Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
“I’m So Thankful I Got Out Of That”: 30 Cults That Pretend They’re Not Cults, According To This Online Thread
Interview With Author
While many of us have seen fictionalized accounts of what it’s like being in a cult in movies and in TV shows, few of us actually know just how horrifying and dangerous it actually is to be part of such an organization. Especially from an early age. We’ve covered that in detail before, here at Bored Panda.
One of the hallmarks of a cult is that its leaders highlight the fact that they’re definitely not a cult. They try to present themselves as innocuous organizations or simply close-knit communities, sometimes with strong quasi-religious overtones, who 'care' about the 'welfare' of their ‘flock.’ But if it looks like a cult and quacks like a cult, odds are that it is one.
Redditors from all around the globe shared their opinions about what organizations they believe are actually cults in disguise, and explained why in a viral r/AskReddit thread. We’ve collected their insights and opinions to share with you. Meanwhile, read on for Bored Panda's interview with the author of the viral thread, whose family had been in a small cult themselves. The redditor was kind enough to answer our questions in detail.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Megachurches. They're money cults.
T. Unnamable 3 years ago
He (god) loves you, and He needs money! He always needs money! He's all-powerful, all-perfect, all-knowing, and all-wise, somehow just can't handle money! Religion takes in billions of dollars, they pay no taxes, and they always need a little more. George Carlin
The author of the thread explained to us what inspired them to come up with the question in the first place, shared their thoughts about people's fascination with cults, and explained how someone can realize that they were actually part of such an organization.
"I asked this question because I have seen a lot of people involved in cults in the past who didn’t realize it at the time. Spreading awareness about different cults can help people realize they (or their loved ones) may also be in a cult unknowingly," they told Bored Panda.
"I think cults have always interested people. There are so many different types," they gave Kanye West's new 'Christian school' "that chants/sings his mother's name in the mornings" as an example of this.
"Some of these seem innocent at the time but they can have long-lasting negative impacts on people. Most people don’t relive they have been in a cult until they have lost money, time, or friends due to the cult."
RELATED:
#2
MAGAs. Very culty. They basically worship one man who is supposed to be a public servant. They pay him money, go to his events, let him decide their healthcare
(antivax, hydroxychloroquine, etc), they have “secret phrases” (let’s go Branden”, they make it their whole personality (flags, stickers, hats, shirts, their cars), they have conspiracy theories, and they’re willing to get violent for him (Jan 6).
OhnoI’vebeencensored 3 years ago
Cults of personality are nothing new. But couldn't they have chosen a better personality?
#3
The Church of Scientology
Some of the illegal s**t they’ve done is so ridiculous. Been wanting to make a video where I just read a list of this b******t with fun goofy music in the background. You could do the same with the ridiculous things they actually believe.
Here’s an example: Their founder was a science fiction writer and the only holiday they recognize is his birthday
Edit: the entire “religion” is also banned from changing any and all articles on Wikipedia because they abused that feature.
According to the author of the viral thread, critical thinking, as well as distance from the cult, are essential in realizing that you were involved in an actual cult.
"Talking with former members and discussing shared experiences (trauma, abuse, or just stories) can help the healing process. My family used to be in a small cult and we didn’t realize it until we left. I know this from personal experience," they revealed to Bored Panda.
"Thankfully, I wasn’t abused or anything, but I have friends who were abused and their lives will never be the same as a result. Cults are dangerous and deserve to be placed in the spotlight for public scrutiny to protect the children and individuals involved."
#4
The Mormon church. I realized it was a cult when I was a kid and started asking questions. Figured I’d be met with optimism and willingness to answer those questions. Instead I was met with aggression and shut down.
OhnoI’vebeencensored 3 years ago
Faith that can't take questioning is clearly not very secure.
#5
As someone who comes from a family of Jehovahs and has actively practiced this faith in past times
It is 100% a cult.
Ninjapig101 replied:
Came here to see this. I was raised JW, and finally mustered up the courage to leave when I turned 18. Literally overnight everyone I knew my whole life cut contact with me. Not even a goodbye. Friends and family. The stress from it all made me physically ill, I was in and out of the hospital constantly. I’m doing much better now, I have a beautiful little family. In the entire time I’ve been gone, now about 6ish years, my biological father has called me one time. This is how the conversation went (BD - bio dad)
BD- hello is this ninjapig101 (literally using my first and last name)
Me- yes….
BD- this is first name last name (yes he literally used just his first and last name) calling to inform you of the passing of grandma (except he uses grandmas first and last name in referring to her as well)
It was like I was just immediately no longer part of the family, just like that.
I’m so thankful I got out of that when I had the chance.
OmBoyGanesh 3 years ago
Check out the podcast “Shunned.” It’s heartbreaking, but so eye-opening.
Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! 3 years ago
I got so tired of them showing up at my door every week that one day I said, "I'm an atheist". The shock on their faces was indescribable. But, they never came back.
Anne Jones 3 years ago
I had a friend who would tell them he was a satanist and asked them to come inside and read his grimoire. They never did.
Load More Replies...
Lorrie Rothstein 3 years ago (edited)
I know someone who is a jehovahs witness. She doesn't celebrate birthdays or holidays. She can't eat birthday cake.
3 Owls In A Coat 3 years ago
I know someone who is 7 years old and has to go sit in the school hallways every time the class exchanges valentines or has an Easter egg hunt or birthday cupcakes because her parents asked that she not be in the room when those activities are going on, it’s very confusing for her. And now the class is thinking of just banning all holiday-related activities for everyone so they don’t leave her out. It’s quite weird and sad.
Load More Replies...
FABULOUS1 3 years ago
We were raised JW's and my mother, and aunts still are. My mother was disfellowshipped and I remember us only being allowed to sit in the back of the Kingdom Hall in those days. When she was no longer excommunicated and welcomed back I remember thinking that these are the most phoniest mf's I had ever meet, including my own aunts. I could never understand how people could follow such a cruel god that required them to turn their backs on their own family. She had been disfellowshipped the first time for smoking which started after my father was murdered which made tings harder for her. I have some friends I have meet in the last year or so who also grew up as witnesses and its strangely satisfying to be able to tell the crazy stories and have someone truly understand what I went through.
