Religion has been a part of human society for thousands of years, shaping cultures and guiding people’s lives. But sometimes, religious groups can change in unexpected ways. Some start as normal, accepted faiths but slowly turn into something very different. These groups, often called cults, can be harmful to their members and cause worry for families and communities.
In this blog post, I’ll look at 15 modern cults that began as mainstream religions. You’ll learn how these groups started, what changed them, and why they’re now seen as dangerous by many people.
Heaven’s Gate
Heaven’s Gate began as a Christian-based group in the 1970s. Its founders mixed Bible teachings with beliefs about aliens. Over time, they convinced followers that a spaceship would take them to a better place. Tragically, this led to a mass suicide in 1997 when 39 members died.
Branch Davidians
This group started as part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. David Koresh became its leader and said he could talk to God. He changed many rules and gathered weapons at their compound. In 1993, a fight with the government ended in a fire that killed many members.
The People’s Temple
Jim Jones began The People’s Temple as a Christian church helping the poor. He preached equality and attracted many followers. But Jones became controlling and moved the group to Guyana. In 1978, over 900 members died in a mass suicide when the group fell apart.
Children of God
This group started as a Christian movement in the 1960s. It focused on free love and rejecting normal society. The leaders twisted Bible teachings to allow abuse of children. Many former members have spoken out about the harm they experienced growing up in this cult.
Aum Shinrikyo
Aum Shinrikyo mixed Buddhist and Hindu ideas when it started in Japan. The group gained many followers quickly. Its leader, Shoko Asahara, claimed he had special powers. In 1995, the group released poison gas in the Tokyo subway, killing 13 people.
Order of the Solar Temple
This group combined Christianity with ideas about aliens and knights. Members believed they would go to a planet called Sirius after death. The leaders convinced followers to join in murder-suicides. Between 1994 and 1997, over 70 members died in group suicides.
Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments
This group began as a Catholic movement in Uganda. Its leaders said the world would end in 2000. They told followers to sell everything and join them. When the world didn’t end, members got angry. The leaders then killed hundreds of followers in fires and poisonings.
Nxivm
Nxivm started as a self-help group with ideas from many religions. Its leader, Keith Raniere, said he could make people smarter and happier. But he used the group to control and abuse members. In 2019, Raniere was arrested for crimes, including forcing people to be his slaves.
The Family International
This group began as a Christian missionary movement. It taught that God’s love included free sexual behavior. The leaders used this idea to abuse children and control members. Although it has changed some practices, many still see it as harmful.
Buddhafield
Buddhafield mixed Buddhist and Hindu teachings with self-help ideas. The leader, Michel Rostand, claimed he could give followers special experiences. He used meditation and group activities to control people. Former members say he abused them mentally and sexually for years.
Rajneeshpuram
This group followed Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. They built a city in Oregon and taught free love and meditation. However, leaders tried to take over the local government. They even poisoned people to win an election, which led to the group’s downfall.
Church Universal and Triumphant
Elizabeth Clare Prophet started this group based on Christian and New Age ideas. She said nuclear war was coming and built underground shelters. Many followers sold everything to join her. When her predictions failed, some members lost faith and left.
The Unification Church
Sun Myung Moon founded this group, mixing Christian ideas with his own teachings. He said he was the Messiah and could arrange perfect marriages. The group became known for mass weddings of strangers. Many see it as a cult that separates families and takes members’ money.
Synanon
Synanon began as a drug rehab program using ideas from Alcoholics Anonymous. It helped many people at first. However, the founder, Charles Dederich, became controlling. He made members shave their heads, swap partners, and attack critics. It turned violent before being shut down.
The Twelve Tribes
This group started as a Christian movement focused on simple living. They live in communities separate from society. But they’ve been accused of child abuse and forced labor. Former members say the group controls every part of followers’ lives.
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