This episode of Cults and the Culting of America features guest Kelvin, a political scientist and community organizer, in a deep dive on whether capitalism functions as a cult and how overlapping systems like patriarchy, white supremacy, and religion have historically reinforced each other. The hosts, Scot and Daniella, explore the evolution of these frameworks—from European colonialism and the doctrine of discovery to modern American politics—and discuss how these systemic beliefs sustain cult-like behaviors in society. The conversation covers the historical hijacking of Christianity, education as a control mechanism, the cult of Americanism, and the psychological and political strategies that uphold oppressive systems. The episode closes with an optimistic note about generational shifts, the decline of white supremacist capitalism, and practical advice on grassroots activism.

Daniella's Links:

You can read all about my story in my book, Uncultured-- buy signed copies here. https://bit.ly/SignedUncultured

For more info on me:

Patreon: https://bit.ly/YTPLanding

Cult book Clubs (Advanced AND Memoirs) Annual Membership: https://bit.ly/YTPLanding

Get an autographed copy of my book, Uncultured: https://bit.ly/SignedUncultured

Get my book, Uncultured, from Bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/4g1Ufw8

Daniella’s Tiktok: Knitting Cult Lady

Instagram:  https://bit.ly/4ePAOFK / daniellamyoung_ 

Unamerican video book (on Patreon): https://bit.ly/YTVideoBook

Secret Practice video book (on Patreon): https://bit.ly/3ZswGY8

Other Podcasts

Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women

Scot's TikTok

@thescotloyd

Haley's Tiktok

@nuancedmasculinities

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Capitalism as a Social Framework (Not Just Economics)

   • Capitalism is more than markets; it’s a way of being that shapes education, infrastructure, and social values.

   • Systems like schooling and urban planning are designed to sustain capitalist efficiency, not holistic human development.

2. The “Cult of Americanism”

   • American identity was built on the fusion of capitalism, patriarchy, and white supremacy, forming a powerful social order.

   • These ideologies served as tools to consolidate and distribute power, functioning like a macro-level cult.

3. Religion as a Tool of Oppression

   • Early Christianity advocated communalism and equity, but the Roman Empire co-opted it into a hierarchical system for control.

   • Similar hijacking occurs today: religious rhetoric justifies policies that maintain systemic inequality.

4. Historical Continuity of Control

   • From feudal Europe’s restricted education to modern book bans and anti-CRT measures, elites have always used education to control narratives.

   • Missionary work historically served as an agent of colonialism, reinforcing white supremacist dominance.

5. Cult Dynamics in Modern Politics

   • Donald Trump leveraged pre-existing ideol