This article highlights 10 cults that have caused significant harm to their members and society as a whole. From the mass suicide of the People’s Temple to the brutal murders committed by the Manson Family, these cults often believed in extreme and dangerous ideologies. Many of them embraced a hybrid of Christianity and other beliefs, encouraged members to engage in free love, and engaged in abusive practices such as brainwashing and physical violence. The article serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked beliefs and extremism, and the importance of critically examining any group before becoming involved.
10 Dark and Disturbing Cults That Will Shock You
1. People’s Temple
The People’s Temple was a cult founded by Jim Jones in the 1950s. His followers believed that Jones was a prophet and that they could reach salvation by following his orders. Eventually, Jones convinced 918 of his followers to commit mass suicide by drinking a grape-flavored punch laced with poison.
2. Scientology
Scientology was founded by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s. The cult is known for its expensive courses, secretive practices, and alleged abuse. Former members have come forward to reveal tales of brainwashing, forced labor, and physical violence.
3. Heaven’s Gate
In 1997, Heaven’s Gate made headlines when 39 of its members committed mass suicide by drinking a poisoned cocktail. Led by Marshall Applewhite, the cult believed that aliens were going to take them to a higher plane of existence outside of this world.
4. Order of the Solar Temple
The Order of the Solar Temple was a cult founded in Switzerland in the 1980s. Its leaders believed in a hybrid of Christianity and New Age philosophy. The cult is known for its mass suicides, including the deaths of 16 members in 1994.
5. Aum Shinrikyo
Aum Shinrikyo was founded in Japan in the 1980s by Shoko Asahara. The cult believed in a mixture of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. In 1995, members of the cult released sarin gas into the Tokyo subway system, killing 13 people and injuring thousands.
6. The Manson Family
The Manson Family was founded by Charles Manson in the 1960s. Manson believed in an apocalyptic race war called “Helter Skelter.” In 1969, members of the cult committed a series of brutal murders, including the death of actress Sharon Tate.
7. Children of God
The Children of God was a cult founded by David Berg in the 1960s. The cult believed in a hybrid of Christianity and free love. Berg encouraged his followers to have sex with one another, including adults having sex with minors.
8. Branch Davidians
The Branch Davidians were a cult led by David Koresh in the 1990s. The cult believed in a hybrid of Christianity and the end of the world. In 1993, the FBI and ATF raided the group’s compound in Waco, TX, resulting in a 51-day standoff that ended in the deaths of 76 people, including Koresh.
9. The Family International
The Family International, formerly known as the Children of God, was founded by David Berg in the 1960s. The cult believed in a hybrid of Christianity and free love. Members of the group engaged in sexual activities with children, which led to accusations of child abuse and murder.
10. The Source Family
The Source Family was a cult founded by Father Yod in the 1970s. The cult believed in a hybrid of Christianity, Eastern philosophy, and psychedelic drugs. Members of the group engaged in free love, and Father Yod had multiple wives. The group eventually disbanded after Father Yod’s death in 1975.
Conclusion
These cults are just a few examples of the dark and disturbing groups that have existed throughout history. Many of these groups have caused irreparable harm to their members, and their actions should serve as a warning of the dangers of unchecked beliefs and extremism.