Miles Mawyer 3 years ago
Yeah, I found my way into some discord chat's recently. It's great to be able to tell the crazy stories to people who actually understand. I've meet people here and there that are out, and I've replied "Did you get Dee Effed?" and it's an instant connection.
Load More Replies...
Ramirez rachael 3 years ago
My son’s grandmother was really into the church. She must’ve signed me up for their newsletters and such because I receive handwritten letters from the evil, wanting me to join the church all of the time like no thank you I don’t want the watch tower.
Erin Miller 3 years ago
I was born into this and can confirm it is a cult, is extremely misogynistic, and hides the r*pe and child abuse that happens within the cult. My mother divorced my dad because he was abusive. She was disfellowshiped and we were immediately treated as if we'd all died. The tension between family members that are and aren't JWs is insane 30 years later. The "religion" destroyed my childhood and robbed me of family. It's doing the same to my niece and nephew.
Miles Mawyer 3 years ago
You're not alone Erin! I was born in as well, got out in my 20s (not DFed or DAed, which helps with family ties a bit)
Load More Replies...
madbakes 3 years ago
I would have customers here and there try to give me pamphlets. For a long time I would just take it, then throw it away, since I was at work. One day I decided to not just take then anymore; it's insulting, like their beliefs are better than mine. So now each time they try, I refuse, they try again, and I tell them I don't like wasting paper and that it will go straight into the trash. That seems to work.
Tammy Barnes 3 years ago
I taught a group that if you see a lone woman sitting at a bus stop at 7am don't all of you jump out of your car , there were 4 of them, and rush over to talk about you "religion" I told them they were lucky this is Canada and we cannot carry guns because if this was the US they would be dead, the stunned look on their faces when the realized what they had done was priceless
Terd Fergison 3 years ago
The JW is one of the worst cults. They have huge amounts of rapes, child rapes, and coverups that go all the way to the top of their organization. They misinterpret one line of the Bible that says, don’t take the blood, and they think it applies to modern blood transfusions. So, if a JW mother is bleeding out during childbirth, they refuse blood transfusions and they often times let the JW mother die. They claim that the world is ending any minute. And they have been claiming that for well over a hundred years. They have made many specific end times prophecies that have all failed. Because of this they discourage their cult members from going to college. Because they think the world is ending and they don’t want their people to gain outside knowledge (knowledge that’ll contradict their lies). They horribly shun any member that doesn’t follow their strict rules. They are homophobic. They are truly sick, sad people.
Miles Mawyer 3 years ago
Had to upvote that downvote you got from a "loving" JW ;)
Load More Replies...
Anne Mitchell 3 years ago
Just how "Christian" is it to ignore a family member who does not believe what you believe? It is like refusing to feed someone because you who like broccoli but they don't.
lauralett50 3 years ago
But they aren't Christians. They don't celebrate any Christian holidays.
Load More Replies...
ViFi 3 years ago
my amazing cousin's family were raised JW, and when she decided to leave her parents kicked her out at 18, into the street without even a goodbye. My great-uncle, who inflicted most of this, has completely cut her and the rest of us out of his life, its heartbreaking because even when my grandpa (his brother) died, he didnt show to the funeral or even offer condolences. p.s my cousin is very successful and is living her best life without them
Flabuless-Jaye 3 years ago (edited)
I was raised a JW. My parents were raised JWs as both sets of grandparents converted when my parents were young. I didn't celebrate Christmas, birthdays, easter, valentine's day, mother's Day, father's day.etc. I didn't go into assemblies. I didn't go into RE classes. I enjoyed music as a child and joined the school orchestra, recorder group, choir and had an internal battle anytime religious or Christmas music was played. I was overlooked for one singing group because they occasionally sang religious songs and they knew I couldn't sing them. I was devastated. Meetings were mandatory. No exceptions except illness. It was a minefield trying to do the right thing that lined up with the JW beliefs I left at 16 and despite being baptised at 12, no one came to try and persuade me to stay. My brother left a year or so before me, and the elders came to see him. I got the feeling I didn't matter because I was a girl. I don't regret my decision to leave.at all. Thankfully family that remain JWs accept me as I am despite not being a JW for 30years. Edited to apologise for lack of formatting. My phone is being weird.
I don't like my name 3 years ago
10yrs JW ( not by choice) 15yrs later still going to therapy from it...
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago (edited)
Younger half sisters were raised JW. Some of what they went through or witnessed is truly unbelievable. SD (sperm donor) took me once when I was 7 or 8. Imagine being told you're horrible for celebrating your birthday, even worse talking about the family party. Then a bunch of adults you don't know telling you that you're going to he!! because of how I'm being raised unless I join them. After an hour or so of this I ran out crying trying to go home (small town), got lost and police took me. Mom was livid to say the least. But sisters went through worse growing up.
pink_panda 3 years ago
So sorry for your loss of family. Proud of you for following your spiritual and intellectual truth and getting out of that high control situation.
Jane Cortez 3 years ago
I knew two different families who were Jehovahs Witnesses. The first constantly preached, ‘it was their duty.’ Smug in their moral superiority, ( they were mean, awful people). The second, same thing. Totally, totally brainwashed. They wouldn’t associate with anyone who wasn’t in their cult. Kept on trying to invite me to ‘events.’ In my life experiences, I find that the worst people walk around bragging about their religion, their missionary trips, etc. They are convinced they are absolved of sin, therefore can do no wrong if that makes sense? There has to be a balance in being a good person. Also, the Salvation Army IS a cult. I had a friend who was an addict who was ‘saved.’ ALL of their spare time is dedicated to meetings, volunteering, materialism is shunned AND, they had living quarters, church living quarters for the young single women to live together. One woman was mocked for ‘loving shoes and having SIX pairs.’
