THE FUTURE OF CULTS
Adaptation of cults for the modern day and beyond When thinking of a cult, the common interpretation would be of a secret society that performs rituals while committing legal violations in honour of its deity while holding an iron fist over its members. This interpretation isn’t entirely right but isn’t wrong either. The most basic definition of cult derives from the French word ‘culte’ which means worship, or to show honour or reverence to a greater power, this would also refer to religions, which was what was considered near their conception. As of the present day, it tends to refer to groups, focused on beliefs, normally ones that are uncommon, extremist or fictitious, led by charismatic or manipulative leaders who exercise excessive control over their members. Most of what can be considered cults contain one or more of these elements. Cults who use manipulation tend to do this in 4 major ways: by controlling action and behaviour, limiting dissemination of information, altering beli...