World Famous Cults and Fanatics

1. The Enduring Human Need for a Messiah

“We were deluded by mere human influence, which we mistook for the Spirit of God.”

Seeking divine connection. Humans possess a deep-seated desire for meaning, salvation, and connection to something greater than themselves. This longing makes them susceptible to individuals who claim divine authority or offer a path to a better future, whether through miracles, prophecy, or a promise of a new age. The line between genuine spiritual experience and self-delusion or manipulation can be incredibly thin, often blurred by the intense emotional states involved in religious fervor.

Hope in times of despair. Messiahs often gain traction during periods of widespread suffering, oppression, or uncertainty. They offer hope, a sense of purpose, and a promise of deliverance from hardship, appealing to those who feel powerless or abandoned by traditional institutions. The belief that extraordinary powers or divine intervention are possible fuels the conviction that a single individual can bring about radical change, providing a focal point for collective aspirations and anxieties.

The power of conviction. The unwavering belief of a charismatic leader, even if based on misinterpretation or delusion, can be incredibly contagious. Followers often see in the leader's certainty a reflection of divine truth, leading them to abandon logic, material possessions, and even their lives for the cause. This phenomenon highlights the profound psychological impact of charismatic authority and the human capacity for intense faith, even in the face of repeated disappointment or contradictory evidence.

2. Turmoil and Oppression Fuel Messianic Movements

In effect, the Church became the supreme dictator.

Seeds of discontent. Periods of social, political, or religious upheaval create fertile ground for messianic movements. When established authorities are seen as corrupt, oppressive, or ineffective, people look for alternative sources of leadership and hope. This was evident historically when the Christian Church gained immense power and wealth, leading to widespread discontent among the poor and marginalized who felt exploited by their spiritual masters.

Rebellion against the status quo. Many messiahs and prophets emerge as rebels, challenging the existing power structures and offering a radical alternative. They often denounce the corruption of the elite and promise a redistribution of power or wealth, attracting followers who feel disenfranchised. This dynamic played out repeatedly throughout history, from peasant revolts inspired by religious figures to sects challenging the authority of the established Church.

The promise of a new order. Whether predicting the end of the world, the return of a warrior-king, or the establishment of a utopian community, messiahs capitalize on the desire for a fundamental change in the existing order. They offer a vision of a future free from suffering and injustice, providing a powerful rallying point for those seeking escape from their current circumstances. This apocalyptic or utopian vision is a recurring theme, promising a dramatic transformation that justifies radical actions and unwavering loyalty.

3. The Messiah as a Political and Military Leader

The word messiah means “anointed” in Hebrew, and refers to the Jewish belief that King David will one day return and lead his people to victory.

The original expectation. The concept of the Messiah in Judaism was fundamentally linked to a political and military leader who would restore Israel's sovereignty. This expectation arose during periods of foreign domination, fueling the hope for a figure who would lead the people to victory against their oppressors. Figures like Simon Bar Kochba embodied this traditional messianic role, leading armed revolts against Roman rule.

Jesus's divergence. Jesus, while seen as the Messiah by his followers, seemed to deliberately distance himself from the political and military implications of the title. His focus on a spiritual kingdom rather than an earthly one often clashed with the popular expectation of a warrior-king. This divergence highlights the tension between the political aspirations of the oppressed and the spiritual messages of some religious leaders.

Failed military messiahs. Many subsequent messiahs, particularly in times of conflict, adopted the mantle of military leadership, promising to lead their followers to earthly victory. Figures like Thomas Muntzer, leading peasant armies, or Eudo de Stella, organizing followers into a rebellious force, fit this pattern. However, history shows that these attempts to fulfill the warrior-king prophecy often ended in violent defeat and the death of the messiah and their followers.

4. Miracles, Ecstasy, and the Power of Belief

But the evidence of Brother Desa’s power of flight cannot automatically be dismissed; it is overwhelming.

Signs of divine favor. Perceived miracles, whether healings, levitations, or feats of endurance, play a crucial role in validating a messiah's claims and attracting followers. These phenomena are interpreted as proof of divine power working through the individual, reinforcing belief and inspiring awe. The case of Joseph of Copertino, the "flying monk," illustrates how inexplicable events, even if seemingly simple, can build a reputation for holiness and attract widespread attention.