Jane Cortez 3 years ago
They refused to help certain people, eg. a woman trying to escape domestic violence because, as the Pastor put it, ‘we tried to help her before and she stopped coming to Church,’ ‘ we got burned by her.’?!? ‘We won’t help her anymore,’ so, in other words WTF?!? Maybe it’s because of her spouse/partner or whatever he was preventing her? She was after all, ABUSED. Where is the empathy? I went every Sunday- was very young and gullible, thought, ‘ of course she couldn’t possibly mean that.’ After several months, I came to understand that I wanted no part of any church. I know nice organizations exist but my experiences are such that made me permanently swear off of church and find my own path. Religion = tyranny in my mind now.
Load More Replies...
New Everywhere 3 years ago
This lady in line complimented my dress and we had an interesting chat. I was happy. At the end, she just casually directed me to visit the JW website. I was sad.
Libstak 3 years ago
My father's family are JW. We were never shunned even though Catholic and my favorite aunt is/was my father's sister and my name sake, she has now passed away. She was beautiful inside and out and even let me celebrate Christmas when I stayed with her one year. My father's other sister is a nightmare of negativity and blasted my father for immigrating away from the family in 1970 because the world was ending in 1975....so, I have 2 very diverse opinions of JW not all believers are the same.
sarah downer 3 years ago
My husband was raised in that cult. His parents have never met our 7 year old, and that's the least of their sins
LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago
My father-in-law is a Jehova's Witness. He gratefully didn't cut off his son or his other children because he is a decent man, despite his issues I do like him. He has his issues with me but still accepts me to a point. I love though that I'm still known as the woman who tempted the kids away from God, starting with the oldest kid. None of those children gave a damn about their fathers religion when I first met them. I purposefully keep a shelf on my bookcase dedicated to Wiccan and paganism because it prevents long speeches about his religion. He doesn't want to hear my cpunterpoints so he doesn't start. Works like a charm.
Cammy Mack 3 years ago
Their beliefs and manner of operating can sound bizarre, but they don't have any other guide other than what is explicitly written in the Bible. For groups calling themselves "Christian" NOT following that method is what should strike people as particularly strange. For bad people hiding among them, as bad people do in all groups, they deserve to be dragged out kicking and screaming into the light.
Mary Jeffries 3 years ago
Every time I see them with their flyers I always think “you’ll never take my holidays!” Such an unappealing idea.
Wim Cossement 3 years ago
Catholic holidays? And are you worthy of them by going to church daily?
Load More Replies...
Brittney Johnson 3 years ago
I was raised this way. Didn't celebrate until I was 8 years old. My older brother was disfellowshipped (shunned) for many years. He died tragically in Nov. 2022. My father hadn't talked to him in 7 years. I can't & will never understand something that tears families apart 💔
Belle Miles 3 years ago
Fun fact... If a socially NEEDY person NEEDS them to come each week for a bible lesson, Ha ha ha ha ha.... Well there they are... FOREVER wondering who is using who... Just saying ya'll. I watched this play out for twenty years or more with my Mother. Sometimes they are the only people who visit for years on end, so I personally would like to say Thank You ladies... To each of you that visited my Mother until the end of her days. Sometimes their purpose for that Church serves a community need. They LITERALLY COME TO VISIT WHEN NO ONE ELSE DOES. I really appreciated these women.
Melatonin 3 years ago
All alone together on the street, nobody cares or is interested. Back in their temple it goes: you see nobody stops by or is interested....they don't understand all lost souls! They never asking themselves maybe WE are the reason
Regina Ruth Josol 3 years ago
If nobody is interested while public witnessing that's okay with Jehovah's Witnesses. Maybe, you without being judgmental try to visit one if our Christian meetings inside a kingdom hall. See for yourself. Just tell them that you want to observe JWs interaction and specify that you do not want a Witness to call on you.
Load More Replies... Regina Ruth Josol 3 years ago
I am one of them. Individuals make personal decisions whether to become a Witness or not. No one is forced to be one. Going from house to house to speak with people is a command Jesus gave to his disciples (Matthew 24:14) and we lived by Jesus' example and model (1 Peter 2:21), Bible standard of right and wrong. We are not a cult. A cult follows anything and everything a leader asked of them without questions. Nor are we forced to shell out hard earned money without accountability. Also we are not Jehovahs but Jehovah's Witnesses. Jehovah is Jesus' Father he spoken of " my Father and your father, my God and your God" (John 20:17) before going to the heavens.
Miles Mawyer 3 years ago
Regina, you said: " cult follows anything and everything a leader asked of them without questions." Now tell me you don't do everything the Governing Body tells you to do.
Load More Replies...
Wim Cossement 3 years ago
They're just like any other christian religion out there but still interpret the bible quite literally. The Catholic church should adhere the same rules but since we all know they're in it for the numbers and money they watered down a lot of their strict rules but if you'd turn back the clock a hundred years you would not see too many differences between the two.
Just Another Girl 3 years ago
Unpopular opinion: A cult is an organization that worships one human being. Organized religion like JWs worship a god. They use the Hebrew name of god from the Bible. I have found that most religions simply interpret the Bible differently and that is where various controversies between religions stem. JWs believe it is their duty to preach their interpretation of the Bible. Like every religion they believe they have the correct interpretation and want to share their beliefs with others. Not a cult. Mostly good people. Like everywhere else you get some who are extreme and kind of odd. You don’t have to be mean to them when they try to preach to you, just tell them you’re not interested and they’ll leave you alone. They believe that God’s plan involves resurrection to a paradise earth as was originally created for Adam and Eve. Take it or leave it, they just want you to know about the paradise hope they have. They could be wrong, but kind of cool if they’re right.
Miles Mawyer 3 years ago
You are wrong, they are controlling. Trust me, I was there. They have LIED about what the bible says, just to push their own self serving interpretations. If you are in the religion (but birth or otherwise) and tell them you are not interested, they WILL NOT leave you alone. Sorry, but you have no idea what you're talking about here.
