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Throughout history, countless cults have captivated and sometimes horrified with their enigmatic and often secretive practices. While many people are familiar with the likes of Scientology or the Jonestown tragedy, numerous lesser-known groups harbor equally fascinating and bizarre doctrines. This article dives into the world of ten lesser-known cults, revealing their unique beliefs and the impact they’ve had on their followers and, sometimes, on broader society.
1. The Ant Hill Kids
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Founded in the late 1970s by Roch Thériault in Quebec, Canada, The Ant Hill Kids might sound quaint, but their practices were anything but. Thériault led his commune with an iron fist, promoting purification through pain, which unfortunately led to abuse. His blend of apocalyptic Christianity convinced followers that he could speak directly to God, making his harsh dictates unquestionable in their eyes.
2. The Aetherius Society
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Established in the mid-1950s by Dr. George King, The Aetherius Society is based on the belief that a new age of enlightenment can be achieved through direct contact with cosmic entities. King, who claimed to be in direct communication with alien intelligence, preached that these cosmic messages could help elevate humanity. The group is still active today, promoting peace and spiritual development through energy-healing practices and prayer.
3. The Order of the Solar Temple
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This secret society is rooted in the traditions of the Knights Templar and other esoteric doctrines of the West. Formed in 1984 by Joseph Di Mambro and Luc Jouret, the group’s beliefs centered on the idea of achieving spiritual transcendence through ritual. Sadly, their saga ended in tragedy in the mid-1990s with mass suicides and murders, believed by members to be a transition to a higher spiritual plane.
4. Nuwaubian Nation
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Founded in the 1970s by Dwight York, the Nuwaubian Nation began as a Black Muslim group in New York before evolving into a mixture of black nationalism, cryptozoological, and UFO beliefs. York’s teachings claimed that modern religions were tools to mislead the black race and that salvation lay in ancient Egyptian doctrines. The group’s practices and compound in Georgia drew notable attention before York’s legal troubles led to its decline.
5. The Creativity Movement
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This non-theistic religion, founded in 1973 by Ben Klassen, is dedicated to the advancement of the white race. The followers, called Creators, do not worship a deity but believe in maintaining their white identity and preparing for racial struggles. The Creativity Movement’s views have been widely condemned for promoting racism and are monitored by anti-hate groups.
6. The Family International
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Also known as the Children of God, The Family International was founded in the late 1960s by David Berg in California. The group initially focused on eschatological beliefs and later evolved controversial doctrines, including “Flirty Fishing” — using sex to attract new members. Over the decades, it has rebranded several times in attempts to distance itself from past controversies.
7. Universe People
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Also known as the Cosmic People of Light Powers, this Czech group, led by Ivo Benda since the 1990s, mixes Christian elements with beliefs in extraterrestrial civilizations. They believe that aliens will one day transport their followers to another dimension, rescuing them from global cataclysms. Their messages, often communicated via the internet and public speeches, claim direct communication with these aliens.
8. Church of the Last Testament
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This Siberian group, led by Vissarion, real name Sergey Anatolyevitch Torop, believes in a syncretism of Christianity and environmentalism, with Vissarion claiming to be the reincarnation of Jesus. Founded in the early 1990s, after the Soviet Union’s collapse, the group emphasizes living in harmony with nature, sustainable living, and the coming new age of spiritual awakening.
9. The Brethren
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Known for their extreme seclusion and asceticism, The Brethren, or “Garbage Eaters,” as they are pejoratively known, shun all forms of modern technology and live a nomadic lifestyle. Founded in 1971 by Jim Roberts, they believe in a strict interpretation of the Bible, avoiding all contact with those outside their community to maintain purity.
10. Fellowship of Friends
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Established in 1970 in California by Robert Earl Burton, the Fellowship of Friends combines elements of esoteric Christianity, the Fourth Way teachings of Gurdjieff, and other philosophical and religious teachings. Members believe in the potential for personal transformation through accessing higher states of consciousness, with Burton himself regarded as a divine teacher guiding followers toward enlightenment.
The Bizarre World of Cults
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The world is full of diverse and often startling beliefs. Each group, with its unique doctrines and practices, offers a fascinating glimpse into human spirituality and the quest for meaning beyond the mainstream. Whether driven by visions of cosmic civilizations or the reimagining of ancient rites, these cults challenge our perceptions of faith and community in the modern world.
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