Matthew Henderson is an independent writer, researcher, and content creator specializing in cults and new religious movements, with a particular focus on the Heaven's Gate cult. He is the founder of the Center for Heaven's Gate Studies, lead moderator of r/heavensgate, and the creator of Varsity Bookworm — a YouTube channel and Substack covering religion, philosophy, history, and fringe cultural movements. He currently works as an office manager in the home service industry and as a tutor to undergraduate philosophy students.
Matt's work has been recognized by the Religion and American Culture Society and by the Center for Religion and Public Life at University of Leeds. He has been interviewed by outlets including New York Magazine and the Creepy Confidential podcast. He has also acted as a consultant for students and content creators who cover the Heaven's Gate cult.
Over the last five years, Matt has developed a rigorous research and writing methodology informed by analytic and continental philosophy, investigative journalism, and anthropology. His central mission is providing detailed coverage and nuanced perspectives to the stories that matter, both big and small, new and old, marginal and mainstream.More...