Religious Cults

Cult—the word conjures up images of people who are not in the mainstream of society, who are strange, possibly even dangerous. Either through the media—or through direct experience—we have seen cult members, such as the Hare Krishnas, who wear saffron-colored robes, shave their heads, and try to collect money in public places. We have also seen the images of dead bodies—adults and children alike— who have been the victims of fringe ideology and charismatic, but misguided leaders, e.g., David Koresh and his Branch Davidians (Small, 1998). This chapter defines what a cult is, what leads young people to join them, and what can be done to keep that from happening. We also discuss what can be done to help those who have been adversely affected by their involvement in a cult.