Top 10 most influential cults in human history

Cults and religious movements have always been a part of human history, causing both admiration and concern. Some have inspired their followers, others have been the source of tragedy. Charismatic leaders, unusual ideas and mysterious rituals have attracted attention, creating a halo of mystery around these movements. In this article we will look at 10 cults that have left a significant mark in history, becoming the object of discussion and research for many years.

1. The Raelian movement

In 1973, Frenchman Claude Vorillon was out of a job: his motorsport magazine had closed after racing was banned in the country, but a surprising turn of events soon followed. Two weeks later, he says, Claude met an alien who revealed to him the secret of the origin of life on Earth. This moment was the beginning of a new chapter: Vorillon took the name Rael, which means ‘messenger’, and in 1974 founded a movement that became the embodiment of his unusual ideas. 

The movement's doctrine was based on a belief in scientific progress, especially cloning, which Rael believed could give mankind eternal life. He soon revealed that aliens had transported him to other planets, where he met Jesus, Buddha, Moses and Mohammed. It wasn't all fantasy, however: the movement became notorious for its demands for large monetary contributions, isolation of members from society, and scandalous stories involving the initiation of women to the leader. By 2003, the movement was banned in France. Many of Vorillon's acquaintances speculated that he himself had become a prisoner of his own hoax, which had turned from a joke into a lifetime.

2. Scientology

Scientology is one of the most talked about and controversial organisations, attracting attention for its celebrity members including Tom Cruise and John Travolta. Founded in the 1950s by a science fiction writer, it is based on dianetics, a concept aimed at exploring and suppressing unconscious instincts to achieve inner balance. 

The idea may sound interesting, but its implementation raises many questions. The huge financial contributions required of participants and the denial of many aspects of modern medicine add to the controversial nature of the movement. In addition, dianetics itself lacks scientific basis and validation, calling into question its effectiveness and validity. Perhaps this is another story of how complex ideas turn into something far from their original intent.

3. Krishna

This movement is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu god Krishna. Its followers follow strict rules, including a vegetarian diet and avoidance of stimulants such as coffee, alcohol or tobacco. Complete separation from the outside world is considered essential to achieve spiritual growth. The teachings also emphasise that sexual relations should be solely for the purpose of procreation. Despite participants' claims that it is not a cult, the group has been officially recognised as such since 1995.

4. The Moon sect

Also known as the Unification Church, this organisation officially recognises itself as a sect but claims to be open to all. Its founder, North Korean Sun Myung Moon, has proclaimed himself the new messiah, claiming that he alone is capable of correctly interpreting the Bible. Moon has made himself a key figure whose views demand unquestioned credibility.

The sect's activities are known for its mass marriages, where couples often meet for the first time at the ceremony itself, and its intense influence on the minds of its members. In addition, the movement is actively engaged in business, owning a multitude of businesses, from media companies to manufacturing facilities, which allows it to maintain influence and fund activities. This commercial component is further controversial as many members give significant sums to the organisation's foundation.

5. The Manson Family

The sect was created by Charles Manson as a radical offshoot of the hippie movement. However, unlike traditional hippieism, which preached peace and freedom, this community combined ideas of sexual liberation with a cult-like belief in Manson as the reincarnation of Christ. The teachings were based on a reinterpreted reading of The Beatles' “White Album” mixed with his own interpretation of biblical texts. 

Manson's influence on the band members was so strong that some of them committed the murder of actress Sharon Tate at the behest of Charles Manson. Manson's image was complemented by a swastika tattooed on his forehead, emphasising his radical and aggressive beliefs. The sect stands as one of the clearest examples of the dangers of mind manipulation, reinforced by the influence of drugs and cult ideology. 

6. Order of the Solar Temple

In 1984, a Belgian doctor and a former French jeweller founded a sect preaching the idea that the soul is capable of travelling through the act of suicide. Between 1994 and 1997, there were several mass suicides associated with the group. The first of these, according to the sect's teachings, was intended for the souls of the participants to reach the star Sirius and avert the apocalypse. They may have succeeded in fulfilling their ‘purpose’, but in any case it is a rather limited and radical method.

The sect claimed that only a select few were capable of reaching the highest level of consciousness, which further strengthened the leaders' influence over their followers. There were also instances of financial exploitation of members who gave substantial sums or property to the sect as a sign of devotion.

7. The Church of Euthanasia

The name of the organisation speaks for itself. Founded in 1992 by transgender musician Chris Korda, the movement has become known for its extremely radical ideology. It promotes suicide as a way to reduce the human population and reduce the harmful impact of humans on the planet. Childbirth is strictly forbidden and practices that eliminate the possibility of conception, such as sodomy, are encouraged to support this idea.

The main message of the movement is that population reduction will supposedly restore ecological balance. Despite obvious public condemnation, the movement continues to exist, attracting attention with its provocative statements and actions.

8. Heaven's Gate

The members of this group sincerely believed in the existence of aliens. Their beliefs became tragically known on 26 March 1997, when 39 followers committed mass suicide. This happened at the time of the passage of the comet Hale-Bopp near the Earth, as the participants were convinced that they could get to the spaceship allegedly hiding behind the comet. The main goal was considered to be to save the planet from imminent destruction and to send souls on a journey beyond the earthly world.

9. Bagwan Foundation

The creator of the movement, Osho, proclaimed himself to be the reincarnation of Buddha, expanding the tradition of self-proclaimed spiritual leaders. The teachings were based on an interpretation of traditional spiritual ideas emphasising sexual freedom and the expression of emotions. Despite the attractive ideals, in reality the organisation faced allegations of numerous crimes, including incidents of violence and paedophilia. 

By the time of his death in 1990, Osho's fortune was estimated at a billion dollars, due in large part to the influence he had on his followers. Today, the movement remains popular in many countries around the world, continuing to attract the attention of critics and potential participants alike.

10. People's Temple

The People's Temple was founded by Reverend Jim Jones in 1955 in Indianapolis, USA. The organisation initially declared a commitment to the principles of Marxism, and a desire to help the underprivileged. However, the movement became most famous after a tragic mass suicide in 1978 in Guyana. Members of the community were coerced into committing suicide by being forced to drink cyanide, and those who refused were threatened with reprisals. That day ended with the deaths of 914 people.

Jim Jones, as a leader, left behind many questions about the nature of control and manipulation. In addition, there is still an ongoing debate about his death, which occurred on the same day of the mass suicide, and the role of his closest followers in the event.

Conclusion

The stories reviewed remind us of the fragility of the human psyche and the power of faith. They make us think about the line between freedom of choice and manipulation, inspiration and fanaticism. What motivates people who give themselves entirely to an idea, and what is the price of that faith? Perhaps these stories are not only lessons from the past, but also warnings for the future, as reminders that the search for meaning can lead to both light and darkness.