Terrifying Cults Still Operating Today
This video explores several “terrifying cults” that continue to operate globally, highlighting their manipulative tactics, bizarre beliefs, and the destructive impact they have on their followers. These groups, though varied in their origins and doctrines, share common threads of control, exploitation, and isolation.
The Raelian Movement: Aliens and Cloning
Originating from Claude Vorilhon’s alleged encounter with extraterrestrials (Elohim) in 1973, the Raelian Movement asserts that aliens created all life on Earth. Now led by “Rael,” the cult aims to build an embassy to welcome the Elohim back. A highly controversial aspect is their promotion and alleged practice of human cloning through their company Cloneade, claiming to have produced multiple clones, including “Eve,” without offering verifiable evidence.
Buddhafield: Hypnosis and Control
Founded by Michelle Rostan, a charismatic acting coach who rebranded himself as a spiritual guru, Buddhafield gained followers through deceptive practices. Rostan, a licensed hypnotherapist, secretly used his skills during “cleansing sessions” to control disciples, dictating their relationships and isolating them from external contacts. The cult’s manipulation was eventually exposed, leading to a split and Rostan’s relocation to Hawaii with his most loyal followers.
Ramtha School of Enlightenment: Channelling and Prophecies
This cult centers around Judy Zebra Knight, who claims to channel the spirit of “Ramtha,” a 35,000-year-old warrior. The Ramtha School of Enlightenment preaches that humans can shape reality and heal with their minds. Knight’s teachings include bizarre prophecies, such as warnings about “lizard people,” and dangerous practices where she claimed to heal serious medical conditions, reportedly leading to followers’ deaths. Despite controversies, the school continues to operate internationally.
Universal Medicine: Bizarre Cures and Exploitation
Founded by Serge Benhayon after a supposed spiritual revelation, Universal Medicine marketed itself as a healing center. It promoted unusual beliefs, such as people with disabilities being punished for past lives and certain foods carrying “dark energy” that could be expelled by burping. The cult allegedly encouraged followers to cut family ties and manipulate terminally ill members into leaving inheritances to the group. A defamation lawsuit declared Universal Medicine a “socially harmful cult.”
The Enduring Threat of Cults
The video underscores that cults are not a relic of the past but a present danger. They adapt, recruit, and continue to thrive by offering a sense of community or healing, while ultimately leading to manipulation, exploitation, and severe harm to their members’ lives and well-being. Understanding their tactics is crucial for protecting oneself and others from their influence.
Vocabulary Table
| Term | Pronunciation | Definition | Used in sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cult | /kʌlt/ | A system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object, often seen as unconventional or extremist. | “My friends, cults are not a thing of the past.” |
| Recruit | /rɪˈkruːt/ | To enlist or persuade someone to join an organization or group, especially one with a particular aim or belief. | “They still recruit followers, silence doubters.” |
| Extraterrestrials | /ˌɛkstrətəˈrɛstriəlz/ | Hypothetical or fictional beings from outside Earth or its atmosphere. | “There he met some extraterrestrials in their spaceship.” |
| Elohim | /ˈɛloʊhɪm/ | In the Raelian Movement, the advanced alien race believed to have created humanity. | “The alien told Claw that it was one of the Elohim.” |
| Genetics | /dʒɪˈnɛtɪks/ | The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics. Used by the Elohim for creation. | “They mastered genetic modification.” |
| Prophet | /ˈprɒfɪt/ | A person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God or a deity. Rael’s role. | “The alien made Claude Elohim’s prophet on Earth.” |
| Cloning | /ˈkloʊnɪŋ/ | The process of producing an exact copy of a plant or animal, genetically identical to its parent. | “But the most controversial belief was about human cloning.” |
| Hypnotherapist | /ˌhɪpnəˈθɛrəpɪst/ | A person who uses hypnosis to help people deal with medical or psychological problems. Michelle Rostan’s hidden skill. | “Michelle was actually a licensed hypnotherapist.” |
| Charismatic | /ˌkærɪzˈmætɪk/ | Exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others. Describes cult leaders. | “And the cult leader was their charismatic acting coach.” |
| Disciple | /dɪˈsaɪpl/ | A personal follower of an important leader, especially a religious teacher. | “His acting students became his disciples.” |
| Channeling | /ˈtʃænəlɪŋ/ | The practice or art of acting as a medium for a spirit or other non-physical entity. JZ Knight’s method. | “Knight began channeling Rampa publicly in 1978.” |
| Prophecies | /ˈprɒfɪsiz/ | Predictions of what will happen in the future. Ramtha’s predictions. | “Rampa started making frightening prophecies.” |
| Defamation | /ˌdɛfəˈmeɪʃən/ | The action of damaging the good reputation of someone; slander or libel. Universal Medicine’s lawsuit. | “So in 2015, they sued Esther for defamation.” |
| Fugitive | /ˈfjuːdʒɪtɪv/ | A person who has escaped from captivity or is in hiding to avoid arrest or persecution. Swami Nithananda’s status. | “After his disappearance, Swami became a fugitive from the law.” |
| Bioterror attack | /ˌbaɪoʊˈtɛrər əˈtæk/ | The deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs (agents) to cause illness or death. Rajneesh movement’s crime. | “At the time, that event was considered the largest bioterror attack in American history.” |
Vocabulary Flashcards
Lexical Focus: Collocations & Chunks
Don’t just learn isolated words—learn chunks of language. These patterns will help you speak more naturally.
