The Guru Papers
Masks of Authoritarian Power
Book •
Joel Kramer and Diana Alstad's 'The Guru Papers' analyzes how spiritual teachers can evolve into authoritarian figures, exploring historical patterns and psychological dynamics that enable abuses of power.
The authors argue that communities often demand increasingly elevated personas from leaders, which can erode equality and intimacy in relationships.
Using case studies and theoretical frameworks, the book examines manipulation, cult dynamics, and the social structures that sustain guru authority.
It encourages readers to question charismatic leadership and promotes safeguards against exploitation within spiritual movements.
The work has become a reference for scholars and critics studying cults and abusive spiritual leadership.
The authors argue that communities often demand increasingly elevated personas from leaders, which can erode equality and intimacy in relationships.
Using case studies and theoretical frameworks, the book examines manipulation, cult dynamics, and the social structures that sustain guru authority.
It encourages readers to question charismatic leadership and promotes safeguards against exploitation within spiritual movements.
The work has become a reference for scholars and critics studying cults and abusive spiritual leadership.
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Scott Carney
The Unfortunate Truth about Wim Hof