Load More Replies... Annie Kitson 3 years ago
A lot more to this comment than you are seeing here. For one thing no Jehovah's witness calls themselves a Jehovah and I'm guessing the family dynamics are dysfunctional also. Talk to a JW about why they might do things you think are strange and make up your own mind. Don't follow the crowd of uninformed sheep.
#6
Not necessarily a cult, but children having to say the pledge of allegiance everyday in school gives off cult vibes.
Jan Rosier 3 years ago
so I am not the only one to feel like this when I see it somewhere in movies or reportages
During a previous in-depth interview, Bored Panda spoke about cults with Suzanne Degges-White, a Licensed Counselor, Professor, and Chair at the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at Northern Illinois University.
"The worst thing about cult indoctrination is that people actually LOVE the feeling they get in being a part of something bigger than themselves. Folks who have the wisdom to recognize that they are being led into a cult are not the ones who are going to be totally indoctrinated and stuck inside it," the professor told Bored Panda.
"They recognize that the leader is likely a charlatan and they have enough of a support system beyond the cult that they don't get totally sucked into it in the first place. The people who actually NEED to get out of it are going to have to have a support system or something better outside the cult if they are going to leave,” she said.
"Cult leaders are master manipulators who are also excellent readers of others—and they truly sense who is a more likely 'follower' aka 'victim' and tend to invest their energy wisely. They don't waste too much time on people they don't think will easily join their ranks," Professor Degges-White told Bored Panda earlier.
#7
QAnon.
foco_del_fuego replied:
My wife's parents fell off deep into the Q-hole. It's more sad than anything.
SableyeFan replied:
I lost a mother to this. I left home because it was unsafe for my physical well-being to remain with how ready she was to shoot anyone who 'attacked' our home.
#8
I was born & raised as Independent Fundamental Baptist, which is Duggar family level of fundie. Their cult, IBLP, is a bit more restricting than IFB though — IFB didn’t force the long modest dresses or shotgun courtships, at least. But anyways, I’m 26 now and didn’t realize I was in a cult until about 3 months ago, and it was totally accidental while I was reading about Josh Duggar’s trial. Literally a wrong click on the page is how I found out.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Many upvotes. "Quiverfull" etc. are movements that, frankly, scare me. The damage they do to individuals is horrendous; the damage they do through political influence is worse. See: Overturn of Roe v Wade in the US.
#9
The Amish. They control nearly every aspect of their followers’ lives and live in incredibly insular society. Sure they let their kids experience the outside world and choose for themselves through rumspringa, but they seemingly set them up for failure by throwing them into the deep end with no preparation at a time in their lives (17-21) when people aren’t noted for great decision making. When the kids almost inevitably end up crashing and burning back into the fold, they are forced to remain for the rest of their lives through the threat of shunning where even your own parents will treat you as if you are dead and invisible. Sure they look quaint with their beards, buggies, and barns, but if you actually look at them critically, they’re as bad as any other cult, they’ve just been around longer.
"Cult leaders are narcissistic individuals who use their self-interest and charisma to prey on their followers. This, of course, requires that their followers, or marks, have certain traits that make them more likely to be preyed upon. Research suggests that some of the traits that make people vulnerable to joining a cult include suffering from anxiety or depression or addictions.”
People who are anxious or depressed are more vulnerable because cults offer ‘solutions’ to their problems.
"People with addictions need to have something to fill the hole left when they stop using whatever substance/behavior that they are addicted to. Addiction reflects a hunger and cult leaders have an easy time using their powers of persuasion to convince the follower that they and their cult can fill that need," the professor told us.
"Cult leaders often use the powers of seduction to convince people to follow them—they use flattery of a potential member along with promises of 'belonging' and being 'needed,' so that can be extremely enticing to someone who feels that something important is missing in their life. When someone convinces us that they care more about us than anyone else in our world, we will do whatever they want us to do just to keep their light shining on us," she explained how cult leaders exploit others’ psychology.
#10
Flat earthers.
troufaki13 3 years ago
Eratosthenes figured that the earth is round more than 2000 years ago with the help of two sticks, the sun and a friend who measured the distance between Alexandria and Syene. These people have all the knowledge in the palm of their hands but still refuse to see the truth
#11
Most religions. They are “soft cults” but cultish nonetheless. Some may not physically stop you from leaving but fear of existential threat is a very real thing for many. Prime example: My grandmother was raised Catholic and had a child out of wedlock. At one point in the 80s she was on her deathbed (did not die fortunately), she asked for last rites and a priest denied her because of her infidelity. Now, she had also been raised in a HIGHLY abusive Catholic orphanage that has in recent times been exposed for mass child graves as well as child rape and torture, so she was exposed to every abuse known under these people. Even after all that she lived the rest of her life entirely convinced that when she died she would spend an eternity in hell. I can’t imagine how terrifying that thought must be for a believer. She was an amazingly sweet person but that indoctrination made her feel like she was unworthy of love her entire life while living in fear of what may come next. If that’s not a cult by any reasonable definition then I don’t know what is.
ThatBiBookLover 3 years ago
Im going to brace myself to be flooded and attacked with downvotes; I’m risking my account with this. Not all religions are bad. Actually, let me rephrase that - religions can be good or bad, depending on the person. Let’s take my friend for example. She’s Christian. She believes in Jesus; however, she doesn’t go to church every Sunday if she doesn’t want to, she doesn’t shove it up other people’s arses, and her parents won’t shun her if she chooses to leave that religion. On the other hand, we have batshit crazy people who tell you that you will “go to hell” if you aren’t Christian. Religions are as good or bad as the people. I’m religious; however, I do not shove it up other people. I peacefully believe in gods, and live my life normally. Thank you, and now I might get banned.
#12
Don’t see anywhere where someone’s said Fraternities/Sororities. Wildly a cult. Was in one. Now I’m mid-thirties and it’s ridiculous what they make you do and how they make you feel. Especially at such a vulnerable age.
The Idaho Potato 3 years ago
Can't even say the Hellenic alphabet right. Their 'Greek lifestyle' is worse than fake.
