Why are there more religious cults now than ever before?

Question

You would think that people would have learned from "Heaven's Gate," Waco and Jonestown that cults are dangerous and their leaders are con-persons. Why, then, are there MORE cults now, instead of fewer? Are people that desperate to follow someone, even if that person is clearly deranged or dangerous? What does that say about society in general?

Answer 1

People are desperate to believe in some higher power than themselves and are very gullible. Often these cults prey upon people who are depressed, have low self esteem, etc. They often have problems with family life, etc. They are searching to belong. It's very sad indeed. I think there are a lot of people who are mentally ill that just never get help. There is also more publicity about these cults than every before, in this information age it is easier to discover them and warn people, often though it's not always in time. Many operate low on the radar by not crossing the line but bilking people of money, etc.

There are non profits who are dedicated to rooting them out and finding them. But it's so difficult to get into the cult gain trust and get the information you need to warn people. People have more religious freedom now than ever before and they are searching for something, many don't even know what it is they are searching for they just are desperate to find it. It's very sad.

As long as we have a society where we have such a breakdown in families, lack of medical care especially mental care, etc these groups will continue to grow.

Answer 2

I suppose with the additional freedom people have, and the Religious institutions less able to burn or stone what they call heretics, cults and variations on the General religious dogma appear, and people, who regard religions and cults as they regard a hobby, or social activity on the bizarre side, join all kinds of cults.

Answer 3

Who says there are more cults now than before?
Ancient societies were covered in cults.
then christianity took the reigns in europe and america, you said or you were christian/jewish or you left/died essentialy.
It was shameful to have someone in a cult in the family so stories were made to cover it up.
IF there are more cults now, it would probibly be due to the past hiding it.
On that same note howmanny cults can you name off hand? I can't think of any by name (with a true definition of a cult no just cerimonialists)