Ecstasy and altered states. Many messianic movements involve practices designed to induce states of religious ecstasy, such as rhythmic dancing, chanting, or flagellation. These altered states can lead to powerful subjective experiences, including visions, hallucinations, and feelings of divine connection, which followers interpret as direct contact with the sacred. The convulsionnaires of Saint-Médard, exhibiting extreme physical contortions and apparent insensitivity to pain, demonstrate the profound physical and psychological effects achievable through collective religious fervor.

Mind over matter. Some reported phenomena associated with messiahs and their followers, such as apparent immunity to injury or the ability to heal, suggest a potential for "mind over matter" that is not fully understood by conventional science. While skepticism is warranted for many claims, documented cases like those at Saint-Médard, witnessed by credible figures, challenge easy dismissal as mere fraud or mass hysteria. These instances highlight the complex interplay between belief, psychology, and potentially unexplored human capabilities.

5. Religious Fanaticism Can Lead to Extreme Violence

We have seen that religious fanatics are capable of ruthless cruelty.

Justification for brutality. Religious belief, when combined with fanaticism, can provide a powerful justification for extreme violence and cruelty. Followers may believe they are acting on divine command, purifying the world, or fighting against evil forces, leading to atrocities that would be unthinkable under normal circumstances. Groups like the Assassins and the Thugs exemplify how murder can become a religious duty, carried out with unwavering dedication.

Targeting the "other". Fanatical groups often define themselves in opposition to an "other," whether religious rivals, ethnic groups, or perceived enemies of their faith. This dehumanization of the target makes violence easier to commit, as the victims are seen as obstacles to divine will or inherently evil. The massacres of Jews during the Black Death or the violence perpetrated by the Ku Klux Klan against minorities illustrate this dangerous dynamic.

Internal purges. Violence is not always directed outwards; many cults turn on their own members, enforcing loyalty through fear and eliminating dissenters. Leaders may order the torture or murder of followers who question their authority or attempt to leave, reinforcing control through terror. The actions of figures like David Koresh, punishing followers severely, or the internal violence within groups like the Skoptzy or Manson Family, demonstrate this chilling aspect of cult control.

6. Sex, Freedom, and Control in Religious Cults

“And if one brother desires to commit sodomy with a male, he should do so without let or hindrance and without any feeling of sin, as otherwise he would not be a Brother of the Free Mind.”

Challenging conventional morality. Some messianic and mystical movements have explicitly rejected traditional sexual norms, advocating for practices ranging from free love and communal marriage to ritual orgies. These groups often believe that conventional morality is a constraint imposed by corrupt institutions and that true spiritual freedom includes sexual liberation. The Brethren of the Free Spirit and the Khlysty are historical examples of sects that incorporated sexual promiscuity into their religious rites.

Sex as a sacrament. In some doctrines, sexual acts are elevated to a sacred level, seen as a way to achieve spiritual union or express divine love. Leaders like Klaus Ludwig or John Humphrey Noyes developed elaborate theological justifications for their sexual practices, viewing them as essential components of their religious path. This redefinition of sex as a holy act allowed followers to engage in behaviors considered sinful by mainstream society while believing they were serving a higher purpose.

Sexual control as a tool. While some cults preached sexual freedom, others used sexual control as a means of dominating followers. Leaders might claim exclusive sexual access to female members, dictate who could have sex with whom, or even enforce celibacy or mutilation. David Koresh's claim to all women as his "wives" and Kondrati Selivanov's founding of the castrating Skoptzy sect illustrate how sexual practices can become instruments of absolute control and power within a cult.

7. America: A Fertile Ground for New Prophets

After the cruelty and bloodshed of the past two chapters, it is a relief to emerge into the calmer waters of the nineteenth century, when a messiah was no longer in danger of being tortured or burnt at the stake.

Religious freedom and revivalism. The United States, founded on principles of religious freedom, provided a unique environment for new religious movements to flourish without the immediate threat of state persecution faced in Europe. The 19th century, in particular, was marked by waves of religious revivalism, creating a climate of spiritual seeking and openness to new doctrines. This atmosphere allowed figures like William Miller and Joseph Smith to gain significant followings.

Utopian experiments. America's vast frontier and spirit of innovation also fostered numerous attempts to create utopian communities based on religious or social ideals. Groups like the Mormons and the Oneida Community sought to build new societies based on their unique beliefs, including controversial practices like communal living and complex marriage. These experiments, while often facing external hostility, demonstrated the possibility of establishing alternative social structures.