"You are treated like family and you have other cult members who make you feel welcome and work hard to develop that sense of belonging. When nothing else in your life is giving you what you need or satisfying you in important ways, a cult is the perfect setting to feel valued and that you matter," the professor noted that this is how members are trapped in cults.
"To get someone you care about out of the cult, you have to work hard and be available to help them see reason. You have to encourage them to stay involved in activities beyond the cult, to engage in connections with people who are 'outsiders.’ For some people, the sense of belonging within a cult is worth more than autonomy, wealth, or connections to family or those beyond the cult. That's when interventions by caring others are needed to help that person recognize the truth of their situation."
#13
Elon Musk fans. He could literally murder somebody and they would still be like "he is so innovative! A tech genius! My IDOL!" and would come up with an excuse as to why the murder was justified
#14
Mommy groups. Tsunamiis replied: Amen. I’ve been a stay-at-home dad for ten years. When I go to kids things alone everyone looks at me like a p**ophile. Not a single parent will give me their name if I don’t directly ask and no one wants to hear anything I have to say. My kids don’t have friends.
OmBoyGanesh 3 years ago (edited)
My husband and I deal with this daily. The police know us, because two grown men with a son is so suspect we deal with them a minimum of weekly. Luckily our kid is in a smaller school with great teachers & parents, but out in the rest of the world, these sanctimonious mommies are constantly on our ásses. We have to carry copies of his birth certificate & adoption papers, along with his actual passport, just in case we’re cornered by the mommy cultists.
#15
The Herbalife company. Despite being accused of being a pyramid scheme, they continue to function similarly. There are some people from my childhood who became addicted to it, and they act very much like members of a cult.
#16
Southern Pentecostal Baptist Snake Handlers
Grew up going to one of these churches. Long drive to a small church hidden in the woods. They honestly believed only their members were gonna make it to heaven. We saw some crazy stuff in that building.
Jan Rosier 3 years ago
They still exist? Thought it was just movie-stuff... unbeleivable. (pun in tended...)
#17
Yesterday, I actually observed a job posting that stated "Don't bother applying if receiving money is your main motivation. Here, we live like a family."
One of the most degrading things I've ever read was that.
Just to be clear, this job was compensated. They simply stated that they wouldn't be paying you much, I presume.
#18
Evangelical conservatives.
Lemaire 3 years ago
Ex-evangelical and comparative religion major here. As much as I disagree with the practices, dogma, and politics of evangelicals, especially fundamentalist evangelicals, I don't think it is accurate to label evangelicalism a cult. At least it is no more a cult than the Catholic church or mainline protestant denominations. Arguably, evangelical churches are more decentralized and lack a common leader other than God. Many evangelical churches are non-denominational meaning that they don't belong to any dogma prescribing organization or higher authority. In fact, one major tenet of evangelicalism is that people can talk to Jesus directly without the need of mediation from priests or ministers. Of course, there are numerous, independent evangelical churches led by charismatic, narcissistic, greedy preachers, and those could be described as cults, but not the entire evangelical movement.
#19
MLMs.
BoothWilkesJohn replied:
Absolutely yes. My folks are in Amway, starting when I was in middle school. They were supposed to be millionaires by the time my dad retired (they are not).
Growing up, they were hardly ever home. They were gone every weekend at events that of course they paid to attend. Every time we were driving, they played self help tapes. The worst though was that they wanted everything to be positive, nothing negative. Sad? Be happy. Angry? Be happy. I couldn't have any kind of relationship with them beyond pretending everything was fine. A whole household bottles up their feelings for years. Once I was 17, I was hardly ever home. I slept at friends' homes or came back super late, after everyone was asleep. I left the day I turned 18.
It has completely consumed their lives. All of their social life is Amway, not because they cut people out who didn't join, because everyone who wouldn't got sick of the sales pitch over and over. After I became an adult and left their home, any time we came back to visit, they were trying to recruit me and my wife. We stopped going over except for the primary holidays, and now hardly that anymore. They've stopped the sales pitch, but it's their whole identity. We have nothing to talk about, except what's going on with us, which doesn't last long. It's beyond awkward.
Fortunately, my wife has a delightful family.
Mrs. EW 3 years ago
My fam was all into the Amway nonsense for a bit. Many “vacations” were centered around conferences. We had all the tapes, cleaning products, vitamins, shakes and the Goads. My sister and I were all about that band, as we were very young. I had the, “I love Jesus better than ice cream shirt”. My dad had the one that said, “Fired Up!” I was even up in stage with them once. So weird
#20
Crossfitter here. We are absolutely a cult. Phish fan also. HUGE cult.
#21
Ballet.
You are basically at their whim. You are expected to pay tuition, costumes, dance wear, dance shoes, travel fees, competition fees, production fees, tickets, and do volunteer work and give up your entire schedule.
If you complain at all about anything valid or not- they shun you by not giving your kid a good role or not moving them up a level. And they withhold attention to your child.
You literally must schedule all life around ballet. And pay thousands and thousands of dollars so your kid can be in the back.
If you quit all the former dance parents and friends will shun you.
#22
MLMs, particularly Mary Kay. I once attended a convention as a consultant's guest in an effort to persuade me to go. Very stepford-like. She also failed to inform me that you were supposed to dress up, so I arrived in jeans and a hoodie.
#23
Literally all of them. There isn’t a single cult, including the really scary ones that people make documentaries about, that believes it’s a cult. Source: I was raised in the Children of God/Family International. We never thought we were in a cult, but we very much were.
#24
The Duggar Family.
lemonrence replied:
They’re associated with IBLP and Gothard was their leader so definitely a cult. Someone is dropping a highly anticipated documentary about it some time next year, really can’t wait to watch it
If you go to r/DuggarsSnark there was a recent AMA done with a childhood friend of Anna Duggar, wife of convicted pedophile/oldest Duggar son. Very enlightening read
BrownTabby 3 years ago
I used to be on a forum that talked about the cultishness of the Duggars. Their nickname for Gothard was Got Hard.
