A Book Talk with Leah Sottile

We hosted a compelling book talk on April 23rd with investigative journalist Leah Sottile as we explored her latest work, Blazing Eye Sees All: Love Has Won, False Prophets, and the Fever Dream of the American New Age. This powerful investigation delved into the dark intersections of extremism, cult dynamics, and spiritual manipulation, focusing on the Love Has Won movement and its enigmatic leader, Amy Carlson. We examined how coercive control, ideological radicalization, and online echo chambers contributed to extremism, as well as the broader implications for vulnerable individuals and communities. This discussion shed light on the dangers of unchecked charismatic leadership, the weaponization of belief systems, and the fine line between devotion and destruction.

On April 23, the Program on Extremism (PoE) at The George Washington University hosted an event titled, “A Book Talk with Leah Sottile.” Leah Sottile, author of “Blazing Eye Sees All: Love Has Won, False Prophets, and the Fever Dream of the American New Age” joined PoE Research Fellow Luke Baumgartner to discuss the Love Has Won movement. 

Sottile began the conversation explaining her broader interest in subculture and curiosity surrounding nuanced spaces where unconventional beliefs thrive. Her latest work is inspired by the fringe spiritual group, Love Has Won, based in Colorado and led by the self-declared deity Amy Carlson, known as “Love As God”. She also discussed the fabled place of Lemuria, a mythical continent that serves as a flexible spiritual narrative for groups like Love Has Won. 

Sottile traced the roots of American New Age spiritualism and influences to the Love Has Won movement to figures like Helena Blavatsky and Guy Ballard. Blavatsky, a Ukrainian immigrant and founder of the Theosophical Society, claimed psychic contact with Himalayan “masters” and influenced spiritual evolution theories later adopted by Amy Carlson. While her ideas reflected the prejudices of her time, Sottile noted their lasting impact when adopted by harmful movements. Guy Ballard similarly claimed to meet the ascended master St. Germain on Mount Shasta. He founded the “I AM” Activity—combining patriotism with spiritual ascension—further shaping the ideology behind Love Has Won.

The conversation then turned to discuss Amy Carlson and what led her to the path of Mother God. From an upper-middle class background in Texas, Carlson struggled with alcoholism and sought spiritual guidance in New Age forums. In 2007-2008, she left her family and joined others in Southern Colorado where she founded Love Has Won. Central to the group’s theology was the belief that Carlson was a divine being and the Earth itself – any insult to her was an insult to the planet. 

Sottile highlighted Love Has Won’s unique online structure, relying on live streams, spiritual “healings,” and selling products like colloidal silver for income. Amy Carlson, while promoting QAnon, calling Donald Trump her father, and calling herself the queen of Lemuria, falsely claiming to have “Stage 5” cancer. She died in April 2021 from complications related to alcohol abuse, anorexia, and silver poisoning. After her death, Love Has Won’s followers splintered into new groups or faced challenges deprogramming and reentering society.

In the Q&A, Sottile explained that while cult recruitment has moved online, it still thrives on fear. She noted how spiritual movements can drift into extremism, especially when tied to politics or antisemitism, and how cult leaders often begin as disillusioned spiritual seekers. She also stressed journalists' responsibility to avoid sensationalism and prioritize context and research when covering fringe groups.