Words of Worship: How Cultish Changed the Way I See Influence

This post discusses key ideas and examples from Cultish by Amanda Montell. While it doesn’t reveal every detail, it may shift your perspective before you read the book yourself.

In February of this year, I read Cultish by Amanda Montell. My daughter recommended it to me, and it completely reframed how I think about language, persuasion, and power. I went in expecting a deep dive into religious cults, and while those are definitely covered, the book goes way beyond that. Montell explores how cult-like language permeates everything from multi-marketing schemes to the fitness community. She reveals how words can be used to manipulate, isolate, and control individuals.

While reading, I was struck by the many groups I had never considered to be “cultish” that started to fit the mold that Montell was describing. The book is filled with examples that are both fascinating and terrifying. Charismatic leaders and corporate brands use language to build loyalty, suppress dissent, and create a sense of belonging that can be hard to escape.

“Language doesn’t work to manipulate people into believing things they don’t want to believe; instead, it gives them license to believe ideas they’re already open to.”

Cultish language doesn’t force belief, it nurtures it. It’s the subtle but powerful distinction that certain slogans, phrases, and speech patterns can feel so familiar and persuasive.

Montell’s arguments are well researched and very compelling, making Cultish especially powerful. The book is not just great for academics but also for your book club, as it is conversational, witty, and deeply thought-provoking. I found myself reexamining everything from corporate slogans to influencer catchphrases with a more critical eye. Why do people get drawn into extreme belief systems, or why do some brands or communities just feel off? This book covers those questions and more. It is not just about cults but about the culture, language, and subtle ways we are shaped by the words around us.

Published: June 15, 2021
Read: February 18, 2025

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