In Live Show 163 I debunked how MAGA is a cult as it fails to fit both Robert J. Lifton's historic cult criteria points and my experience in the religious cult Adidam. I share an article from Salon by someone else from Adiam chiming in on this accusation to bring a different point of view to the discussion, Live 7/4/2026.
0:00 - My view MAGA is not a cult
2:46 - Intro to article: "Is Donald Trump’s movement really a “cult”? Well, I ought to know - I grew up in what many people would consider a cult. Compared to that, Americans still have freedom" by Jonathan Hirsch, May 2025
4:41 - Reading article: Trump's "I alone can fix this" boastful quote | growing up in Adidam who promised the ability to fix things
8:00 - Responding to fellow vow taking devotee of Adi Da Samraj | didn't support Trump in 2015
10:57 - Reading article con't: Adi Da's real name | life under Adi Da Samraj & same feelings from Trump | defining a cult leader & cult
17:26 - Reading article con't: history of definition of cult in light of alternative religions/cults | growth of cult studies | honesty in ISKCON
26:05 - Reading article con't: "New Religious Movement" cult wars | religion as "way of life" or "religion" & gov't rights
29:27 - Reading article con't: minimalizing definition of cult | cult definition models, Robert J. Lifton successful model
34:38 - Reading article con't: Trump as a charismatic leader | is Adam Schiff a cult leader due to lack of questioning? | can Trump read the population?
38:03 - Reading article con't: lack of MAGA belief system & reading list & rituals & re-education system | typical campaign promise vs religious re-education program
43:33 - Reading article con't: acting against one's self interest | "What's The Matter With Kansas" book
45:26 - Reading article con't: state of gov't past & present vs cults
49:58 - Reading article con't: becoming a guru after leaving Adidam
51:10 - Reading article con't: government boundaries to Trump's behavior prevents cult
53:54 - Cults remove choice & independent thinking & have requirements
56:13 - Can you have a cult leader without a cult?
58:21 - Closing thoughts
Article here: https://www.salon.com/2025/05/18/is-donald-movement-really-a-cult-well-i-ought-to-know/
This podcast was a 2025 People's Choice Podcast Award nominee. On Apple Podcasts it's been the #1 most listened to show in the Philippines, and in the top 20 in France, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Israel, Switzerland and Australia.
REGULAR LIVE SHOW for independent thinkers who’ve outgrown spiritual, cultural and political fluff. Unfiltered commentary on politics, culture, music, religion, and society from a rational, historical and politically conservative perspective.
I’m Aaron Joy in Portland, Maine, USA (also known in spiritual circles as Premanand Das Bhagat). I'm a writer, musician, ultra-runner, and former thespian. Visit my website for my books. I'm also trained as an Integral Vedic Counselor, Certified Spiritual Life Coach and Ayurveda Specialist, and follow the spiritual path of Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma). This channel formerly known as Practical Spirituality: Hinduism & Current Events with Premanand Das Bhagat
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