Throughout history, strange cults have emerged with practices that are both mysterious and unsettling. Some of these groups have attracted followers with their unusual beliefs, while others have shocked the world with their disturbing rituals. From secretive societies to controversial leaders, these cults have left a lasting mark on society. Their strange customs often push the boundaries of what most consider normal. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most bizarre and troubling cults ever known.
Heaven’s Gate
Located in California, Heaven’s Gate was founded in 1974 by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles. This cult believed that they could ascend to an extraterrestrial spacecraft following a mass suicide. In 1997, 39 members tragically took their own lives in what they called their “exit.” Though the group’s original leaders are gone, the cult still maintains an online presence today. Their disturbing practice of voluntary suicide stands out as one of the most extreme in modern cult history.
The Manson Family
The Manson Family, based in California, was founded by Charles Manson in the late 1960s. This cult was notorious for its role in several brutal murders, including the infamous Tate-LaBianca killings. Manson convinced his followers that a race war called “Helter Skelter” was imminent, and their acts of violence were a means to trigger it. While Manson died in 2017, some of his former followers remain loyal to his teachings. Their involvement in gruesome murders is one of their most disturbing legacies. (Note that the cult’s founder is pictured above.)
The Peoples Temple
Founded in 1955 by Jim Jones in Indiana, the Peoples Temple became infamous after relocating to Jonestown, Guyana. In 1978, over 900 members committed mass suicide by drinking cyanide-laced punch, a tragedy now referred to as the Jonestown Massacre. The cult promoted itself as a socialist utopia, but control, manipulation, and death defined it. The group no longer exists, though the horror of Jonestown is still studied today. Their practice of orchestrated mass suicide remains one of the darkest in history.
Aum Shinrikyo
Aum Shinrikyo was founded in 1984 by Shoko Asahara in Japan. Originally a blend of Buddhist and Hindu teachings, the group quickly became apocalyptic and violent. Their most infamous act was a sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995, killing 13 and injuring over 1,000. Though Asahara was executed in 2018, remnants of the group still exist today under a new name, Aleph. Their disturbing use of chemical weapons in public places is particularly chilling.
Branch Davidians
The Branch Davidians, a religious group with roots in Waco, Texas, were founded by David Koresh in the 1950s. In 1993, a deadly siege between federal agents and the cult led to the deaths of over 80 members, including Koresh. The group believed Koresh was a prophet, and he imposed strict control over his followers, including disturbing allegations of child abuse. Though the group still exists in some form today, it has a far smaller following. Their violent end and practices have left a lasting scar.
Order of the Solar Temple
Founded in 1984 by Joseph Di Mambro and Luc Jouret in Switzerland, the Order of the Solar Temple claimed to prepare its followers for a spiritual journey to another planet. In the 1990s, a series of mass suicides and murders took place in Canada, Switzerland, and France, orchestrated by the leaders. These events resulted in the deaths of 74 members. While the group disbanded, their apocalyptic beliefs and violent actions still disturb many. The combination of murder and suicide rituals stands out as their most horrific legacy.
Children of God
Founded in 1968 by David Berg in California, the Children of God (now called The Family International) is infamous for promoting disturbing practices around sexual relationships. Berg encouraged free love, including sexual relationships between adults and children, which led to widespread allegations of abuse. Although the group still exists today under a different name, it has disavowed its early practices. Their legacy of child exploitation remains one of the most shocking aspects of their history. (Note that the cult’s founder is pictured above.)
The Rajneesh Movement
This cult was founded in India by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho) in the 1970s and later moved to Oregon, USA. The group gained notoriety in 1984 when members poisoned salad bars in local restaurants, sickening over 750 people, in an attempt to influence local elections. Rajneesh promoted a blend of Eastern spirituality and free love, which attracted thousands of followers worldwide. Though Osho died in 1990, his teachings continue to influence the modern “Osho” movement. Their bioterror attack remains one of the most disturbing aspects of the group.
Scientology
Founded in 1953 by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in the USA, Scientology is known for its controversial practices, including aggressive lawsuits and the practice of “disconnection,” where followers cut off all ties with critics. The group claims to help members achieve spiritual freedom but has been accused of widespread manipulation, extortion, and emotional abuse. Scientology still operates today and has many celebrity followers. Their practice of isolating members from dissenting family and friends is particularly disturbing.
