Bad Moon Rising

John Gorenfeld’s book is subtitled “How Reverend Moon Created the Washington Times, seduced the Religious Right, and Built an American Kingdom. I’m only halfway through, but I’m learning a great deal which is surprising and illuminative—both about the world today and in how a cult moves from fringe to mainstream. I’ve followed the Unification Church (the Moonies) for years since one of the early “deprogramming” cases was based in Vermont. I recall Stephen Peregrine and I “discussing” theology with two Moonies on the street at a World Fantasy Convention. It may be cruel to play with the brainwashed, but it was also fun.

What I find fascinating about the book so far is not the easy confirmation that many politicians are for sale—that’s been true as long as politics has been around. What’s amazing is that the Unification Church has diversified so much, that it has become an economic powerhouse which funnels its money into efforts that Reverend Moon—the self-described Messiah—deems vital. This includes little things like a 2004 ceremony in the Dirksen Senate Office building in Washington, DC during which he was “Crowned” the King of Peace. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives participated in this ceremony and, to this day do not repudiate the ceremony or the Church.

I heartily recommend the book. It’s clearly written, incisive and a good read. Scary, but a good read.

The title above is a link to the book on Amazon.com. If you click on it and snag the book, I make nothing. I include the link so you can see what the book looks like for your next trip to a bookstore.