Megan Hutchinson
Staff Reporter
For decades cults have been prominent in the media and society labeling themselves as “religious freedom” or “political movement” but what defines a cult? A cult is described as a group of people that have distinctive beliefs and high levels of commitment. Many cults are based around a belief system that contains answers to life's questions by offering solutions that can only be gained by following the leader’s rules. Frequently, the media has used the term “cult” to describe groups that practice mind control or brainwashing and even use it to describe American politics. However, cults are separate ideologies from isolated religions that live communally or even political groups that attract millions. While both politics and religions can be dangerous, it is important to identify the relationship between followers and their leaders.
One of the many things cult groups have in common is their origin. Firstly, all cults have extremely charismatic, charming leaders. These types of people are great, extreme manipulators who present themselves with great importance. Using their power, they recruit friends, family, coworkers, and more who in return recruit their close contacts.
Secondly, to create or join a cult you must have a transcendent belief system. By having a transcendent belief system you believe in the power of a God who has power over the universe beyond basic human understanding. Also by having this mindset, you believe in a realm of ideas and concepts humans are not capable of comprehending. Many people when joining a cult are in search of an explanation and meaning for their life, giving them some sort of purpose. Examples of a cult that has extremely influenced American society include Jonestown led by Jim Jones
Jonestown also known as The People’s Temple, an infamous cult with around 918 followers in Waco, Texas. Jim Jones, the leader of Jonestown strived to create a salvific power of socialism, somewhat atheist, somewhat agnostic resembling humanism. He wanted to portray the ideology that people had the power to re-create and re-shape reality to benefit all. Additionally, with the combined elements of Christianity with communist, socialist ideology with an emphasis on racial equality. Jonestown ended when Jim Jones led his followers to drink “Flavoraid” mixed with potassium cyanide. Jim Jones was found with a gunshot wound to the head, ending Jonestown. As of today, the Jonestown casualty remains the second-highest number of American civilian casualties in a single non-natural event leading behind 9/11.
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