A controversial and enigmatic movement of the 1930s, known for its utopian ideals and secretive operations.
Religion: Nondenominational
Founder: Arthur Bell (Arthur Guido)
Founded: 1934
Ended: Became inactive in the late 1940s, officially dissolved in the 1950s
Location: Based in California, United States
Other Names: The Brotherhood of Man
Mankind United was a cult established by Arthur Bell during the Great Depression. It presented a dualistic view of the world, asserting a battle between the “Hidden Rulers” and “Money Changers,” who were responsible for societal ills like war, poverty, and injustice, and the “Sponsors,” who promised a forthcoming utopia. The cult’s narrative was centered around a massive conspiracy run by a wealthy elite intent on enslaving humanity. Bell promised a utopian future characterized by universal employment, a system of credits instead of money, and an artificial language, which would come to fruition once the organization amassed the support of 200 million people.
The organization drew upon and was influenced by the EPIC movement and the thriving occult societies of 1930s California. It aimed to overthrow the global financial system dominated by these Hidden Rulers through the mobilization of “clear-thinking men and women” into Mankind United. This group would then supposedly dismantle armies and navies worldwide and establish a peaceful, egalitarian society. Despite its grand visions, the reality of Mankind United under Bell’s leadership was far from the utopia promised, as members often worked in cult businesses for meager wages and long hours, contrary to the promised four-hour workdays, four days a week.
Mankind United capitalized on the social and economic unrest of the time, promising employment, pensions, and notably, a minimum annual salary of $3,000 to every member, to be paid in a new currency based on units of service performed, mirroring ideas from earlier collectivist and anarchist communities. The organization set up local chapters throughout California, structured in a hierarchical military fashion, to spread its message and recruit members. Bell, styling himself as the “Voice of the Right Idea,” was positioned at the top of this hierarchy, claiming direct communication with the elusive Sponsors.
Despite the ambitious goals and the broad dissemination of its main text, Mankind United remained a relatively obscure cult, failing to reach beyond the Oregon border or to attract more than a few thousand followers. In May 1942, Bell and several associates were convicted and sentenced for sedition, relating to their anti-war activities and claims against the U.S. government during World War II, though these convictions were later overturned on appeal in 1947. To protect the movement’s assets, Bell established Christ’s Church of the Golden Rule in 1944, which absorbed Mankind United’s wealth. Despite claims of being separate entities, Bell was the sole trustee of this new religious organization.
Following the legal battles and negative publicity, Mankind United rapidly declined. The promised revolution and societal transformation never materialized, leading to disillusionment among its members. By the time Bell handed over leadership in 1951, it had largely faded into obscurity.
image via Lapham’s Quarterly