#25
Masons! My husband joined and was in it for a long time. I used to joke with him that it was a cult and he’d defend the masons. He tried for a while to have me join the Order of the Eastern Star and I declined. Then one day I noticed he didn’t go to his meeting, then his missed another and another. When I asked he just said he no longer had the time. I jokingly said oh did you finally realize that you joined a cult? He turned 3 shades lighter and walked away.
#26
The troubled teen industry (youth residential “therapy” programs that are underregulated and rampant with abuse, SA, and children’s deaths)
Edit: the earlier programs were closely based off the teachings of a cult called Synanon. Not every program open right now is a cult itself but their history is abusive and most programs do significantly more harm than good.
#27
Here in the Philippines, we have a pretty big one called "Iglesia ni Cristo / Church of Christ". Don't even think about leaving once you become a member. You'll be heavily ostracized and shamed on by your family, friends, and other church members. They'll even send an official out to "convince(harass)" you until you come back. It's gotten so bad that there's many support groups for ex-members. There's even one on Reddit called: r/exIglesiaNiCristo It's not as bad as the f****d up cults in the world that do very bad things, but they're still generally hated here. If I were to compare them with another religion, they're probably like those aggressive super-Mormons you hear about here. But to me, INC is worse since they actually meddle in the country's politics for their own interests.
#28
The Andrew Tate fandom.
SomeEntityHere replied:
Andrew Tate's War Room is definitely a cult as well.
#29
My parents sent me to this all girls "Christian reform" school. Long story short, it was a cult, only took me 30 years to figure out through therapy. F'd me up
#30
Jared Leto and his followers. That mf is fake, and has a messiah complex. And his followers, don't get me started on them
#31
Crunchy moms especially since many of them have started being far right or involved in the quiverfull movement. I used to be one and its insane the amount of money and dedication I put into that c**p and if you veered just a little bit you were shunned. I offered a mom once a packet of organic gummies for her kid and you would have thought I was handing her poison because goodness forbid it's got dye and sugar in it. They are constantly trying to "one up" themselves to see who is more "pure" and "natural". I saw mom's on FB groups try to treat their kids burns with EOs and have them on sugar fasts where they weren't even allowed fruit. My husband and I have a kid who was high in medical needs and didn't make a lot of money but I spent so much on organic food, "natural" everything, I made my own cleaning supplies, read all the mommy blogs and worried about microwaves,toxins in the air, vaccines,etc. There was always something new to worry about and some new solution I could buy or make to "help". I was a nervous wreck most of the time and broke asf. Plus my kid started worrying all the time about toxins and that was a big wake up call for me. I also went to a church where it was believed you needed to have as many kids as possible, didn't celebrate holidays,etc. Also you weren't allowed to talk about anything that contradicted their teachings and you were limited on what you were allowed to read. I was told I didn't have enough faith because I only had one kid never mind the fact another could literally kill me.I left after I started seeing things that really bothered me like child abuse that was being hushed about plus once again,trying to stay that damn "perfect" in their eyes was stressful asf. I'm much happier now in my heathen and anti crunchy ways 😂😂
#32
A Christian affiliated dénomination called *United Church of God* I grew up in this church. I remember hearing several sermons about what a cult is and how many people called the United Church of God a cult (wikipedia even classifies it as a cult lol AND THEY WOULD MENTION THAT FACT IN SERMONS". They'd go on and on about how catholicism is really the biggest cult of all. Lol the denial is really deep within this one. My whole immediate family still attends and is baptized. At least they finally gave up on trying to reconvert me.
Robert McKenzie 3 years ago
"They'd go on and on about how catholicism is really the biggest cult of all." Well at least they managed to get one thing right!
#33
Texas A&M. mrbuh replied: My mom likes to tell the story about when I visited there as a high school senior. It was a one night sleepover tour. I hated it. When she came to pick me up the following day I was waiting at the curb, sitting on my packed suitcase. I hopped immediately into the car and the first thing I said was, "It's a cult. Let's get out of here."
#34
My wife grew up in a cult that her mother is still part of/a heavily active member. They tell you where to live, how long to live there, who to MARRY, & how much money you make. They rent abandoned warehouses every few years throughout the country & it is invite ONLY to get in. & then they disappear without a trace. One of the ex members wrote a blog about it like 10 years ago & I'll link it if I can find it. Also, it's just called The Church of Christ AMA
#35
Peloton. Otmfer replied: Absolutely. The Facebook page is so toxic. If you say anything negative about the company, hundreds of people come for you. It’s so strange. It’s like they think you’re talking about their family.
#36
Christian science.
#37
Disney. CPA0908 replied: there's the Disney adults that will go to Disney a few times a year or at all, and that enjoy the parks like normal people. then there's the Disney adults with entirely Disney merch, magnets, bumper stickers, cups, shirts, all that kind of s**t. those are the bad ones
#38
Whatever ridiculousness The Transformed Wife spreads.
#39
Apple users. 512165381 replied: I was in a mall one weekday & there few a few people in each store. Walked into the small Apple store & there were about 80 people there. Like a cult convention.
Karma Black 3 years ago
I must be weird. I have an iPad and an iphone, but they're honestly just a phone and tablet that suit my meds more than my Androids did. None of my accessories are Apple. My smartwatch isn't Apple. My laptop isn't Apple. I just don't understand the cultish attitude around the products.
#40
There's the usual answers like religions, tech start-ups, etc. And then there's the BTS Army.
