Cults and How to Avoid Them
Cult Definition A cult is a group of people who have extreme dedication to a particular leader, ideology, or set of beliefs. The group's practices and beliefs are often seen as unconventional or outside mainstream society. Cults typically have strict rules and expectations for their members, and they can sometimes be manipulative or controlling. In some cases, cults may isolate their members from outside influences and discourage questioning. Famous Cults The People's Temple : Led by Jim Jones, this cult ended tragically in 1978 with the mass suicide of over 900 members in Jonestown, Guyana. Heaven's Gate : Founded by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, this cult believed in extraterrestrial life and committed mass suicide in 1997 to reach what they thought was an alien spacecraft. The Manson Family : Led by Charles Manson, this cult gained notoriety for a series of brutal murders in 1969, including the killing of actress Sharon Tate. Aum Shinrikyo : A Japanese cult res...