Amy Coney Barrett is Not a Member of a Cult
The Claim
President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett is a member of a cult.
News posted on
Emerging story
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett is a member of a Christian organization called People of Praise, which formerly referred to its female leaders as “handmaids.” In late September 2020, many on social media and several news sources claimed that Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale is based on People of Praise, and that People of Praise is a cult.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation found that it is true that People of Praise used to refer to female leaders as “handmaids,” but the term’s origin was steeped in faith and tradition. In response to recent claims, People of Praise attempted to explain its use of the term on its website.
Margaret Atwood herself never claimed that People of Praise was the inspiration for her novel, but even if she had, that would not be proof that People of Praise is actually a cult.
Historically, cults have been defined as sects of people who passionately follow a leader who has beliefs that are out of the mainstream and potentially dangerous to its members — and to society. On its “About Us” page, People of Praise makes it clear that its only goal is to follow Christ and to serve others. There has been no proof offered anywhere that People of Praise has any other objective. The group does ask its members to make a lifelong covenant upon being accepted, but they are free to leave anytime. Amy Coney Barrett may be more devoted to her faith than the average American; however, that does not make her a member of a cult.