#41
Avatar EPC, founded by an ex scientology member. Their vision is to "enlighten" the world. I've done their basic course, 9 days, which did have real good parts (mid week), but the people there were weird. Some of them were straight outcast, weird, probably rejected by society somehow. One guy had a "happy face". He kept on smiling because that would make him happy. I believe it to some extend that if you smile, you get to feel more happy, but this only works for a small part. He did it all the way. He coached me with some excercises, and surprisingly he really did help me - but man, was he weird! They told me that all they did was give you a training for money, but while doing the training they tried to trick you into doing the next course, the master course. The first course you did for yourself, the second one you did for the people around you - family, friends, name it. It felt really wrong, and I didn't do the master course. During the day-opening they gave all of these subliminal messages, pushing you to subscribe to the master course. If you did, you got a badge with a star on it, so everybody could see it, and the rest of the week you got compliments and friendly conversations because of it. Right after lunch they showed videos of Harry Palmer, the founder, who did instructional or educational videos. These were horrible to watch, and after two days I skipped them. You had to leave lunch early, sometimes with an excuse, because otherwise they wouldn't let you go. They even checked the toilets. With 400 people doing the course, they didn't notice my absence, so that was good. It was amazing how quick I ended up talking to the top three people during that week, probably because I resisted. They were fascinated with me somehow. It was a strange group of people. After a while I realised that I didn't want any of them becoming my friend. After that week they kept calling me each month, and I couldn't pick up because I didn't know how to say no to these people. They are excellent salesmen and know how to keep you from saying no, like "but don't you want to be happy?" The trick was to say "no" real plain, decisive but not too, and never to use an excuse. If you said that it was too expensive, or that you had a holiday planned, they offered to help you ask for money from your boss for this training, or to help you to cancel the holiday. They did teach me some real good tricks, and it did help me clear my head for some time, but in the end I didn't want to be part of it. If you went all in, it meant daily contact with another Avatar-"friend" to do the excercises to keep you awake. It creeped me out.
#42
High end raiding guilds in World of Warcraft. I'm not sure how much anymore, I haven't played in a couple years, but especially back in Vanilla-WotLK days Being in a raiding guild really felt like being in a cult. Like, you were pretty much expected to give up everything outside of raiding. It would take hours upon hours a week of scheduled time with the guild, then many more hours outside the raiding to work up your professions, grind dailies, I've known people to neglect their health, kids, jobs, school, family, everything because their guild was determined to be the best on their server. You listen to the guild leader for your schedule and you live by it. You follow orders. And of course you /can/ technically leave at any time, and you'll be kicked out if you don't perform well, but, it's such an addiction that quitting it is like quitting a drug. It was easier for me to quit smoking than to quit raiding.
Roland Gosselin 3 years ago
Yeah, same with many other MMORPG or just MMO games. Super addictive, take over your life, siphon your bank account.
#43
SEC College football Sauce: Live in the South. I've seen people nearly get into fist fights over this s**t.
JoyfulZebra 3 years ago
The Auburn-Alabama might just be the most toxic sports rivalry in the U.S., and that's saying something.
What do you think ?
Nicholas Montgomery 3 years ago
yes. they get you to by merch and hype it up while its just a mediocre preformance.
Load More Replies... DandyLion 3 years ago (edited)
I hate how if you state an opinion that varies from everyone else (and it is not even hateful opinions) that you get banned and your account locked down. If you are not making threats to people's lives or actively trying to offend people you should be allowed to state your opinion even if people don't agree with it. I rarely come on here because one side of a conversation is always pushed forward and any difference in opinion is drowned out. What is the comment section for?!? It is for people to state their opinions. If you don't want differences in opinion then don't even offer a comment section. Thank you.
Sam Walker 3 years ago
Here, here! I kept waiting to see "Wokism" listed anywhere and was grossly disappointed.
Load More Replies... DJR 3 years ago
US Navy chief petty officers. It's a cult of toxic leadership. They are more committed to each other than they are to the navy. One line from the manual stuck out above the rest: "when sailors come to you with their idea, they leave with the chief's idea".
Terd Fergison 3 years ago
The JW is one of the worst cults. They have huge amounts of rapes, child rapes, and coverups that go all the way to the top of their organization. They misinterpret one line of the Bible that says, don’t take the blood, and they think it applies to modern blood transfusions. So, if a JW mother is bleeding out during childbirth, they refuse blood transfusions and they often times let the JW mother die. They claim that the world is ending any minute. And they have been claiming that for well over a hundred years. They have made many specific end times prophecies that have all failed. Because of this they discourage their cult members from going to college. Because they think the world is ending and they don’t want their people to gain outside knowledge (knowledge that’ll contradict their lies). They horribly shun any member that doesn’t follow their strict rules. They are homophobic. They are truly sick, sad people.
E A M 3 years ago
Cat People - of which I am proudly a member! Once a cat sinks its claws into your heart, there's no going back. Before you know it, you have cat apparel and accessories, cat home decor and most of your salary is going toward toys and beds they will never use and food they'll love one day and hate the next.
DC 3 years ago
... and so many more... The Hells Angels are one for sure, ... controlling, restricting, grabbing as they all are, but in this case they somehow got themselves into thinking that, while there is no reason to fear them, there are plenty of reasons to fear them. Totally nuts, all of it.
madbakes 3 years ago
They are a gang, and I guess every gang is kind of a cult.
Load More Replies...
RJ The Drama King 3 years ago
How did nobody say Southern Baptist. My dads side of the family didn't talk to me for a bit because I dated a "witch". She literally just liked reading books like Harry Potter
Alex Truther 3 years ago
As a proud vegan, I feel left out of this list. Trust me, when you tell someone you're a vegan, they act like you are in a cult. 😂
ObsidianAce_ 3 years ago
Marching band. We have meetings/practices/games every week, we have jokes that no one else understands, most marching band kids friends are also in marching band, we joke about being a cult, we all wear ___ band shirts on game days. We are absolutely a cult. This is a joke. (Wanna join marching band?)
Shyla Bouche 3 years ago
Sardonyx, I agree with you. Christianity quickly became all about earthly power, and the message was lost. That doesn't mean goodness doesn't exist in our world, or that there aren't people who take the tenets of Jesus to heart. I wish more people would.
Tunk 3 years ago
Meh. We are all part of a cult. Everything we do and buy and eat and shop and act and watch. We turn against and attack each other instead of holding the puppet masters of corporation and government to account. And then we reward them with popularity and eye watering amounts of money when we know how many millions of lives they directly affect. Glass houses innt.
Barbara Cochrane 3 years ago
Soo everything is a cult according to all of you? Sports, religion, education, any hobby, anything you enjoy with other people is a cult?
