Christianity Quote by Kurt Andersen
““As he recalled the fervor years later, “by means of systematized effort, large numbers of people of all ages, but especially the young, were converted” to born-again Christianity. “So great was the alarm awakened in the minds of some of these converts, that they became victims of religious frenzy….Many thousands of our citizens were influenced by the religious enthusiasm which was sweeping like a tornado through our land.” That young man was Phineas Barnum, known as P.T., who by his early twenties was earning a living in Connecticut selling lottery tickets. Coming of age during this period of avid belief in the unbelievable, Barnum had had his career-making, world-changing epiphany: he realized “the perfect good-nature with which the American public submits to a clever humbug.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The New Yorker” article on American religious fervor, 2005
The passage describes how a charismatic figure used organized effort to convert many, especially youth, to born‑again Christianity, creating a frenzy that spread like a tornado across the nation.
In simple terms: A charismatic leader sparked a massive religious craze among the youth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how persuasive movements can mobilize masses.
Themes
religion
mass persuasion
charisma
social movements
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
historical
sociological
When to use this quote
- political rallies
- religious revivals
- marketing campaigns
- grassroots organizing
Key Concepts
conversion dynamics
psychology of belief
cultural contagion
Questions to Reflect On
- What ethical responsibilities do leaders have when influencing large groups?
- How do we differentiate genuine belief from manipulation?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may romanticize or oversimplify complex social forces.
