The term “cult” originally referred to a group of people who worshiped a common deity, but in modern times it is used pejoratively to describe extremist religious groups on the fringes of society. Some cults are harmless, while others have highly charismatic leaders, use brainwashing techniques, and may be linked to acts of terrorism or mass suicides. Anti-cult activists work to educate people about the potential dangers of cult activity and help those who have been involved in cults.
The term “cult” was originally employed to describe a group of people who worshiped a common deity. However, in the late twentieth century, the meaning of the word began to evolve. In the modern world, the word is usually used pejoratively, to refer to an extremist religious group that exists on the fringes of society. Concerns about these groups have led to negative associations with the idea of a cult, rather than positive or neutral associations. Examples of famous 20th-century cults include Aum Shinrikyo in Japan, Charles Manson’s “Family,” and Children of God.
The word comes from the Latin cultus, which means “worship”. Many ancient religions continue to be referred to as cults, because this nomenclature was popular during the time these religions were practiced. Among Christians, however, the term began to be used to describe a religious group that had faulty theological doctrine. For many Christians, any group that rejected the teachings of Christianity could be called a cult. Over time, the word began to be used specifically to refer to fringe religious groups. Often these groups placed heavy restrictions on their members and appeared, at least from the outside, dangerous.
Some cults, such as the Hare Krishnas, are generally thought to be harmless. Their followers ascribe to a specific set of beliefs and engage in practices they hold sacred. However, other cults are sadly more sinister, either to cult members or to the outside world at large. A cult that falls into the latter category typically has a highly charismatic leader who demands unquestioning acceptance. Additionally, cult members are often recruited through brainwashing techniques and are expected to maintain highly confidential lives. In some cases, this type of cult will be entirely residential, meaning that cult members all live and eat together, cut off from society.
Extremist sectarian movements have been behind acts of terrorism around the world, such as the 1995 Tokyo Gas Attack. In addition, mass suicides, such as the one committed by the People’s Temple in Jonestown, have also been linked to cult activity. Many anti-cult activists are concerned that cult members may not make their own decisions because they feel pressure from the cult as a group. For this reason there are several organizations around the world to “deprogram” people who have been in cults. These groups will also help family members extricate loved ones from potentially dangerous situations and work to educate people about the potential danger of cult activity.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