Powerful Katrinka 3 years ago
I knew someone would say this. AA has absolutely NOTHING cult-like about it. There is no leader, no one demands all your money, each group is completely autonomous, you can come and go as you like, and the only requirement for membership is "a desire to stop drinking." There are some individual groups that are rigid and judgmental, but that is always because of some members' egos. There is a saying in AA: if you don't like the group you're in, go out and start a group of your own. I've attended meetings of AA atheists who can't stomach any talk of God, so there isn't even a requirement to believe in the same thing.
Load More Replies... 
censorshipsucks 3 years ago
noooooo it's called greenhouse effect. Have you ever been in a greenhouse? why is it hotter than the open air outside it? because it traps the suns rays inside. Same with CO2. This is really trivial to google. Instead of reading trumpist comments on facebook, try an actual university. https://scienceexchange.caltech.edu/topics/sustainability/evidence-climate-change
Load More Replies... 
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
I'm not offended. I'm sad you think that anyone who thinks humans contribute to climate change are without understanding, "pray to Gaia" (?!?!) and think the gov't will fix it. That's a very echo-chamber view, and you've discounted the work of thousands of scientists, who have collected mountains of data and majority of them have seen the same result: Humans f*ck things up.
Load More Replies... Nicholas Montgomery 3 years ago
yes. they get you to by merch and hype it up while its just a mediocre preformance.
Load More Replies... DandyLion 3 years ago (edited)
I hate how if you state an opinion that varies from everyone else (and it is not even hateful opinions) that you get banned and your account locked down. If you are not making threats to people's lives or actively trying to offend people you should be allowed to state your opinion even if people don't agree with it. I rarely come on here because one side of a conversation is always pushed forward and any difference in opinion is drowned out. What is the comment section for?!? It is for people to state their opinions. If you don't want differences in opinion then don't even offer a comment section. Thank you.
Sam Walker 3 years ago
Here, here! I kept waiting to see "Wokism" listed anywhere and was grossly disappointed.
Load More Replies... DJR 3 years ago
US Navy chief petty officers. It's a cult of toxic leadership. They are more committed to each other than they are to the navy. One line from the manual stuck out above the rest: "when sailors come to you with their idea, they leave with the chief's idea".
Terd Fergison 3 years ago
The JW is one of the worst cults. They have huge amounts of rapes, child rapes, and coverups that go all the way to the top of their organization. They misinterpret one line of the Bible that says, don’t take the blood, and they think it applies to modern blood transfusions. So, if a JW mother is bleeding out during childbirth, they refuse blood transfusions and they often times let the JW mother die. They claim that the world is ending any minute. And they have been claiming that for well over a hundred years. They have made many specific end times prophecies that have all failed. Because of this they discourage their cult members from going to college. Because they think the world is ending and they don’t want their people to gain outside knowledge (knowledge that’ll contradict their lies). They horribly shun any member that doesn’t follow their strict rules. They are homophobic. They are truly sick, sad people.
E A M 3 years ago
Cat People - of which I am proudly a member! Once a cat sinks its claws into your heart, there's no going back. Before you know it, you have cat apparel and accessories, cat home decor and most of your salary is going toward toys and beds they will never use and food they'll love one day and hate the next.
DC 3 years ago
... and so many more... The Hells Angels are one for sure, ... controlling, restricting, grabbing as they all are, but in this case they somehow got themselves into thinking that, while there is no reason to fear them, there are plenty of reasons to fear them. Totally nuts, all of it.
madbakes 3 years ago
They are a gang, and I guess every gang is kind of a cult.
Load More Replies... RJ The Drama King 3 years ago
How did nobody say Southern Baptist. My dads side of the family didn't talk to me for a bit because I dated a "witch". She literally just liked reading books like Harry Potter
Alex Truther 3 years ago
As a proud vegan, I feel left out of this list. Trust me, when you tell someone you're a vegan, they act like you are in a cult. 😂
ObsidianAce_ 3 years ago
Marching band. We have meetings/practices/games every week, we have jokes that no one else understands, most marching band kids friends are also in marching band, we joke about being a cult, we all wear ___ band shirts on game days. We are absolutely a cult. This is a joke. (Wanna join marching band?)
Shyla Bouche 3 years ago
Sardonyx, I agree with you. Christianity quickly became all about earthly power, and the message was lost. That doesn't mean goodness doesn't exist in our world, or that there aren't people who take the tenets of Jesus to heart. I wish more people would.
Tunk 3 years ago
Meh. We are all part of a cult. Everything we do and buy and eat and shop and act and watch. We turn against and attack each other instead of holding the puppet masters of corporation and government to account. And then we reward them with popularity and eye watering amounts of money when we know how many millions of lives they directly affect. Glass houses innt.
Barbara Cochrane 3 years ago
Soo everything is a cult according to all of you? Sports, religion, education, any hobby, anything you enjoy with other people is a cult?
Powerful Katrinka 3 years ago
I knew someone would say this. AA has absolutely NOTHING cult-like about it. There is no leader, no one demands all your money, each group is completely autonomous, you can come and go as you like, and the only requirement for membership is "a desire to stop drinking." There are some individual groups that are rigid and judgmental, but that is always because of some members' egos. There is a saying in AA: if you don't like the group you're in, go out and start a group of your own. I've attended meetings of AA atheists who can't stomach any talk of God, so there isn't even a requirement to believe in the same thing.
Load More Replies... censorshipsucks 3 years ago
noooooo it's called greenhouse effect. Have you ever been in a greenhouse? why is it hotter than the open air outside it? because it traps the suns rays inside. Same with CO2. This is really trivial to google. Instead of reading trumpist comments on facebook, try an actual university. https://scienceexchange.caltech.edu/topics/sustainability/evidence-climate-change
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
I'm not offended. I'm sad you think that anyone who thinks humans contribute to climate change are without understanding, "pray to Gaia" (?!?!) and think the gov't will fix it. That's a very echo-chamber view, and you've discounted the work of thousands of scientists, who have collected mountains of data and majority of them have seen the same result: Humans f*ck things up.
Load More Replies...
Related on Bored Panda
