Do you recall the San Diego-area cult that killed itself in large numbers? They had the idea that there was a space spacecraft hiding behind a comet that was passing by the Earth, waiting to pick up sincere believers and take them to a better place. So they all took sleeping pills one night, wrapped their heads in plastic bags, and went to sleep. They never awoke.
It’s interesting how frequent these strange organizations are. Just that this particular gang took their common fantasy to an absurd level, which brought it to media attention. But the guidelines for assembling such groups of believers (which include several A-list Hollywood celebrities) are well known.
Cults that are destructive manipulate their members and don’t care about their welfare. It’s understandable why “cult” has evolved into a filthy four-letter word. However, not every cult is harmful. Cults are basic associations that display a deep devotion to a person or an object. There are many good, harmless cults. They also might benefit the health of their members. Cults can even elevate and inspire its members, in some cases.
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Here are Five Easy Steps to Starting A Cult
I’m going to admit it: I’m a cult-obsessed person. I’ve recently been seeing a lot of movies about cults, including those about The Family, the Scientologists, and the Branch Davidians. I believe I’ve discovered how cults begin by watching these movies. Therefore, starting a cult is no different from starting any other business if your professional aim is to become a cult leader but you’re unsure of how to get your foot in the door. Let’s see a five-easy-step guide to starting a cult!
- Create A Unique Feature
To better customise, your message to your target audience, first choose who they are. Creating an ideology only to discover that no one is interested in it is a common error made by beginner cult leaders. Decide what you can offer those who are isolated, friendless, or religious extremists and who are unhappy with mainstream culture.
Although the Bible is a good place to start, it can also be quite restricted, so you might want to think about including some of your texts. Science fiction is a common genre (pro tip) Orgies can also be a draw, but if that doesn’t work, you could also try forcing everyone to stay forever except for you. Usually, only one option works.
- Develop A Visual Brand
A coherent belief system is significantly less significant than appearances in determining cult success. Think carefully about the greatest visual representation of your brand because you want your cult to stand out to an outsider who isn’t familiar with it. This can take the form of matching blonde bob haircuts or red jumpsuits. It is helpful to think laterally, though; for instance, a fortified compound block will shout “cult” just as quickly as a required dress code.
As a leader, you should have a standout appearance that inspires respect. A robe and spaceship are the greatest in authority, but a statement outfit can also work wonders. …or a beautiful mullet.
- Recruit The Best Team
You’ll need a buddy who can put in the hard yards of operating a cult while you’re busy struggling over your nine-volume manifesto and delivering endless speeches over the speakers while your minions (sorry, followers) are engaged in physical work. You might be shocked by how much time-consuming administrative work is involved, from HR and hiring to monitoring and discipline.
A strong spokesperson is helpful for marketing purposes; ideally, Tom Cruise. Depending on his availability, anyone who can confidently say “tough titties” would be a good substitute.
- Be Different from The Competition
Moving your group to a less crowded area physically is the only certain way to make a splash in a crowded market. Many little villages spread across the Midwest of America may be found with a short Google search and are ideal locations to launch your cult.
If that doesn’t get you noticed right away, try arming yourself and picking fights with the locals. Before you can say “Jonestown,” your face will be all over the news.
- Describe What Success Involves
Congratulations on your small but devoted following! You must decide what your end goal is before leaving your UFO or moving to a South American forest, though. Anything from staging a spectacular interaction with the FBI to going global and obtaining tax-exempt status as a recognized religion is a potential example of how to do this. It’s easy to divide a task into smaller, more manageable phases once you have a target in mind.
Last but not least, keep in mind that every cult leader began exactly where you are now. Hence, keep trying! Lucky you!
Wrapping Up
Here we gave you information about the cult and some pro tips that will help you to understand how to start the cult in five basic steps. So, give this article a complete read for a better understanding!
Also read: Sherry Shriner: YouTube Cult and A Murder
