Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


0

Top 10 Crazy Cults

Polygamists, UFOs, and apocalyptic prophesies abound

Share

(Newser) – Experts are debating whether the polygamist sect raided in Texas last week is a cult. Meanwhile, LiveScience has cooked up a list of bona fide cults—the top 10 craziest of them all:

  1. Raëlians: Followers believe that UFOs spawned most religions and cloning can lead to reincarnation.

  1. Order of the Solar Temple: Founded by a neo-Nazi, this group is said to have sacrificed a child they think is the antichrist.
  2. Branch Davidians: This cult believed the apocalypse was imminent; it all but died off after a 1993 FBI raid left 76 dead.
  3. Manson Family: Charles Manson's "family" believed a race war would spark the apocalypse; when it didn't, Manson sent them to kill those who had failed to help his music career.
For the full list, click the link below.

Flames engulf the Branch Davidian compound in this April 19, 1993 file photo, in Waco, Texas.
Flames engulf the Branch Davidian compound in this April 19, 1993 file photo, in Waco, Texas.   (AP Photo/FILE/Susan Weems)
Raelian leader Claude Vorilhon talks to a reporter in Miami, Florida, on December 29, 2002 to explain the relationship between Clonaid and the Raelians, his personal background and his beliefs.
Raelian leader Claude Vorilhon talks to a reporter in Miami, Florida, on December 29, 2002 to explain the relationship between Clonaid and the Raelians, his personal background and his beliefs.   (KRT Photos)
Charles Manson was denied parole Wednesday May 23, 2007, the 11th time since 1978 that the cult leader was ordered to continue serving life sentences for a murderous rampage in 1969.
Charles Manson was denied parole Wednesday May 23, 2007, the 11th time since 1978 that the cult leader was ordered to continue serving life sentences for a murderous rampage in 1969.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
11.20.09
The Health-Care Wars Have Just Begun
0 comments
VIEWING:
 
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

13 Stories

Interview

Ex-FLDS Member Wants Hard Time for Polygamists

Author: Texas hung Eldorado kids out to dry

Jun 23, 09 1:02 PM CDT
(Newser) - Former FLDS member Flora Jessop is “hoping against hope” that the men charged with child abuse at the polygamist compound in Eldorado get harder time than those convicted  in similar crimes elsewhere, she told the Houston Chronicle. “Thirteen days, 45 days, nine months,” says Jessop,... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Texas • Arizona • child abuse • polygamy • Utah • FLDS • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints • Eldorado • polygamists • child marriage

Polygamy Boss Charged With New Sex Rap

Jeffs charged with felony assault
at Texas ranch

Nov 13, 08 4:22 AM CST
(Newser) - Polygamy sect leader Warren Jeffs and three other members of his group have been indicted on fresh felony charges, the Houston Chronicle reports. Jeffs is accused of aggravated sexual assault linked to actions at the Yearning for Zion Texas compound where authorities rounded up hundreds of children earlier this year.... More »

MORE ABOUT:
polygamy • Warren Jeffs • sexual assault • FLDS • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints • Yearning for Zion ranch

Jeffs' Bride, 14, Ordered Into Foster Care

Parents let daughter marry sect leader at 12, authorities charge

Aug 20, 08 5:44 AM CDT
(Newser) - A Texas judge has ordered a 14-year-old girl allegedly married to polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs at age 12 back into state custody, reports the Salt Lake Tribune. The judge said the parents of the girl, who was first taken into custody when the sect's compound was raided in April,... More »

MORE ABOUT:
polygamy • Warren Jeffs • child custody • FLDS • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints • Yearning for Zion ranch

13 Stories


Why do people join cults?
About.com

Two cult members die in cave
CNN

Texas raid on polygamy sect is over
Salt Lake Tribune


US 
TwitterFollow @NewserUS on Twitter

 
religion • list • polygamy • Jim Jones • Jonestown massacre • cult • Charles Manson • FLDS • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

from our news partners