Cults are complicated, and aren’t always easy to spot. They may claim to be places of safety and healing by offering psychological support — albeit typically false — to emotionally vulnerable people. These victims may have poor family or social relationships, lack self-esteem, have negative experiences with mainstream religion and seek answers to their problems or questions.
Most cults have charismatic and charming leaders who are seen as godlike by the cult's members. Leaders may use flattery and seduction in the beginning to lure members in, but later turn to mistreatment or abuse — either sexual, physical or mental — to maintain control.
Here are five cults that convinced their followers to perform terrible acts.
