How Long to Read Agents of Discord

By Anson D. Shupe

How Long Does it Take to Read Agents of Discord?

It takes the average reader 4 hours and 48 minutes to read Agents of Discord by Anson D. Shupe

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

It is widely acknowledged that the United States has al- ways provided fertile ground for the growth of new religious movements and cults, but modern organized efforts to oppose and restrict them have been less well understood. In Agents of Discord, Anson Shupe and Susan E. Darnell offer a groundbreaking analysis of the operations and motives of these oppositional groups, which they generally group under the umbrella term of the anticult movement. Historically there have always been parallel groups opposed to certain religious movements, whether these be anti-Quaker, anti-Roman Catholic, or anti-Mormon. The authors establish the cultural context of such movements in the nineteenth century. They point out the link between modern anticult movements and nativist movements in American history. Turning to the postwar era, the authors discuss the rise of anticult movements and focus specifically on one of the most prominent, the Cult Awareness Network (CAN). CAN was a two-tiered organization. Partly composed of volunteers, donors, and families affected by cult movements, it also included what the authors call an "inner sanctum" of behavioral science professionals, attorneys, and deprogrammers. Using never-before-reported data on CAN's activities, the authors cite an extensive history of financial impropriety that finally led to the organization's bankruptcy. They offer a pointed critique, informed by current scholarship, of the "brainwashing" model of mental enslavement presented by the anticult movement that has been a central assumption undergirding its activities. At the same time, they show how increasing professionalization has gradually begun a shift of such movements to a therapeutic model of exit counseling that rejects the crude methods of earlier intervention strategies. In their analysis of the anticult movement nationally and internationally, Shupe and Darnell merge sociological concepts and social history to make unique sense of a heretofore relatively unexplored phenomenon.

How long is Agents of Discord?

Agents of Discord by Anson D. Shupe is 284 pages long, and a total of 72,136 words.

This makes it 96% the length of the average book. It also has 88% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Agents of Discord Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 6 hours and 34 minutes to read Agents of Discord aloud.

What Reading Level is Agents of Discord?

Agents of Discord is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Agents of Discord?

Agents of Discord by Anson D. Shupe is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

To buy Agents of Discord by Anson D. Shupe on Amazon click the button below.

Buy Agents of Discord on Amazon