Cults in the US (Part 1)

Definition

Cult - A social group that has (often) extreme & unusual philosophical, spiritual, or religious rituals & beliefs. Included is an extreme devotion to one person, goal, or object.

ACM - (anti-cult movement) a variety of governmental & non-governmental individuals & organizations seeking to raise awareness of religious groups considered to be cults.

Word Origin

Cultus - (Latin) worship

Types

Destructive

• (generally) utilized by the anti-cult movement

• a group that is deceptive, unethical, and/or one that utilizes mind control or strong influence to affect a person’s critical thinking skills

• led by authoritarian figures that utilize mind control or manipulation to exploit members

  • Often resulting in severe harm:

    • financial

    • physical

    • psychological

Doomsday Cults

• Religious or ideological groups bound by a shared, literal belief that the world is about to end.

• Typically organized around a (highly) charismatic leader who:

  • isolates followers

  • demands absolute obedience

  • dictates how members must prepare for the impending apocalypse

Political Cults/Prominent Personality-Driven Movements

• extreme devotion to a single ideology or leader is used

• strict in-group/out-group mentalities

• absolute compliance

History/Timeline

18th - 19th Centuries

• Early Utopias

1960s - 1970s

• Counterculture Boom

1980s - 1990s

• Rise of the Anti-Cult Movement

Modern Era