We’re listening back to conversation WGCU’s Jessica Meszaros had with author Lyn Millner about her book “The Allure of Immortality—an American Cult, a Florida Swamp and a Renegade Prophet.” It historically profiles Koreshan worshipers from the late 1800s to their influence even today. Koreshans were celibate and believed marriage was a form of slavery toward women. The communal group shared workloads, food and childcare. They also worshiped their prophet, Cyrus Teed.
Millner is a Professor in the department of Communication & Philosophy at Florida Gulf Coast University. She’s also written and produced stories for WGCU, NPR, the New York Times, USA Today, the Miami Herald and the Oxford American. We talked with her in October of 2015, shortly after the book’s release. We’re revisiting it today because it’s being released in paperback, and as an audiobook.
If you are in an abusive group, or if you are concerned about a loved one, call International Cultic Studies Association at 239-514-3081. There, you’ll find counseling resources for victims of spiritual and/or psychological abuse and/or their families. To send a secure, encrypted email to Lyn, it’s lynmillner@tutanota.com.
