural Revolution took hold in China in the mid-sixties. People were more cautious about the danger of political extremism. But right at that time, religious cults began to flourish. They served the same purposes: creating community and meaning, while at the same time often veering toward oppression.
More Answered Questions
Ric Gresh
asked
Lawrence Wright:
Since I know you have done extensive research for your book and in light of our current covid-19 virus situation, what countries do you see as having done the best job for their people in trying to curb/stop this pandemic? China started with the Wuhan total quarantine and another country, Sweden is going at this from another perspective. Any thoughts?
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