Cults Prophecies Practices and Personaliti

The 20th century has seen a rise in the number of cults and sects throughout the world. Until recently, groups such as the Moonies, the Hare Krishna movement and the Children of God were viewed as harmless zealots or cranks. However, doubts have been raised about the nature of some cults, with massive media coverage of events such as the mass suicides of the Jonestown People's cult in Guyana and David Koresh's Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas. Critics have even accused some cults of indoctrination, brainwashing and breaking up families. This work examines the popularity, claims, prophecies, rituals and practices of these groups, and profiles their mesmeric leaders and prophets. It provides a balanced background to these intriguing groups, and historical analysis places modern groups in context with religious cults throughout the centuries.