-
terrifying cults
Adjective + Noun Collocation
“In this video, we’ll explore terrifying cults still operating today.” -
recruit followers
Verb + Noun Collocation
“They still recruit followers, silence doubters, and continue their creepy rituals.” -
build an embassy
Verb + Noun Collocation
“Their main goal is to build an embassy to welcome those aliens back to Earth.” -
genetic modification
Adjective + Noun Collocation
“They mastered genetic modification. They lived 10 times longer than humans.” -
human cloning
Adjective + Noun Collocation
“But the most controversial belief was about human cloning.” -
spiritual guru
Adjective + Noun Collocation
“He was now a spiritual guru with superpowers.” -
lift a finger
Fixed Expression/Idiom
“Michelle didn’t lift a finger. His followers bathed him, massaged him, and cooked his meals.” -
channeling the spirit
Verb + Noun Collocation
“Its founder claimed she was channeling the spirit of a 35,000-year-old warrior.” -
frightening prophecies
Adjective + Noun Collocation
“Rampa started making frightening prophecies.” -
bioterror attack
Adjective + Noun Collocation
“At the time, that event was considered the largest bioterror attack in American history.”
De-Chunking: Complete the Expressions
Select the correct phrase from the box below to complete the sentences.
recruit followers
build an embassy
human cloning
bioterror attack
1. In this video, we’ll explore still operating today.
2. They still , silence doubters, and continue their creepy rituals.
3. Their main goal is to to welcome those aliens back to Earth.
4. But the most controversial belief was about .
5. At the time, that event was considered the largest in American history.
While-viewing Tasks
Complete these tasks while watching the video:
Guided Notes: Key Cult Information
Fill in the key information for each cult as it is presented:
- The Raelian Movement: Founder: , Core Belief: , Controversial Practice:
- Buddhafield: Leader: , Method of Control: , Outcome:
- Ramtha School of Enlightenment: Channeler: , Spirit Channeled: , Dangerous Practice:
- Universal Medicine: Founder: , Bizarre Belief: , Legal Status:
- The Remnant Fellowship: Founder: , Origin: , Tragic Event:
- Swami Nithananda: Claims: , Controversy: , Current Status:
- The Rajneesh Movement: Founder: , Location: , Criminal Act:
- The Zizians: Founder: , Philosophy: , Crimes:
Questions to Answer
Answer the following questions after watching the relevant parts of the video:
- How did Michelle Rostan of Buddhafield use his hidden skills to control his followers?
- What were some of the dangerous prophecies and teachings of JZ Knight’s Ramtha School of Enlightenment?
- Describe the legal battle faced by Universal Medicine and its outcome.
- What was the tragic event associated with the Remnant Fellowship’s parenting advice?
- How did the Rajneesh Movement attempt to gain political power in Oregon, and what criminal act did they commit?
Cult Characteristics Checklist
Check off these common cult characteristics as you observe them in the video:
- Charismatic leader claiming special powers or divine connection.
- Isolation from family and outside relationships.
- Financial exploitation of members.
- Control over members’ daily lives and decision-making.
- Belief in bizarre or unverifiable doctrines.
- Silencing of doubters or critics.
- Promotion of exclusive truth or path to salvation/enlightenment.
- Harsh discipline or dangerous practices.
Embedded Video:
Fill in the Blanks Exercise
1. My friends, are not a thing of the past.
2. The Raelian Movement is a cult.
3. Their main goal is to build an embassy to welcome those back to Earth.
4. They mastered modification.
5. The alien made Claude Elohim's on Earth.
6. But the most controversial belief was about human .
7. Michelle was actually a licensed .
8. His acting students became his .
9. Knight began Rampa publicly in 1978.
10. Rampa started making frightening .
11. So in 2015, they sued Esther for .
12. After his disappearance, Swami became a from the law.
13. At the time, that event was considered the largest attack in American history.
14. The are one of the most violent cults in modern history.
15. Their violent is still being shared.