Cults on Trial: A Cross-Examination of Jim Jones, Charles Manson, Hitler… and Donald Trump

by Lance Moore

The Culture of Cults
Our current malaise raises
Are we all soul-stained with selfishness... or is it just a
healthy survival instinct?
Where is the line between normal self-interest and full-
blown Narcissism?
How do we distinguish strong leadership from
manipulation? Community from Cult?
Drawing upon court cases and real world experiences, this book shows how cult gurus and “cult cultures” fit a predictable pattern, a common template of destructive traits and tactics. By studying Cult Culture, the author argues, we gain insight into current politics and Fascist demagogues.
First relating his own encounter with disillusioned cult members, author Lance Moore dissects the phenomena, exposing the methods of manipulation found in cult leaders —and on a smaller scale, in our own relationships.

This book is it includes over 500 endnotes citing 500 Sources.

We have had some mention that Amazon is being slow to post their Reviews. Here are the reviews already coming
-A film producer/scriptwriter “Overall, this book is very interesting, thoughtful and well-written.”
-A 70-year-old veteran psychologist/counselor “This will become a landmark book in the field.”
-An attorney friend-of-the-author, familiar with Dr. Moore’s other books, stated that this book is “one of your best works.”
-Another author (a JFK-assassination expert featured on the History Channel and other documentaries) said of Cults on Trial, “Highly Recommended!” “…a great writer!”
The average Amazon review rating for Moore’s previous eight books is over 4-stars… so if you see 1-star reviews posted, we can reasonably suspect they are cultists or politically-partisan folks unfairly attacking the book.

About the
Dr. Moore is a Pre-Sentence Investigator for Alabama Circuit Courts, with previous careers as an ordained pastor, college educator, and author. He holds a doctoral degree from Emory University, and has been a repeat guest on various TV and radio programs. His previous eight books have garnered widespread positive reviews.

Genres: Cults, Nonfiction, Religion

Audible Audio

Published February 13, 2024

About the author

Webpages to check out:

https://www.LanceMooreBooks.com

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr.-Lan...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVLHJ9BB

https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/ci...

https://www.facebook.com/RevDrLanceMo...

check out this JFK YouTube video: http://youtu.be/BP12TT24nok

http://www.AskGaynor.com
(My wife's blog page)

www.amazon.com/Killing-JFK-Commission...

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr.-Lan...

Reviews

[Tom Schulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrated by Virtual Voice, which does a pretty good job on this one with only occasionally mispronouncing or oddly pausing.

Minister, rock guitarist, investigator Dr. Lance Moore has a background leading Methodist churches, teaching college part-time, court investigator, author and performing guitarist. He has given spiritual support to some recovering from cult affiliation, which, with apology, he includes Mormons. It is rather refreshing to see a committed Christian leader and someone outspoken in books, radio, etc. connecting the dots between Hitler's rhetoric and MAGA "America First" talking points. He zeroes in on Trump as charismatic leader of that cult.

The framing of each chapter here is court testimony and outcomes. The main thesis is that cultish babble and designs crumble in the harsh light of the courtroom with many historical example of cults that run rampant and ruin lives so long as they avoid prosecution for their crimes.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you already know Information about some headline cults… you’ll love this book. The beginning dragged on in some parts and a little annoying referring back to chapters constantly. Overall it was a good book.

[Lance Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm the author, so--shocker--I think it's a 5-star excellent book! But before you yell at me, I'm actually just using this spot as a place to share an actual/objective 4.7-star review my book rec'd from the "IndieReader" Book Review site. You can read it in full here:
https://indiereader.com/book_review/c...
That review states in part: "A thorough investigation into cults and cult-style leaders including Charles Manson, Jim Jones, and Adolf Hitler.... Moore’s wide-ranging approach is a welcome relief from the often-sensationalized accounts of cults.... Empathetic, educational, and highly significant in this day and age, CULTS ON TRIAL takes the time to explore the appeal of cults while identifying the malignancy at their centers. [It is] an intelligent and well-researched book that brings new insight to the world of cults and cult leaders."
--
From the back cover:
The Culture of Cults
Our current malaise raises questions:
• Are we all soul-stained with selfishness... or is it just a
healthy survival instinct?
• Where is the line between normal self-interest and full-
blown Narcissism?
• How do we distinguish strong leadership from
manipulation? Community from Cult?
Drawing upon court cases and real world experiences, this book shows how cult gurus and “cult cultures” fit a predictable pattern, a common template of destructive traits and tactics. By studying Cult Culture, the author argues, we gain insight into current politics and Fascist demagogues.
First relating his own encounter with disillusioned cult members, author Lance Moore dissects the phenomena, exposing the methods of manipulation found in cult leaders —and on a smaller scale, in our own relationships.

This book includes over 500 endnotes of Sources/Citations.

[Anastasiya M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offered an intriguing premise, exploring the psychological and sociopolitical tactics of various cult-like figures. While some sections were well-researched and provided fresh insights into their influence, others leaned too heavily on sensationalism, weakening the overall argument. Comparisons between figures like Hitler and Donald Trump sometimes felt forced and lacked nuance. Though thought-provoking at times, the book's uneven execution and inconsistent tone kept it from reaching its full potential.

https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....

[Kelly Cuellar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would suggest this book to anyone and everyone who is willing to take a step back to learn and really be objective, with the goal of understanding themselves or their family or friends. I found the book interesting, revealing, and filled with facts and references.

It was exceptional and helpful to me personally in understanding myself, my family and friends, and current voting choices.

[Kimberly Santos · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't listen because it's an AI generated audio book. Glad it was free.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learning new things

I enjoyed learning new things I hadn't thought of as far as how cults get members and keep them. I did enjoy this book.