Gospel Glamour Required Reading: Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism
Gospel Glamour Required Reading, Again
Required Reading Assignment
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism
by Amanda Montell
Amanda Montell’s Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism is this season’s required reading for all Gospel Glamour members. As we continue to grow as communicators, creatives, leaders, and people of faith, we are reading this book once more to better understand the influence of language, identity, persuasion, and community. The purpose of this assignment is not to label organizations or individuals, but to strengthen our ability to recognize how words shape culture and how responsible leadership begins with responsible communication.
Throughout the reading, members are encouraged to take notes, highlight meaningful passages, and reflect on how language can either build healthy communities rooted in truth, humility, and accountability or contribute to unhealthy patterns of influence. As Gospel Glamour continues developing its own culture, this book serves as an opportunity to evaluate our own communication with wisdom, integrity, and grace.
Homework Assignment
1. Reflection Essay (Required)
Each member will submit a 1,500-word reflection essay on Cultish. This assignment is designed to evaluate comprehension, personal reflection, leadership application, and group discussion participation.
Your essay should be written in your own words and demonstrate thoughtful engagement with the book.
Word Count Breakdown
Introduction — 150–200 words
Introduce the book.
Briefly summarize its central theme.
Explain why it is valuable reading for Gospel Glamour.
Book Summary — 300–350 words
Summarize the major ideas presented by Amanda Montell.
Discuss the role language plays in forming identity and community.
Explain the author’s primary arguments without simply retelling each chapter.
Personal Reflection — 500–600 words
What challenged you?
What surprised you?
What lessons did you learn?
Did the book change how you think about communication or leadership?
Which chapter had the greatest impact on you and why?
Application to Gospel Glamour — 300–350 words
How can Gospel Glamour apply these lessons?
How should leaders communicate responsibly?
What practices encourage healthy community?
How can members create an environment built on trust, humility, and accountability?
Conclusion — 150–200 words
Summarize your biggest takeaway.
Explain how the book will influence your future communication and leadership.
End with one meaningful quote from the book or a brief personal statement inspired by your reading.
Total Required Word Count: 1,500 words (±100 words).
Group Sharing Session
After essays have been submitted, each reading group will participate in a structured sharing session.
Each participant should prepare a 3–5 minute presentation highlighting the major insights from their essay.
Discussion should focus on thoughtful conversation rather than debate. Members should actively listen, ask respectful questions, and encourage one another through constructive dialogue.
Group Sharing Excerpt Format
Please prepare a short excerpt from your essay using the following format.
Name:
Essay Title:
Favorite Chapter:
Three Key Takeaways:
Takeaway One
Takeaway Two
Takeaway Three
Favorite Quote:
Personal Reflection (100–150 words):
Share the lesson that impacted you most and explain how it can influence your personal life, leadership, or communication.
One Action Step:
Describe one practical change you plan to make after reading Cultish.
Submission Requirements
Minimum of 1,500 words
Double-spaced
12-point font
One-inch margins
Include a title page
Include page numbers
Proofread before submitting
Submit electronically by the assigned due date
Learning Objectives
By completing this assignment, Gospel Glamour members will:
Develop stronger critical reading skills.
Reflect thoughtfully on the power of language.
Strengthen written communication.
Practice respectful group discussion.
Apply principles of ethical leadership and healthy community building.
Learn how intentional communication can inspire, encourage, and unite others while remaining rooted in integrity.
We look forward to reading your reflections and hearing your perspectives during our group discussions as we continue growing together through thoughtful reading, meaningful conversation, and Christ-centered leadership.
If you’d like, I can also format this as an official Gospel Glamour Book Club syllabus with grading criteria (rubric), due dates, participation points, and discussion questions.