Cults have long been a source of fascination and horror for many people. From the Jonestown massacre, which involved a mass suicide with a poisoned punch, to the recent Jesus Morning Star (JMS) scandal, the stories of cults and their leaders have captivated audiences worldwide for numerous years. Therefore, the Sungkyun Times (SKT) would like to explore what exactly a cult is and how we can avoid being drawn into them.
What Is a Cult?
According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology, a cult is defined as a religious or quasi-religious group characterized by unusual or atypical beliefs, seclusion from the outside world, and an authoritarian structure. This definition highlights the distinctive features of cults, including their unusual beliefs, isolation from mainstream society, and authoritarian leadership. The potential dangers of cults are also emphasized, especially regarding their hostility towards non-members and the secretive nature of their operations.
Unveiling the JMS Scandal
The biggest impetus for the recent spotlight on cults is likely due to the JMS scandal. The JMS scandal refers to the sexual assault crimes committed by Jung Myung-seok, the leader of the JMS cult. Jung was eventually convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault and was even covered in the recent Netflix documentary, In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal. The cult has been operating for more than 30 years and had amassed a large following through proactive recruitment on college campuses. During the long period of military dictatorship, they were able to expand their size by offering a spiritual haven to university students. According to Kim Do-hyung, a professor at Dankook University who led the anti-JMS movement, the number of members in the group now amounts to 30,000. The revelation of the JMS scandal brought shock to many due to its deep infiltration into our society. It became a stark reminder of the dangers posed by cults and the importance of being aware of their tactics to lure in new members.
Exploring Cults and their Incidents
-Jonestown Massacre
In the 1950s, Jim Jones established the Peoples’ Temple in Indiana, United States, which gained popularity as a religious movement. Despite the group’s positive reputation for community service, reports of abuse cases and brainwashing began to emerge within the temple. As Jones became increasingly controlling of the members of his cult, he relocated the group to Guyana in South America; the land he promised to create a utopian community on was called Jonestown. In 1978, a group of delegates visited Jonestown to investigate the problematic claims. As the team was leaving, Jim Jones ordered his followers to drink poisoned punch. This caused over 900 members to ingest the lethal juice, resulting in a mass murder posed as suicide.
-Aum Shinrikyo Sarin Gas Attack
Founded in the 1980s by Shoko Asahara, the Japanese doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo attracted thousands of members by preaching an apocalyptic message and claiming that Asahara has supernatural powers. In 1995, Aum Shinrikyo carried out a sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway, killing 13 people and injuring over 5,000. Asahara ordered his followers to release sarin gas during the morning rush hour, believing the gas attack would impede police investigation into their crimes. Months after the attack, Asahara and several followers were sentenced to death for their crimes.
How to Avoid Falling Prey to Cults
To avoid falling victim to cults, it is crucial to be aware of their luring tactics and be cautious when strangers request personal information. Often, they impersonate university graduates or use surveys and interviews as a stratagem to gather personal information. In some cases, they even disguise themselves as college club recruiters. Once they have gained your trust, they may encourage you to get involved in cult activities. However, even if you truly are interested in joining a religious group, be sure to conduct thorough research on it. Remember to first make an investigation into their beliefs, history, and leader.
The recent JMS scandal has brought enormous attention to the dangers of cults and the need for everyone to be aware of their tactics to lure innocent victims. By remaining vigilant and informed, people can protect themselves from the potential dangers of cults. Carry out in-depth research before being involved with any group, and be cautious when approached by strangers who request personal information. The infiltration of cults in our lives is insidious, so Kingos should always remain vigilant.