The Most Popular Cult in the World, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the cult you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:34
In an age where information overflows yet understanding often remains shallow, identifying the most impactful cultural movements becomes critical. A ranking of the most popular cults casts light on the shadows these groups cast across societies globally. It arms individuals with knowledge, enabling them to navigate through the complexities of cultural undercurrents.
By participating in voting, users contribute to a clearer consensus on the influence and reach of these secretive societies. Such rankings can help demystify the ambiguous power and dynamics within these groups, making them accessible for study and discussion. This informed approach aids everyone from researchers to the casually curious, providing a comprehensive snapshot of societal impact.
What Is the Most Popular Cult in the World?
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164votesFounded in the 1950s by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology claims to offer a path to spiritual freedom and self-awareness through its practice of auditing and other techniques. Despite numerous controversies and allegations of abuse, Scientology continues to have a significant following around the world.Scientology is a controversial new religious movement that was founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1950s. It combines elements of self-help therapy, religious beliefs, and pseudoscience. Scientology claims to offer a precise path for individual spiritual development and promises to unlock the potential of the human mind.
- Beliefs: Belief in immortal spiritual beings called 'Thetans' that are trapped in human bodies and aspire to reach a state of 'Operating Thetan' that is free from physical and mental limitations.
- Auditing: A counseling technique used in Scientology to address traumatic experiences and eliminate negative influences, often involving the use of an 'E-meter' to measure changes in electrical resistance of the body.
- Sea Org: A paramilitary organization within Scientology, originally established as a religious order, responsible for managing the Church's activities and recruiting new members.
- Celebrity involvement: Scientology has attracted numerous high-profile celebrity followers such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and Kirstie Alley, which has increased its visibility and popularity.
- Fair Game policy: A policy originally devised by L. Ron Hubbard that allows aggressive tactics and measures to be used against individuals or groups considered enemies of Scientology.
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232votes
Entheta · CC BY-SA 3.0Jehovah's Witnesses
Charles Taze RussellKnown for their door-to-door evangelism and rejection of mainstream medical treatments, Jehovah's Witnesses have been criticized for their strict adherence to a literal interpretation of the Bible and their refusal to celebrate holidays or participate in certain social activities. The group has an estimated worldwide membership of over 8 million.Jehovah's Witnesses is a Christian denomination known for its distinct beliefs and practices. It was founded in the late 19th century and has grown to become an international organization with millions of members worldwide. Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their door-to-door evangelism and distribution of literature, as well as their strict adherence to their interpretation of the Bible.- Year Founded: 1879
- Bible Translation: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
- Distinct Beliefs: Non-Trinitarianism, rejection of blood transfusions, belief in the imminent end of the world
- Governing Body: The organization is governed by a centralized body of elders known as the Governing Body
- Worship Practices: Meetings held in Kingdom Halls, regular door-to-door and public preaching
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311votes
Hare Krishna
Bhaktivedanta Swami PrabhupadaAlso known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Hare Krishnas are a Hindu-based religious movement that emphasizes devotion to the god Krishna. Founded in the 1960s, the group has gained a reputation for their chanting, dancing, and public outreach efforts.Hare Krishna, also known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), is a popular spiritual movement founded in 1966 in New York City, United States. It is based on the teachings of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who is considered the creator and spiritual leader of the movement.- Foundation Year: 1966
- Location of Foundation: New York City, United States
- Religious Texts: Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam
- Belief System: Vaishnavism (devotional sect of Hinduism)
- Chanting Practice: Continuous chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
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411votes
Falun Gong
Li HongzhiA spiritual practice that combines meditation, qigong exercises, and moral teachings, Falun Gong has been banned in China since 1999. The group has faced accusations of being a cult and its followers have been subject to persecution by the Chinese government.Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice that originated in China in 1992. It combines meditation, exercises, and moral teachings based on Buddhist and Taoist principles. Falun Gong emphasizes the cultivation of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance in order to attain spiritual enlightenment and improve physical health. The practice gained immense popularity in the 1990s but has been heavily persecuted by the Chinese government since 1999.- Year of Creation: 1992
- Meaning: Law Wheel Practice
- Number of Practitioners Worldwide: Estimates range from tens of millions to over 100 million
- Key Teachings: Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance
- Practice Components: Meditation, Exercises, Moral Teachings
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518votes
The Family International
David BergPreviously known as the Children of God, The Family International is a Christian-based group that has been accused of promoting sexual exploitation and abuse of children. Despite these allegations, the group continues to have a presence in many countries around the world.The Family International, formerly known as Children of God, is a controversial religious cult that was founded in 1968. The group was initially led by David Berg, who claimed to be a prophet, and his wife Karen Zerby. The Family International gained significant media attention due to their unconventional practices and controversial teachings.- Year Founded: 1968
- Former Name: Children of God
- Leaders: David Berg and Karen Zerby
- Beliefs: Blending elements of Christianity with a focus on communal living, sexual freedom, and evangelism
- Controversies: Accusations of child abuse, sexual exploitation, and mind control
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67votes
Jérémy Toma · CC BY-SA 4.0A secretive and exclusive group that originated in Switzerland in the 1980s, the Order of the Solar Temple is known for its apocalyptic beliefs and ritual suicides. The group has been linked to several high-profile deaths, including those of its leaders and members.The Order of the Solar Temple was a secretive cult that gained worldwide attention due to a series of high-profile incidents in the 1990s. It blended aspects of Christianity, New Age beliefs, and UFO conspiracy theories. The cult's main focus was on spiritual transformation and preparing for a new world order.- Year of establishment: 1984
- Beliefs: Blending Christianity, New Age beliefs, and UFO conspiracy theories
- Leadership structure: Hierarchical with inner circle and outer members
- Membership size: Approximately 400 members at its peak
- Geographical reach: Operated in several countries including France, Switzerland, and Canada
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710votes
Branch Davidians
Victor HouteffA splinter group of Seventh-day Adventists, the Branch Davidians gained notoriety in 1993 when their compound in Waco, Texas was raided by federal agents. The resulting standoff and fire left 76 people dead, including their leader David Koresh.The Branch Davidians was a religious group that originated from a sect of the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Church. It gained international attention for its involvement in a highly publicized siege and tragic fire in Waco, Texas, in 1993.- Beliefs: Branch Davidians believed in the imminent Second Coming of Jesus Christ and that their leader, David Koresh, was the final prophet.
