Zealot: A Book About Cults
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | February 26, 2019 |
| Founder | Jo Thornely |
| Products | Book |
| Parent | Hachette Australia |
Zealot: A Book About Cults is a 2019 factual work authored by Australian podcaster and writer Jo Thornely. The book investigates well-known religious cults including Aum Shinrikyo, the Peoples Temple, and Heaven's Gate, employing a witty and irreverent narrative style.
Background
Thornely's interest in cults began in 1985, eventually leading her to create the Zealot podcast in 2017, which provided the inspiration for this book’s title. She approaches cults as fascinating true crime cases, delivering her analysis through an engaging, often humorous conversational tone. Zealot: A Book About Cults was released on 26 February 2019 by Hachette Australia.
Synopsis
Starting with a definition of cults, the book delves into reasons why individuals join such groups, frequently stemming from feelings of dissatisfaction—whether due to excessive control or a search for meaning. It characterizes cult doctrines as an eclectic mix of "Eastern mysticism, the Christian Bible, the imminent apocalypse, aliens in UFOs and rampant, unbridled horniness." The narrative includes coverage of internationally infamous organizations like Jim Jones’s Peoples Temple alongside Australian groups such as The Family. The concluding chapter shifts to a more earnest tone, providing readers with reflective questions to evaluate their own involvement in cult-like environments.
Reception
Overall, Zealot: A Book About Cults was met with positive acclaim. David Free from The Australian praised Thornely as "a piss-taker of rare boldness," noting her effective use of humor to critique cult phenomena. Thomas Van Essen writing for Backstory Journal described the book as "a sullen reminder of why sometimes good people do very bad things," while cautioning that its sarcastic approach may not appeal to all readers. Further favorable commentary appeared in publications such as The Clothesline and ArtsHub Australia's publishing arm.
A professional evaluation by Ian Freckelton in Psychiatry, Psychology and Law recognized that although Zealot is not an academic text, it functions as an excellent resource suitable for both laypersons and specialists. Freckelton highlighted its usefulness for legal professionals and psychologists assisting clients who have experienced or are vulnerable to cult involvement, recommending it as a valuable reference.