This piece explores ten of the most sinister cults and their terrifying practices throughout history. From the apocalyptic beliefs of the Order of the Solar Temple to the sexual abuse and polygamy of The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, these cults had devastating effects on their members and society. The infamous Manson Family and Peoples Temple are also included in the list, along with lesser-known cults such as The Church of the Lamb of God and The Family International. These cults showcase the frightening power of charismatic leaders and how deeply they can manipulate and control their followers.
10 Sinister Cults and Their Terrifying Practices
1. The Order of the Solar Temple
The Order of the Solar Temple was a secret society that originated in Switzerland in the 1980s. The cult believed in a mixture of Christianity, New Age beliefs, and the teachings of the Knights Templar. Their leader, Joseph Di Mambro, preached that an apocalypse was coming, and only the members of the cult would be saved. In 1994, 53 members of the Order committed mass suicide in Switzerland and Canada. The cult leader and his deputy also died.
2. Aum Shinrikyo
Aum Shinrikyo is a Japanese cult founded by Shoko Asahara in the 1980s. The cult believed in a mixture of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. They also held apocalyptic beliefs and believed that their leader was sent by God to save their followers from the end of the world. In 1995, the cult carried out a terrorist attack on the Tokyo subway system, killing 13 people and injuring more than 5,000.
3. Heaven’s Gate
Heaven’s Gate was a cult founded by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles in the 1970s in California. The cult believed that Earth was going to be “recycled” and the only way to be saved was to follow their teachings and commit suicide. In 1997, 39 members of the cult committed suicide in their compound in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
4. The Manson Family
The Manson Family was a cult led by Charles Manson in the 1960s. Manson believed in the concept of “Helter Skelter,” a race war between black and white people. Manson convinced his followers to commit multiple murders, including the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969. Manson and several members of the cult were sentenced to life in prison.
5. The Peoples Temple
The Peoples Temple was a cult founded by Jim Jones in the 1950s. The cult started as a church in Indiana, but eventually moved to California. Jones convinced his followers to move to Guyana, where he set up a compound called “Jonestown.” In 1978, Jones ordered his followers to commit a mass suicide, resulting in the deaths of over 900 people, including children.
6. The Church of Scientology
The Church of Scientology was founded in the 1950s by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. The cult believes in a mixture of science-fiction ideas and self-help concepts. The church has been accused of numerous human rights violations, including practicing psychological abuse and forced labor.
7. The Family International
The Family International is a cult founded by David Berg in the 1960s. The cult started as a Christian group but eventually evolved into a cult that sexualized Jesus and encouraged its members to participate in orgies. The group is also known for encouraging the sexual abuse of children.
8. The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a cult founded in the 1930s in Utah. The cult practices polygamy and is known for marrying off underage girls to older men. The leader of the cult, Warren Jeffs, is currently serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting young girls.
9. The Church of the Lamb of God
The Church of the Lamb of God was a cult founded by Ervil LeBaron in Mexico in the 1970s. The cult believed that their leader was a prophet who would lead them to the promised land. The cult was known for practicing polygamy and committing multiple murders. LeBaron died in prison in 1981.
10. The Children of God
The Children of God, also known as the Family International, was a cult founded by David Berg in the 1960s. The cult encouraged members to proselytize by having sex with people, including children. The cult also practiced incest, drug use, and physical abuse. The group disbanded in the 2000s, but some of its former members have since formed spin-off groups.