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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

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.