Starfish Community

Recently, while reviewing a portion of THE TRUE BELIEVER, it occurred to me that there seems to be almost a prerequisite in the making of a mass movement, per Hoffer's description, that there be a noticeable % of misfits or otherwise unbalanced or troubled people in the movement.

That may not be entirely true, but it kinda seems that most of the mass movements really highlighted as examples in the book have at least a negative twist, if they're not downright bad.

Here's my question. Is it possible to get the momentum and distance in something that behaves like a mass movement IF those making up the mass movement are well-adjusted individuals?

The Starfish Community reference books are listed.... http://starfishcommunity.net/pages/starfish-books/

Have you read THE TRUE BELIEVER? What do you think?

Matt:

Just recently read that book. I think another point he made was that it requires a certain level of discontent to be susceptible to a mass movement. Those who are content are relatively immune. Kind of describes the Western Church, doesn't it - pretty content with the way things are, not really aware of the tremendous needs out there? So, how to generate awareness.

I'm trying to take some of the lessons learned from this book and see if there are some mistakes to be avoided as we look to motivate people towards involvement in bringing change.