Exploring the multifaceted landscape of modern groups and movements is an endeavor that reveals diverse and often intriguing facets of human behavior and belief systems. While the term “cult” can be pejorative, it is essential to examine groups and movements with distinctive characteristics that may raise questions and concerns. In this exploration, we delve into 18 such contemporary phenomena that have garnered attention for their unconventional practices and beliefs. This collection offers insight into the complex dynamics of these groups and invites reflection on the notion of what defines a group as “cult-like.”
NXIVM
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NXIVM-cult.png)
A self-help organization turned scandalous cult that exhibited manipulative practices and pyramid-like structures, promoting the leadership of Keith Raniere. It was deemed cult-like due to its secretive, coercive nature and the exploitation of its members.
Heaven’s Gate
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Heavens-Gate-Cult-pray.png)
A UFO-based cult led by Marshall Applewhite, which tragically ended in a mass suicide event. It was considered a cult due to its strict beliefs, isolation from mainstream society, and followers’ extreme actions.
Scientology
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Scientology-church-place-pray.png)
Founded by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology has been criticized for its secretive practices, aggressive recruitment techniques, and its classification as a destructive cult by some experts.
Aum Shinrikyo
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/people-003322233.png)
A Japanese doomsday cult led by Shoko Asahara, responsible for the deadly Tokyo subway sarin gas attack in 1995. It exhibited cult-like behavior through mind control, apocalyptic beliefs, and violence.
Landmark Forum
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/forum-message-social.png)
Previously known as est, this personal development program has been criticized for its intensive and coercive group dynamics, which some argue resemble cult-like behavior.
Raelism
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Raelism-space-UFO.png)
A UFO-based movement founded by Claude Vorilhon (Rael) that claims to have contact with extraterrestrial beings. It is considered cult-like due to its unconventional beliefs and hierarchical structure.
Freemasonry
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Freemasonry.png)
Though not inherently harmful, Freemasonry has been criticized for its secretive rituals and exclusivity, which can give it a cult-like aura to some outsiders.
Sahaja Yoga
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sahaja-Yoga-exercise-training.png)
Founded by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, this movement is seen by some as exhibiting cult-like behavior due to its strict beliefs, devotion to the founder, and controversial practices.
Landmark Education
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Education-tech-study-laptop-145100.png)
A personal development company associated with Landmark Forum, it has faced criticism for its aggressive marketing, high-pressure tactics, and reported cult-like characteristics.
Raëlian Movement
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Raelian-Movement-myth-god.png)
Founded by Claude Vorilhon, it promotes the belief in extraterrestrial creators and cloning. Some view it as cult-like due to its unconventional beliefs and rigid hierarchy.
Synanon
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Synanon-place.png)
Initially a drug rehabilitation program that turned into a cult under the leadership of Charles Dederich, exhibiting cult-like practices such as isolation, control, and abusive behavior.
Esther Hicks and Abraham-Hicks
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/church-place-pray.png)
Known for the Law of Attraction teachings, some critics have labeled it cult-like due to its strict adherence to Hicks’ channeling of “Abraham.”
Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho) Movement
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Osho-book.png)
Led by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, this group was considered cult-like due to its communal living, authoritarian control, and controversies surrounding criminal activities.
The Source Family
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Family-Volunteering-1150.png)
A 1970s commune led by Father Yod (James Baker), exhibiting cult-like behavior through its communal living, strict hierarchy, and secretive practices.
The Center for Feeling Therapy
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hypnotherapy-relax-154100.png)
A controversial encounter group therapy center led by the Pragers, it was criticized for its intense, confrontational techniques and control over members’ lives.
Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge)
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Khmer-Rouge-wood.png)
While a political regime rather than a traditional cult, it displayed cult-like attributes through extreme authoritarianism, mind control, and forced conformity.
Nxivm offshoots and related groups
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cult-assasin-traditional.png)
Various offshoots and related organizations tied to NXIVM, like DOS, have displayed cult-like characteristics, including extreme secrecy, coercion, and exploitation of members.
21 Things That Shout You’re “Lower Class” According To Men
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/teen-thumb-down-11.jpg)
Class wars creep up in all aspects of life, including dating. We take a look at the things that men believe are telltale signs that you are lower class.
21 Things That Shout You’re “Lower Class” According To Men
Boomer Zoomers vs. Millennial Meh: 10 Cars the Older Gen Loves but Millennials Just Can’t Stand
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/teen-thumb-down-35.jpg)
The change in the automotive industry has been incredible over the year. Baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 can’t get enough of the cars listed below, as muscle cars emerged in the 1960s, and new technologies appeared in the 1970s and 1980s. You can imagine why boomers genuinely appreciate these vehicles.
Boomer Zoomers vs. Millennial Meh: 10 Cars the Older Gen Loves but Millennials Just Can’t Stand
Across the Pond Disdain: 18 Horrendous American Habits Foreigners Just Can’t Stomach
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/teen-thumb-down-38.jpg)
There is a lot to love about America, from the bright lights of New York to the incredible breakfasts, but foreigners also dislike many things. We look at everything from poor public transport to an intimidating tip culture, sharing 18 things that America could be better at.
Across the Pond Disdain: 18 Horrendous American Habits Foreigners Just Can’t Stomach
Out with the Old: 18 Gen X Fads That Millennials and Gen Z Just Can’t Vibe With
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/teen-thumb-down-36.jpg)
While some old habits die hard, there are some things that Gen X need to eliminate as they are no longer relevant.
Out with the Old: 18 Gen X Fads That Millennials and Gen Z Just Can’t Vibe With
18 Unpleasant States You Might Want to Skip on Your Next Trip
![](https://www.trendsandtactics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/teen-thumb-down-49.jpg)
When thinking of America, we don’t expect there to be boring or unpleasant places to visit. We see all the different states on the TV, and they show the best parts. However, there are some states you won’t want to visit, and you should brace yourselves if you ever happen to stumble into them.
18 Unpleasant States You Might Want to Skip on Your Next Trip