When you hear the word “cult,” your mind might jump to infamous groups like Jonestown or the Manson Family. But what about the cults that are still operating today, right here in the United States? While the word “cult” can sometimes feel overused, there are organizations that exhibit extreme control, dangerous ideologies, and harmful practices. Let’s take a closer look at 16 of these groups that have made headlines—and still exist to this day.
1. NXIVM
Though NXIVM’s leader Keith Raniere is now in prison, the organization’s remnants still linger. The self-help group disguised itself as a personal development program but operated as a cult. Women in the group were branded with Raniere’s initials and coerced into sexual servitude. NXIVM used manipulation and blackmail to maintain control over its members. While the group has largely disbanded, loyal supporters of Raniere continue to promote his teachings.
2. FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
The FLDS is a polygamous offshoot of the Mormon Church that’s been criticized for its treatment of women and children. Under the leadership of Warren Jeffs, who is currently serving a life sentence for child sexual assault, the group enforced strict rules about marriage and obedience. Many young girls were forced into underage marriages. While Jeffs is behind bars, the FLDS continues to operate in isolated communities in states like Utah and Arizona. Former members have described it as a community built on fear and control.
3. Scientology
The Church of Scientology is arguably one of the most well-known and controversial groups in the world. Founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, the organization has been accused of using aggressive legal tactics to silence critics. Members are encouraged to undergo expensive auditing sessions to achieve “spiritual enlightenment.” Critics argue the group manipulates and exploits members for financial gain. Despite its controversies, Scientology boasts celebrity followers and operates in multiple cities across the U.S.
4. The Twelve Tribes
The Twelve Tribes is a Christian fundamentalist group that promotes communal living and strict adherence to biblical teachings. Critics have accused the group of child labor, abuse, and racial segregation. Members live in isolated communities, cut off from the outside world. The Twelve Tribes runs businesses like cafes and farms, using them as recruitment tools. Former members often recount stories of psychological and physical harm.
5. The People’s Temple (Survivors)
While the infamous Jonestown massacre occurred in 1978, some survivors of the People’s Temple continued to carry on Jim Jones’ teachings. Small groups of followers exist today, keeping Jones’ ideology alive through private gatherings and online forums. They reject mainstream narratives about Jonestown, often blaming external forces for the tragedy. Critics argue these groups perpetuate dangerous revisionist history. The lingering presence of the People’s Temple is a haunting reminder of its dark past.
6. Word of Faith Fellowship
This North Carolina-based church has faced multiple allegations of abuse and coercion. Founded by Jane Whaley, Word of Faith Fellowship enforces extreme rules on its members, including whom they can marry and how they spend their time. Members have reported being subjected to violent “blasting” prayers to cast out demons. Whaley maintains strict control over the congregation, fostering a climate of fear. Investigations have uncovered shocking accounts of physical and emotional abuse.
7. The Church of the Firstborn
Operating in various parts of the U.S., the Church of the Firstborn promotes faith healing over medical treatment. Members believe seeking medical help demonstrates a lack of faith in God. Tragically, this has led to numerous preventable deaths, especially among children. While the group claims to follow biblical teachings, critics argue its practices are reckless and endanger lives. Law enforcement has intervened in some cases, but the group remains active.
8. The Nation of Islam
The Nation of Islam is a controversial religious and political organization. While it’s not considered a cult by all, critics point to its rigid hierarchy and control over members as red flags. Led by Louis Farrakhan, the group promotes Black empowerment but has been accused of spreading anti-Semitic and divisive rhetoric. Former members often describe a culture of fear and unquestioning obedience. Despite its controversies, the Nation of Islam remains influential in certain communities.
9. Love Has Won
Love Has Won is a New Age cult that gained attention after its leader, Amy Carlson—known as “Mother God”—was found dead in bizarre circumstances. The group combines elements of Christianity, Hinduism, and New Age beliefs with Carlson’s claim that she was a divine being. Members were reportedly subjected to extreme fasting, sleep deprivation, and verbal abuse. Despite Carlson’s death, the group’s followers continue to operate online. Authorities have investigated the group for potential criminal activity.
10. The Assembly
The Assembly, also known as the Assembly of the Body of Christ, is a fundamentalist Christian group with strict rules about dress, behavior, and relationships. Members are discouraged from forming close ties outside the group. Critics argue the Assembly fosters an atmosphere of isolation and control. Former members have described the group’s teachings as cult-like and harmful. Despite its small size, the Assembly’s influence on its followers is profound.
11. The Raelian Movement
The Raelian Movement believes that humans were created by extraterrestrials known as the Elohim. While the group promotes peace and science, critics argue its teachings are bizarre and exploitative. Members often participate in costly ceremonies and events. The Raelian Movement has been accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals for financial gain. Despite the skepticism, the group continues to attract followers across the U.S.
12. The Church of God Restoration
This group is known for its authoritarian leadership and strict control over members. The Church of God Restoration enforces rigid rules about dress, relationships, and obedience. Members who question leadership are often ostracized or excommunicated. Critics argue the group’s practices amount to emotional and psychological abuse. Despite the controversies, the Church continues to operate in multiple states.
13. The Apostolic United Brethren
Another polygamous offshoot of the Mormon Church, the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB) operates primarily in Utah and surrounding states. The group’s teachings emphasize plural marriage as a requirement for spiritual exaltation. Members often live in isolated communities to avoid scrutiny. Former members have spoken out about coercion and abuse within the group. While less notorious than the FLDS, the AUB shares many of its troubling practices.
14. The Order (Kingston Clan)
The Order, or Kingston Clan, is a polygamous group that operates in Utah. Known for its extreme secrecy, the group has been accused of incest, child labor, and financial exploitation. Members are required to marry within the family to preserve “pure bloodlines.” Critics argue the group’s practices are both harmful and illegal. Despite multiple investigations, the Order continues to thrive in its closed-off communities.
15. The Family International
Formerly known as the Children of God, the Family International has a dark history of sexual abuse and exploitation. While the group claims to have reformed, former members argue that its teachings remain harmful. The Family International continues to recruit members online and through missionary work. Critics describe it as a cult that manipulates its followers through fear and guilt. Survivors have been vocal about the long-lasting trauma caused by the group.
16. The Church of Bible Understanding
The Church of Bible Understanding started as a Christian commune but has faced accusations of exploiting its members. The group operates thrift stores and uses the profits to fund its activities. Critics argue the Church takes advantage of vulnerable individuals, providing little support for members while reaping financial benefits. Former members describe the group’s teachings as manipulative and controlling. Despite these allegations, the Church continues to operate in urban areas like New York City.