- Leadership: David Koresh (born Vernon Wayne Howell) was the charismatic leader of the Branch Davidians.
- Location: The group initially operated at the Mount Carmel Center in Waco, Texas.
- Firearms: The Branch Davidians possessed a substantial arsenal of firearms and ammunition.
- Armed Standoff: In February 1993, a standoff with federal agents ensued following a raid on the Mount Carmel Center.
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810votes
Heaven's Gate
Marshall ApplewhiteA UFO-based cult that believed in the imminent arrival of a spaceship that would transport them to a higher plane of existence, Heaven's Gate gained infamy in 1997 when 39 of its members committed suicide in order to reach the spaceship.Heaven's Gate was a cult centered around the belief in extraterrestrial life and the idea of ascension. The group was founded in 1974 by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles. They believed that they were pioneers, chosen to be the messengers of higher-level extraterrestrial beings. Their goal was to shed their earthly bodies through a process they called 'the graduation' and ascend to a higher plane of existence.- Formation: 1974
- Beliefs: Extraterrestrial life, ascension
- Leaders: Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles
- Teachings: Moral and ethical guidelines, focus on spiritual growth
- Isolation: Members cut ties with friends and family
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911votes
Harani0403 · CC BY-SA 3.0Aum Shinrikyo
Shoko AsaharaA Japanese doomsday cult that gained notoriety in 1995 when its members carried out a sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system, killing 13 people and injuring thousands more. The group's leader, Shoko Asahara, was later executed for his role in the attack.Aum Shinrikyo was a Japanese doomsday cult that gained international attention after carrying out a deadly terrorist attack in Tokyo in 1995. The cult combined elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, and believed that Shoko Asahara, its founder, was the only person who could save humanity from an impending apocalypse. Aum Shinrikyo attracted thousands of followers during its peak, and its activities included spiritual teachings, meditation, yoga, as well as illegal activities such as stockpiling weapons and manufacturing chemical weapons.- Years Active: 1984-2000
- Headquarters: Japan
- Number of Followers: Thousands at its peak
- Beliefs: Combination of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity
- Leader's Claim: Shoko Asahara claimed to possess supernatural powers
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103votesLed by the charismatic Jim Jones, The People's Temple was a socialist-based cult that gained a large following in the 1970s. In 1978, the group's members committed mass suicide in Jonestown, Guyana, killing over 900 people.
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Ranking factors for popular cult
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Membership sizeThe number of active members or followers in the cult is an important indicator of its popularity. A large membership implies that the cult's beliefs and practices have a strong appeal to a significant number of people.
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Online presenceIn today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any organization's popularity. A cult that has active discussion forums, social media accounts, and a dedicated website is likely to attract and engage more followers than one that relies solely on offline communication.
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Media coverageThe extent to which a cult receives attention from mainstream media can be both a measure of its popularity and a catalyst for further growth. Frequent mentions in newspapers, magazines, TV shows, movies, and documentaries help to raise public awareness of the cult and may attract new followers or interest.
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Celebrity endorsements or involvementHigh-profile public figures who are actively involved with, or have publicly expressed support for, a cult can significantly boost its popularity by drawing increased attention and validating its beliefs and practices in the eyes of potential converts.
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Influence on cultureA cult's impact on popular culture – through its beliefs, symbols, rituals, and supporters – can serve as a measure of its popularity. The more widespread and recognizable a cult's influence on culture, the more popular it may be.
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Historical longevity or persistenceThe length of time a cult has been in existence and its ability to sustain or grow its membership over time can provide insight into its popularity. Cults that have managed to maintain a significant following for many years or decades are likely to be more popular than those that have only existed for a short time.
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Conversion ratesThe number of new members a cult attracts relative to its current membership can be a measure of its popularity. High conversion rates may indicate that the cult's beliefs and practices are particularly appealing to a broad range of people.
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ControversyCults that are surrounded by controversy may experience a boost in popularity as a result of the attention generated by their actions or beliefs. Controversial practices, beliefs, or circumstances can increase the visibility of a cult and potentially draw in new followers.
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Commitment of membersThe level of dedication and involvement of members within a cult can be a sign of its popularity. Cults with loyal, active members who contribute significant time and resources to the organization are likely to be more popular than those where followers are less engaged.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular cult in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or cult is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2031 views
- 176 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each cult once every 24 hours. The rank of each cult is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular cult in the world
Cults have been a source of fascination for decades, with their mysterious rituals and secretive practices. While many cults have gained notoriety for their extreme beliefs and dangerous actions, others have amassed a following of loyal devotees. The term "cult" can be defined as a group of people who share a common belief system, often centered around a charismatic leader. Some of the most popular cults in the world have attracted millions of followers, with their teachings and practices shaping the lives of their members. From the infamous Jonestown to the more recent NXIVM, the world has seen its fair share of cults and their impact on society. But which cult is the most popular? Let's take a closer look at some of the most well-known cults in the world and their followers to find out.
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