Cults of Unreason

Cults of Unreason examines fringe belief systems and alternative religious movements that emerged in the mid-20th century. The book was written by Christopher Riche Evans, an experimental psychologist and computer scientist, and published in 1973. The text analyzes several unconventional belief systems and practices including Scientology, UFO religions, Atlantis theories, and various Eastern spiritual movements. Evans presents detailed accounts of these groups' origins, founders, core beliefs, and their methods of attracting followers. Each chapter explores how these movements blend elements of technology and spirituality to create their doctrines and practices. The work documents how adherents of these groups interpret and integrate scientific concepts into religious frameworks. This study reveals broader patterns about human needs for meaning and community in an increasingly secular, technologically-driven world. The author suggests these movements arise from a gap between traditional religious institutions and modern scientific understanding.

Readers describe this 1974 examination of fringe belief systems as both fascinating and dated. The book covers Scientology, UFO religions, and other alternative movements of the mid-20th century. Readers appreciate: - Detailed research and firsthand accounts - Clear explanations of complex belief systems - Neutral, objective tone - Historical documentation of lesser-known movements Common criticisms: - Information now outdated - Some groups covered are now defunct - Writing style can be dry - Limited availability of the book today One reader noted: "Evans managed to document these movements before they evolved or disappeared - it's like a time capsule of alternative beliefs." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (21 ratings) Amazon: No current listing LibraryThing: 3.67/5 (6 ratings) The book is out of print, with used copies selling for $50-200. Most reviews come from academic journals and specialty forums focused on new religious movements.

The Morning of the Magicians by Louis Pauwels Chronicles the rise of occult beliefs, alternative science, and esoteric movements in the mid-20th century through examination of primary sources and interviews.

Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science by Martin Gardner Documents pseudoscientific movements and belief systems that mix science with supernatural claims, providing historical context for their development.

Alternative Altars by Robert S. Ellwood Maps the landscape of unconventional spiritual movements in America during the 1960s-70s through field research and participant observation.

The Making of a Moonie by Eileen Barker Presents a sociological investigation into the Unification Church's recruitment methods and belief system based on first-hand research.

Gods of the New Age by Elliot Miller Traces the historical development of New Age spirituality and its intersection with science, psychology, and Eastern religious concepts.

🔍 The book was published in 1974, during a significant surge in new religious movements and heightened public interest in UFO phenomena. 🧠 Christopher Riche Evans was a prominent British psychologist who helped establish the field of computer-assisted learning and worked at the National Physical Laboratory. ⚛️ The book was one of the first scholarly works to seriously examine Scientology's blend of science fiction elements with religious doctrine. 🌟 Evans coined the term "wishing society" to describe groups that blend magical thinking with pseudo-scientific explanations. 🔮 The book presciently predicted the rise of technology-based belief systems decades before the emergence of modern digital spirituality movements like transhumanism.