How to Start a Cult

There's nothing better than a group of people with a common interest coming together to celebrate their passion. With a little leg work, that group can turn into a full fledged cult, cut off from the rest of society and sworn to live by a newly established dogma. Just don't attract any attention from the authorities or they might start asking questions.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Decide on a belief system. Cult members like to have something to follow and devote their lives. Common topics include obscure Biblical passages, space aliens and the belief that centers on the next Messiah.

2. Set up a compound and recruit members. The compound ideally is set on a large plot of land in a rural location. Draw members from other marginalized groups—-outcasts make the perfect cultists.

3. Demand that cult members disavow all other belief systems. Cultists must completely buy into the doctrine of the cult they join. Insist that members not publicly display any doubts about the validity of the cult leader and teaching.

4. Create and live by a preset system of social norms. Typical society doesn't appeal to a cult's members, so take their flexibility and run with it. Allow the leader to practice polygamy or instruct everyone to sleep on a bed of nails. Shun technology or live on a diet of lemonade and licorice.

5. Sever ties with the outside world. Closing the lines of communication between cult members and their families on the outside lessens the risk of being deprogrammed. Eliminating contact also allows cult leaders to tightly control the amount of information members get about world events.

[jennyagain]

on 9/21/2009 Try my tips to start a cult as well: http://relijournal.com/religion/how-to-start-a-cult/

[zemzem82]

on 5/14/2009 lets start it- zemzem.ecrater.com

[alisia]

on 12/14/2008 I found these instructions to be very imformative. I thank you for furthering my interest in becomming a cult leader. For anyone who read this, I am the messiah Alisia. I can lead you to salvation. I love you, I am pure love. You can locate me on myspace at myspace.com/listerfein. Come my children, flock to me!

[presnick]

on 9/16/2008 Excellent. I would add one more thing. Keep your members off balance. If they are morning people, put them on a night schedule and vice versa. Tell them they must be vegetarians, then 6 months later make them eat a hamburger.
And wear robes and grow your hair. You MUST wear robes and grow your hair!

[Write-At-Home]

on 12/15/2007 Thanks for these instructions. I'm going to get going on my own cult as soon as possible -- I need a hobby.