ABSTRACT
In objective sociological terms, cults are small, typically innovative, and fervent religious groups that exist in tension with a predominant religion. Typically, such groups are recently organized and are associated with a charismatic leader. In common usage, however, the term “cult” often connotes a radical countercultural group with subversive intentions. In the popular imagination, cult leaders prey on impressionable youth, engage in diabolical activities, and aggressively prepare for an apocalyptic struggle at the end of the world. Their tactics are often characterized as including mind control, brainwashing, entrapment, physical abuse, blood rituals, and human and animal sacrifice. During the late twentieth century, rumors of cult activities in the United States especially revolved around the spread of Satanism.
