Ever heard of groups so perplexing they push the boundaries of your comprehension of human behavior? If that rings a bell, you’re likely familiar with the bizarre cults that have marked our past. These enigmatic organizations, often shrouded from the public eye, have sparked endless gossip, investigations, and controversies. Their practices, while foreign and sometimes terrifying to many, provide a gripping peek into the extremities of human conviction and faith.
From cult leaders claiming divine heritage to adherents showing blind obedience, strangest cults take multiple forms. Typically, they rise from societal obscurity. And fueled by magnetic leaders who can tap into widespread anxieties, desires, or the longing for a sense of belonging. As we explore these ten weird cults, it’s important to remember that human belief is boundless, and at times, it leads us into highly unusual territories.
If you want to learn more, check out 10 most bizarre cults that shocked the World.
10 – Aetherius Society
Usually a cult is formed by a person with delusions of grandeur, claiming to have some divine powers or inspiration. Or if you are the Aetherius Society, you are set up by a taxi driver from England in the 1950’s! Their core belief is that the Earth is controlled by alien masters from Venus and Saturn who decide the fate of all humans. They use prayer and spiritual charging to prepare the way for the next alien master to descend to Earth in a spaceship. This, presumably Christ-like, figure will be armed with colossal magic power and try to guide humans onto the right path. Sort of like a religious version of Dynamo!
09 – Chen Tao
This sect was originally formed by professor Hon-Ming Chen and is also known as the ‘True Way’ cult. Chen believed that the universe was trillion of years old. And had come into being following a nuclear way that had created it. Among other cornerstones of this cult was the idea we all have three souls and that humanity has been saved five different times by ethereal beings descending to help us (Jesus being one). It is no longer an active cult. It essentially fell apart in 1998 after a failed prophecy from the leader about God appearing on TV at a certain date and time.
08 – Freedomites
These guys were like the Hell’s Angels of cults. And committed to anarchy and chaos as well as opposing a system they hated. Formed in Saskatchewan in 1902 after fleeing persecution in Russia, they insisted on communal living and siting outside the norms of society. One example of this was their insistence on remaining naked all the time. Becoming quite famous in the 1920’s and 1930’s for nude public demonstrations against materialism, they were one of the more unique cults to have existed.
07 – The Creativity Movement
Coming to life in 1973, this cult had the unification of the White Race as its primary goal. They believe it has been fractured by modern political correctness and wanted to reverse that. In one way they have quite sensible values such as healthy living and a belief in nature. However, their number one rule that what is good for the White Race is automatically what is good for everyone has led them into trouble.
06 – John Frum
05 – Raelism
Led by ex-French racing driver Claude Vorilhon, this obscure group was first founded in 1974. Their central belief is that Earth was created by aliens who have been keeping an eye on it and the humans who inhabit the planet ever since. These alien rulers send their messengers such as Jesus and Buddha down every now and then to check we’re all behaving. On the surface quite a harmless sect, they do claim to have branched out into cloning and cloned an actual human which is slightly more worrying!
04 – The Church Universal
03 – Children of God
Although this is one of the more well-known cults out there, it’s still completely crazy hence its inclusion here! Interestingly enough, Hollywood actors Joaquin Phoenix and Rose McGowan were raised in this cult. And have since confirmed the terrible things such as beatings that would happen there. Formed by David Berg in the 1960’s, it stood against what Berg called the ‘moral decay’ of the time in society. Although rather contradictorily, he thought it fine to recruit members through flirting and s*xual advances?!
02 – Fellowship of Friends
Now if ever something has the wrong name, this is it! The fact is that there’s nothing very friendly about being a part of these guys. Located in California, members must abide by very strict rules from leader Robert Earl Burton. Like topics what to eat and wear. They are also expected to work for the cult for extremely low wages. Or simply give all their salaries from work to them. Living in expectation of an impending Armageddon, they are not a good bunch to get mixed up with!
01 – Order of the Solar Temple
Bonus – The Church of Bible Understanding
Started in 1971, this cult was also known as the Forever Family. Founded by ex-vacuum repairman Stewart Traill, they are a truly sinister and bizarre bunch. They were targeting young teenagers as potential recruits. And they experienced some popularity through the 1970’s before stories about them began to leak out. Traill taught members he was the reincarnation of Elijah from the Bible and knew when Christ was to return to Earth. Controlling each member through shaming tactics and humiliation, he amassed a personal fortune through taking large percentages of any monies they earned.
Cults will always be around as long as there are vulnerable people in society to prey on. Or the ability to tap into religious beliefs. The terrifying cults in history we’ve explored are reflections of the extreme ends of human conviction. Not all are evil or bad but most are pretty weird or downright bizarre! As the list shows, you have to be careful who you’re mixing with!
Decoding the Mystery: The Intricate Psychology of Cults
To truly comprehend bizarre cults, it’s crucial to examine the psychological perspective of both their leaders and followers. Cult psychology is an intricate field that investigates why and how these fringe factions draw members. It’s the cornerstone for understanding the incentives behind joining such groups and the elements that fuel their sometimes perilous activities.
Experts believe a mix of factors can lure someone into a cult. Frequently, these groups offer a sense of belonging or fulfillment that individuals might feel is absent in their routine lives. Charismatic leaders exploit these feelings, manipulating weaknesses and promising to fill gaps. This manipulation can create a rift from reality. And leading followers to accept the often peculiar doctrines and rituals of these cults.
Upon joining cults, individuals often undergo an ‘indoctrination’ process. This can involve isolation from the outside world, immense group pressure, information control, and the use of fear or guilt. This psychological conditioning can prompt members to form a new identity aligned with the group’s ideology, thereby solidifying their dedication to the cult.
The exploration of cult psychology isn’t just about understanding the biggest cults or historical cults. It’s about grasping the universal human yearning for connection, purpose, and certainty. And how these needs are easy to manipulate which is leading to the formation of such groups. As we further explore the world of bizarre cults, remember that comprehending their psychological foundations can provide invaluable insights into human behavior and belief systems.