The term "cult" conjures vivid images in our minds, ranging from charismatic leaders and secretive rituals to tragic tales of individuals who have fallen under their leader’s spell. The phenomenon of cults has long captivated our imaginations, sparking both curiosity and concern. They challenge our understanding of how individuals can be drawn into such extreme beliefs.
But what exactly defines a cult, and what drives people to join these groups, surrendering their autonomy and embarking on a path of unquestioning devotion? Find out the psychology behind their allure and what sets cults apart from mainstream religions.
What Is a Cult?
The content or ideology at the core of a cult can be religious or vary beyond that. In a TED-Ed video about cults, Janja Lalich, an expert in cultic studies and Professor Emerita of sociology at California State University, Chico, says some cults are political, others are therapy-based and some focus on self-improvement.
Generally, she sees a couple of key elements defining a cult. “A cult is a group or movement with a shared commitment to a usually extreme ideology that is usually embodied in a charismatic leader,” Lalich says in her TED-Ed video.
