Cults today are considered groups with unusually excessive spiritual, religious, or philosophical beliefs. Here’s an update on the ten most notorious cults in American history.
Manson was able to convince his followers to murder nine people in the state of California. Actress Sharon Tate and four others at her home were some of the victims.
Within three years, the Big Muddy Ranch had turned into a 7,000-resident city, complete with its own police dept, fire dept, restaurants, and other city facilities.
Outside Wichita, Kansas, Lou Castro created a cult compound. He had convinced a small group of followers that he was a 1,000-year-old angel who could see into the future.
Several former members have reported that they were sexually abused and beaten as children. Others who were born into the group later killed themselves, including one of Berg’s sons.