Cult Cultivation: Unveiling the Intriguing Aspects of Alternative Communities
By: Gabrielle Gunawan
Edited by: Fiorina Siamir
Cults have long been a subject of fascination, fear, and intrigue for society. They are often perceived as dangerous, secretive, and harmful groups that exploit vulnerable individuals. However, it is important to recognize that not all cults fit this stereotypical mould. In fact, some cults actually provide their members with a sense of belonging, empowering marginalized communities and supporting them, raising ethical questions and also making us ponder about how the lack of governmental support has led people to join cults as a last desperate resort.
Cults offering shelter and support to homeless people are a little-known but intriguing aspect of cult dynamics. For some homeless individuals, cults provide an alternative to the harsh realities of life on the streets or in shelters. These cults often promote a sense of community, shared purpose, and belonging, which can be powerful draws for those who have been marginalized by society. One such example is the Yellow Deli Cult, an offshoot of the Twelve Tribes community.
This religious group runs several cafes, including the famous Yellow Deli, where members live and work together. They provide a sense of belonging and structure to their members, which can be appealing to those who have nowhere else to turn.
Additionally. not all cults subjugate their members; some empower them by providing opportunities for leadership, self-improvement, and personal growth. For instance, the Manson Family, a notorious cult led by Charles Manson, became infamous for not only its horrific murders and mind-control tactics but also for empowering women. Manson initially attracted followers, including women, by promising them a sense of belonging, love, and an alternative to the constraints of mainstream society. Some women saw Manson as a liberator rather than an oppressor, illustrating the potent mind-control tactics that most cults have, attracting marginalized people like moths to a flame.
Consequently, the relationship between homelessness and cults is another topic that deserves special attention. Homeless people are one of the most vulnerable in society, often facing violence, hunger and lack of shelter. The cult, with its promise of community and support, can be attractive to those who do not have anywhere else. Its attraction is not always negative; it can really offer hope and safety to some of the most marginalized individuals in society. Nevertheless, this raises ethical questions about whether these cults really help or exploit individuals' vulnerabilities.
These examples challenge our preconceived notions about cults and illustrate the nuanced relationship between charismatic leaders, vulnerable followers and the search for belonging and empowerment. However, although it is important to note that not all cults are intrinsically destructive, we must remember that they promote harmful ideologies and engage in suspicious activities. The origins of many cults are rooted in religious beliefs, but most cults have taken these beliefs to dangerous extremes. They exploit the true spiritual desires of their members and manipulate these beliefs to serve the cult’s agenda. The beliefs of cults often include the total submission and unconditional obedience of their members to charismatic leaders through psychological manipulation, isolation from friends and family and financial exploitation. In fact, these examples may show that cults use the vulnerabilities of marginalised societies to manipulate them into subjugation as they create emotional and physical dependency. Therefore, it is best to avoid cults, even in desperate circumstances.