NXIVM
Founded in 1998 by Keith Raniere in New York, NXIVM began as a self-help group but devolved into a secret society where women were branded and coerced into sexual slavery. The group used psychological manipulation and blackmail to control its members. Raniere was arrested in 2018 and sentenced to life in prison, while the group has since disbanded. The branding of women and their forced participation in sexual acts remains one of the most disturbing elements of NXIVM. (Note that the cult’s founder is pictured above.)
The Moonies
The Unification Church, also known as the Moonies, was founded in South Korea in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon. The group became famous for its mass wedding ceremonies, where thousands of couples were married simultaneously, often having met only shortly before. Moon claimed to be the Messiah and encouraged followers to reject their families in favor of the church. The church still exists today and continues to hold large weddings. Their practice of mass, arranged marriages remains one of their most controversial aspects. (Note that the cult’s founder is pictured above.)
The Ant Hill Kids
This Canadian cult was founded by Roch Thériault in the late 1970s. Thériault claimed to be a prophet and led his followers into an isolated commune where he subjected them to extreme physical and sexual abuse. Members were forced to endure mutilation, beatings, and worse, with Thériault claiming it was God’s will. He was arrested in 1989 and died in prison, and the group disbanded. The level of cruelty and abuse within the cult remains deeply disturbing. (Note that the cult’s founder is pictured above.)
Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God
This Ugandan cult was founded in the 1980s by Credonia Mwerinde and Joseph Kibwetere. The group believed that the end of the world would occur at the turn of the millennium and emphasized strict adherence to the Ten Commandments. When the apocalypse didn’t happen, the leaders orchestrated a mass murder-suicide in 2000, which led to the deaths of over 700 people. The group no longer exists, but their deadly actions shocked the world. Their manipulation and mass killing of members make their practices particularly disturbing.
The Church of Euthanasia
Founded in Boston in 1992 by Chris Korda, the Church of Euthanasia promoted a controversial and extreme environmental message, encouraging people to commit suicide or not have children to save the planet. Their infamous slogan was “Save the Planet, Kill Yourself.” The group never gained widespread acceptance but maintained an online presence that promoted disturbing ideas around population control. While the church has largely faded away, the shocking advocacy of self-harm and voluntary extinction is disturbing. Their focus on encouraging death as a solution to environmental problems remains troubling.
The Remnant Fellowship
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Founded by Gwen Shamblin in 1999 in Tennessee, this Christian-based group gained notoriety for its extreme weight-loss program, which linked spirituality to dieting. Shamblin’s teachings encouraged members to view their body size as a reflection of their relationship with God, and critics allege the group promoted unhealthy levels of control over followers’ lives. Though Shamblin died in 2021, the group still exists. The manipulation of members’ physical health and the pressure to conform to extreme standards are among the most disturbing aspects of the group.
The Family (Australia)
Founded in the 1960s by Anne Hamilton-Byrne in Melbourne, Australia, The Family was a secretive cult that believed in spiritual enlightenment through strict discipline. Hamilton-Byrne adopted numerous children and raised them under harsh conditions, forcing them to take LSD and isolating them from the outside world. The children were often abused and told that Hamilton-Byrne was their true mother. Though the cult was exposed in the 1980s, remnants of the group remain. The forced drug use and abuse of children make this one of the most disturbing cults in Australian history. (Note that a sample representation of the cult’s belief is pictured above.)
The Process Church of the Final Judgment
Founded in 1966 by Robert de Grimston and Mary Ann MacLean in the UK, the Process Church was a blend of Christianity and occultism. The group believed in a coming apocalypse and worshipped both Jesus Christ and Satan. While they were never directly involved in violence, their dark symbolism and fascination with the end times led to accusations of being linked to murders, including the Manson Family. The church eventually disbanded in the 1970s, but their disturbing focus on Satanism and apocalyptic visions lingered. Their worship of both good and evil forces was highly controversial. (Note that a sample representation of the cult’s belief is pictured above.)
The Church of the Firstborn of the Lamb of God
Founded by Ervil LeBaron in the 1970s in Mexico, this cult was an offshoot of the Mormon faith and practiced polygamy. LeBaron claimed he was a prophet and used his position to command his followers to murder dissenters and even his own family members. LeBaron’s reign of terror led to the deaths of over 20 people, and he was eventually convicted of orchestrating the killings from prison. Though LeBaron died in 1981, his followers continued to carry out murders in his name. The practice of using religious justification for murder makes this one of the most violent cults in modern times. (Note that a sample representation of the cult’s practice is pictured above.)
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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