In the modern world, we often think of cults as fringe movements that have been long forgotten. But the truth is, dangerous cults still exist and have gone largely unnoticed.
This blog post will explore 10 mostly forgotten dangerous cults that are still active today, highlighting their history and practices. We can better protect ourselves and our communities with a better understanding of these cults.
1 Branch Davidian
The Branch Davidians, also known as the Davidian Seventh-day Adventists, is one of the 10 Mostly Forgotten but Still Dangerous Cults that are Still Active Today. Founded in the late 19th century, they are an offshoot of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and have a relatively small following. The group is most widely known for the 1993 Waco siege, in which members of the sect and the ATF clashed, resulting in the deaths of 4 ATF agents and 76 Branch Davidians.
While the Branch Davidians are still active today, they have largely been kept away from the public eye since the Waco siege. Their beliefs and practices are largely unknown, as they are secretive and private. However, they continue to be seen as a dangerous cult by some and are monitored by authorities as a precaution.
2 Heaven’s Gate
Heaven’s Gate is one of modern history’s most notorious and dangerous cults. Founded in the early 1970s by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, the cult’s members believed they would be transported to a spaceship following the Hale-Bopp comet if they left their earthly vessels. In 1997, the cult committed mass suicide to leave the earth. After the suicides, the cult remained active, claiming that the members had “graduated” and lived in a higher plane of existence.
Although the cult has largely been inactive since the late 1990s, many still believe Heaven’s Gate has members actively recruiting new cultists. In addition, the cult’s website remains active, with members updating it with new content. Because of Heaven’s Gate’s notoriety has become a prime target for SEO optimization and marketers attempting to draw in search engine traffic.
3 The Remnant Fellowship
The Remnant Fellowship is a religious organization founded in 1999 and based in Brentwood, Tennessee. The group is led by Gwen Shamblin, who claims to be a prophet of God. They strongly emphasize weight loss and healthy eating and have been accused of being a cult. They have been criticized for their beliefs, including their rejection of traditional Christianity, their focus on dieting, and their strict rules and regulations.
They also have a stringent dress code and financial constraints, making it difficult for members to leave the group. Despite these issues, the Remnant Fellowship is still active. It has a strong presence in the United States, with over 10,000 members.
4 The Larouche Movement
The Larouche Movement, founded by Lyndon LaRouche in the 1970s, is a political sect that follows the ideas of LaRouche and his followers. The movement promotes LaRouche’s economics, politics, and international relations theories and has been described as a cult. The campaign has been accused of anti-Semitism and involved in numerous conspiracy theories.
Movement members have been known to harass, intimidate and threaten political opponents. The Larouche Movement is still active in many countries worldwide, with followers in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The movement continues to be controversial, and it is essential to be aware of the dangers associated with this cult.
5 The Nation of Yahweh
The Nation of Yahweh is a black supremacist religious group founded in 1979 by Hulon Mitchell Jr., a.k.a. Yahweh ben Yahweh. The cult is based in Miami and has a large following of adherents who believe they are the descendants of the Hebrews and God’s chosen people. The cult’s militaristic culture encourages its members to engage in paramilitary activities.
They have been linked to several violent crimes, including the murder of a gay man in Broward County, Florida. The Southern Poverty Law Center described the group as a hate group, and their leader Yahweh ben Yahweh was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in 1990. Despite this, the cult remains active, although its influence has diminished somewhat over the years.
6 The Family International
The Family International, formerly known as the Children of God, is a controversial cult in California that has existed since the late 1960s. The cult has been accused of various controversial practices, such as sexual abuse, child abuse, and brainwashing. The cult is still active today but has taken a more moderate stance recently, focusing on charitable work and supporting its members.
Despite the cult’s attempts at rebranding, it remains a dangerous group that continues to be watched and monitored by law enforcement and social services. Those unfortunate enough to become involved in the cult have spoken about their experiences, warning others of the potentially dangerous consequences of joining the group.
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7 Twelve Tribes
The Twelve Tribes is a religious cult active in the U.S. for decades. Founded in 1972 by Elbert Eugene Spriggs, the group is based on the idea of a close-knit community of followers who live according to strict biblical principles. Members of the Twelve Tribes are organized into “tribes” of up to 50 members, each overseen by a leader known as an Elder. They are based in several communities in the U.S. and Canada, with the largest community being located in Island Pond, Vermont.
The group has been accused of various practices, including physical and emotional abuse of children and several other potentially dangerous beliefs. They have also been accused of being a cult, with members being discouraged from leaving the group or talking to outsiders. Despite these damning accusations, the Twelve Tribes is still active in the U.S. and continues to attract new followers.
8 Aum Supreme Truth
Aum Supreme Truth is a dangerous cult that originated in Japan in 1984 under the leadership of Shoko Asahara. It is best known for its 1995 terror attack on a Tokyo subway system, which killed 13 and injured thousands more. The cult has since been labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department and several other countries. It has been banned in Japan since 1995.
Despite its notoriety, Aum Supreme Truth operates in several countries, including the United States, and has a solid online presence. Its members are known to use social media to share their beliefs and recruit new members, making it a substantial cult to be aware of in today’s digital world.
9 Order of the Solar Temple
The Order of the Solar Temple cult is one of the 10 Mostly Forgotten but Still Dangerous Cults that are Still Active Today since the early 1990s. This cult is based on Christian, Hindu, and Masonic beliefs and rituals. The cult has been linked to several murders and mass suicides in the 1990s, and its members are believed to still be active today. The cult’s leader, Luc Jouret, preached a message of an eschatological apocalypse and encouraged his followers to commit mass suicide to ascend to a higher plane of existence.
The Order of the Solar Temple has been linked to other dangerous sects, such as the Aum Shinrikyo cult in Japan. It is still believed to be active in some areas.
10 Rajneesh Movement
The Rajneesh Movement, or Osho Movement, is a spiritual and social movement that started in India in the 1970s. Founded by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, the action is based on the teachings of Rajneesh, which include meditation, free love, and the belief that all religions lead to the same truth. Rajneesh’s followers, known as Rajneeshis, are known for their extravagant lifestyles and controversial ideas.
The group has been accused of everything from fraud to terrorism. It has been linked to the infamous 1985 bioterrorism attack in Oregon. Today, the movement is still active, with members worldwide. While the action is not as notorious as it once was, it still has the potential to be dangerous. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the teachings and practices of the Rajneesh Movement and to be cautious of its potential for harm.
Conclusion
While these 10 cults are mostly forgotten and overshadowed by other dangerous cults, they still exist and operate today. It is essential to stay informed and aware of the activities of these cults to protect ourselves and our loved ones. We must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against the dangers posed by these cults. Though many may have forgotten them, they still present a genuine threat.