10 Dangerous Religious Cults

10 DANGEROUS RELIGIOUS CULTS

A cult is a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object.  It could be a group of fanatics, a group of misguided outsiders whose ideals have not been accepted by the masses.  Many cults don’t start off as dangerous, but with extreme agendas in place things are bound to happen.  Here are the 10 most dangerous religious cults of all time:

1. Scientology

Those who have escaped the cult speak of brainwashing, fraud, and attempts to drain them financially.  This group uses open threats to ensure member loyalty.

2. The Unification Church

“Moonies” They are followers of Sun Myung Moon.  They believe the moon to be a divine being of worship.  The cult has been accused of luring young members into their organization and actively looking to separate them from their families.

3. The Ku Klux Klan

White robes, pointed hoods and stance on white supremacy.  One thing people over look is the KKK is, or at least was, a religious sect of extremist Christians.  The clan continues to live on to, but their numbers have dwindled.

4. The Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God

Based in Uganda, this cult adheres strictly to the Ten Commandments.  The cult predicted a new apocalypse in March of 2000, gaining over 500 new members.  This group has been accused of mass suicide over the years.

5. Aum Shinrikyo

“Supreme Truth” Founded by Shoko Asahara in 1984.  Guised by yoga and meditation.  This group has been accused of forced donations, fraud and murder.

6.  Children of God

Founded by David Berg, on the primary belief that sex with children is not only ok, but a divine right.  Young women were turned towards prostitution and used to bring in new members.

7.  Order of the Solar Temple

Based upon the ancient beliefs that the Knights Templar still exist and salvation is only available to converted worshippers. 

8.  Branch Davidians

David Koresh convinced his followers that those who did not align with him, were enemies of God.  He moved his followers into a massive compound in Texas.  The group reputation is littered with sex and child abuse.

9.  The People’s Temple

Led by Jim Jones, a former Marxist and communist supporter.  I’m sure you have heard of them, this group committed the largest mass suicide, over 900 people, by drinking poison-laced Kool Aid.

10. Heaven’s Gate

These followers believe that enlightenment and salvation can only be achieved by fleering Earth before the “great recycling”.  In 1997 the group’s leader order 38 other members to commit suicide in San Diego.