Montell’s first book Wordslut was a bestseller which explored how language is used to demonise and denigrate women in ways that are both overt and subtle. Her second book deals with the social science of cult influence: how notorious cults like Jonestown and Heavens Gate used language as the ultimate form of power; how charismatic leaders used religious ideas to exert dominance and control to the point where followers were led to their tragic deaths. But Montell’s book excels at showing how cultish language is something we hear – and are influenced by – every single day, and particularly online. This is a brilliantly written, accessible, and darkly funny introduction to issues of power and influence in the modern world.

This episode from the long running religious series explores the question of whether there is a crisis of masculinity in the modern world. Presenter and BBC Religion Editor Aleem Maqbool hears from a young couple whose view of Christianity and their relationship was influenced through exposure online to the work and ideas of Canadian psychologist and author Jordan Peterson. The panel consists of a former professional footballer turned Christian minister, a Christian academic, and a journalist from Cosmopolitan magazine. The episode would make an excellent resource for A-Level students as part of their work on the topics of religion and gender, feminist theology and religious language.

Will Moore is currently an ordinand at Westcott House in Cambridge with a particular research interest in the relationship between masculinity and religion. In this highly engaging book, Moore argues that there are authentic and positive male role models to be found in the pages of the Bible but they are hidden beneath layers of patriarchal tradition – a tradition that has led to a distorted view of masculinity within the Church and wider society.

Megan Phelps-Roper grew up a member of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. Interest in the small Kansas church grew when it was featured in a series of documentaries presented by Louis Theroux. In this book the author goes on a cathartic journey charting the domineering presence in her life of her grandfather, church leader Fred Phelps. In November 2012, at the age of 26, she escaped the church, leaving her family and all she had known behind. The book shows how people born into high control religious movements see criticism and attacks from the outside as a justification and validation of their message. This raises an interesting question to be discussed with your students about how to engage with and help those taken in by toxic and damaging forms of religion online.