Most Infamous Cults Part 2

The actual definition of a cult varies greatly, but in general it refers to a cohesive social group bound together by veneration of the same atypical belief system. Popular perception often portrays cults as being violent, destructive maniacs with loaded paint ball guns, and while most cults are certainly controversial, they don't always carry out extreme acts.

The Church of Bible Understanding (Formerly Known as the Forever Family)

Founded in 1971 by prior vacuum repairman and atheist Steward Trail in Allentown, Pennsylvania, this cult is notorious for preying on youth as young as 13. Trail was born the son of Presbyterian minister teaches his preaches that he is the reincarnation of Elijah and that he is privileged with knowledge of the return of Christ. Throughout the 1970's this cult flourished with members donating over 90% of their income to the commune. Trail has accumulated millions of dollars from his members through means of public humiliation and mental control. The cult still remains strong today and even has a mission located in Haiti. Young children implanted into the group in exchange for clothing and food.

Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God

An off-shoot of the Roman Catholic Church, this group formed during the 1980s in Uganda. As the group name implies, this group highly values the guidelines and rules espoused in the Ten Commandments. So astringent, this group discouraged talking among members in fear of giving false witness. They also emphasized an impending apocalypse, highlighted in their booklet "A Timely Message from Heaven: The End of the Present Time" and considered themselves to be a more modern version of Noah's Ark, a vessel of righteousness in a sea of immorality. In March of 2000, the group committed what authorities considered to be a mass suicide, with over 300 followers dying in a fire.