Gullibility and opportunity. The relative tolerance and rapid social change in America also created opportunities for charismatic individuals, some genuinely inspired, others less so, to attract followers. The case of Saint Matthias, a conman who successfully exploited the faith of wealthy patrons, highlights the potential for manipulation in this environment. The blend of genuine spiritual seeking and susceptibility to charismatic figures made America a particularly fertile ground for a diverse range of messiahs and cults.

8. Modern Messiahs Blend Charisma, Delusion, and Control

The words could serve as the epitaph of manic messiahs in general.

Charisma and psychological complexity. Twentieth-century messiahs often possessed intense charisma, capable of captivating audiences and inspiring deep devotion. Figures like Aimée Semple McPherson and Brother Twelve demonstrated remarkable abilities to attract followers and build organizations. However, their careers were often marked by erratic behavior, paranoia, and a blurring of the lines between genuine belief and self-serving delusion, suggesting complex psychological profiles.

Exploitation and downfall. Many modern messiahs, while initially presenting a spiritual message, ultimately used their influence for personal gain, whether financial, sexual, or power-related. This exploitation often led to disillusionment among followers and eventual downfall, sometimes through legal action, public scandal, or even violence. The stories of Krishna Venta, killed by disgruntled ex-followers, or Aimée Semple McPherson, embroiled in scandal, illustrate this pattern.

The enduring appeal of the unconventional. Despite their flaws and often disastrous ends, these figures continued to attract followers drawn to their unconventional ideas and promises of a different way of life. Their ability to tap into societal anxieties and offer radical alternatives, even if based on delusion or manipulation, highlights the persistent human need for compelling narratives and strong leadership outside the mainstream.

9. The Darkest Cults Embrace Sadism and Death

The Night Stalker may not seem a “messiah” in any sense of the word, but it should be noted that Satanism is a religion – some anthropologists have even defined it as a sub-cult of Judo-Christianity, as its creeds are based on biblical sources.

Violence as ritual. Some cults move beyond mere violence for control or political ends, incorporating sadism and murder into their core religious practices. For these groups, acts of torture and killing become rituals, often believed to provide spiritual power, appease dark deities, or achieve a state of transcendence. The Matamoros murders, involving horrific mutilation and sacrifice, exemplify this extreme form of religiously motivated violence.

Leaders as embodiments of evil. Figures like Charles Manson and Adolfo Constanzo, while perhaps not traditional messiahs promising salvation, acted as central, charismatic figures around whom followers committed heinous acts. They cultivated an image of being outside conventional morality, sometimes explicitly aligning themselves with dark forces or Satanism. Their followers saw them as leaders who could guide them to a new reality, even if that reality involved embracing violence and death.

The cult of personality and control. In these extreme cases, the leader's personality and control over followers become paramount, overriding any coherent theological system. The leader's desires, no matter how perverse or violent, are interpreted as divine commands or necessary actions for the group's survival or spiritual advancement. This absolute authority, combined with isolation and psychological manipulation, allows for the perpetration of atrocities by otherwise seemingly normal individuals.

10. The Complex Nature of the Messiah Phenomenon

If this study has taught us anything, it is that messiahs come in all shapes and sizes and psychological types, from the genuinely inspired to the self-deluded, from saints to conmen.

A spectrum of belief and intent. The individuals labeled "messiahs" or cult leaders represent a wide spectrum, making simple categorization difficult. Some may genuinely believe in their divine calling, experiencing visions or states of ecstasy that convince them of their special status. Others may be cynical manipulators, exploiting the faith of others for personal gain. Many likely fall somewhere in between, starting with genuine spiritual experiences that become corrupted by power, ego, or psychological instability.

The role of followers. The phenomenon is not solely about the leader; the needs, beliefs, and psychological states of the followers are equally crucial. Followers' willingness to believe, their desire for belonging, their susceptibility to charismatic influence, and their capacity for both devotion and violence shape the trajectory of the movement. The interaction between a compelling leader and receptive followers creates the dynamic that allows cults to form and sometimes thrive.

Beyond simple explanations. Dismissing all messiahs as simply madmen or frauds overlooks the complexity of religious experience, psychological dynamics, and social factors at play. While some cases clearly involve severe pathology or criminal intent, others present phenomena that challenge easy explanation, such as apparent miracles or the profound transformation of followers' lives (for better or worse). Understanding this phenomenon requires acknowledging the multifaceted nature of human belief, charisma, and the search for meaning.

Last updated: May 29, 2025