Grifters, Geniuses, and Influencers:
Exploring Modern-Day Gurusrabi
Wednesday, October 28th - December 16th , 2026, 12:00 PM EST.
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Have you ever wondered why some influencers inspire devoted followers while others are labeled cult leaders or grifters?Â
Join religion scholar Matt Sheedy for this live eight-week seminar exploring the world of modern-day gurus, influencers, and online personalities. Drawing on scholarship about New Religious Movements, cults, and charismatic authority, you'll examine why people follow gurus and how influence takes shape in the digital age.
Over eight weeks, you'll explore charisma, online communities, wellness culture, conspiracy theories, politics, gender and sexuality, authoritarianism, and the growing influence of AI. Along the way, you'll develop tools for distinguishing grifters, good-faith actors, and the gray areas in between.
Designed for curious beginners, this seminar requires no prior knowledge.
Optional Textbook:
Joseph P. Laycock, New Religious Movements: The Basics, Routledge, Second Edition
Enroll in the seminar and we'll email you a code for 20% off the textbook.Â
Once you check out, you will receive instructions within 24 hours about how to join the online class.
About Matt Sheedy
Matt Sheedy is a scholar of religion, culture, and politics who has taught at universities in Canada and Germany for nearly 20 years, including as Professor of North American Studies at the University of Bonn (2017â2025). For almost 30 years, his research has explored religion in the public sphere, from mainstream traditions to conspiracy movements and New Religious Movements.
He has taught at five universities, practiced traditions ranging from Zen and yoga to martial arts and Tai Chi, and written extensively on the intersections of religion, popular culture, media, and politics. Matt is currently a researcher at the University of Victoria's Centre for the Study of Religion and Society, where he is completing a book titled Islam According to Google News: How Media Shape the Way We Talk About Religion.
Class Schedule
Cults, Gurus, and âNew Religious Movementsâ (NRMs)
Gurus, influencers, and the role of charisma
How to research cults and NRMs 101
Gurus, violence, and authoritarianism
The role of gender and sexuality in the guro-sphere
The wellness industry
Exploring âDiagonalismâ and the âReligiously Remixedâ
Case study: AI Gurus and the Future of Influence
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About the Religion Department
The Religion Department is an online platform for learning about religion, taught by leading scholars in the field. We offer both pre-recorded courses and live video seminars, connecting curious learners with cutting-edge research and expert teaching in religious studies.
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