At least cult leader Jim Jones' fashion didn't have followers. AP Photo

A look at three notorious cults and how to avoid them

Date published: 10/2/2008

BY ELLIOTT HAY

Contrary to popular belief, most cult members don't live in a compound or wear funny robes--and they aren't all gullible people led by a crazed leader. They're more likely to be your neighbor, the grocery store clerk or even your principal.

Although most cults are simply harmless, new-age religions, there are some, however, that are remembered for their bizarre beliefs and psychotic behaviors.

I, myself, was an unwitting participant in what was arguably a cult worship earlier this summer. I found myself among people gyrating uncontrollably, speaking in bizarre languages and even trying to raise the dead. When the meeting finally ended, the participants scattered just as quickly as they had gathered, going back into their daily lives as if nothing had ever happened.

Luckily, I was able to make it out unharmed. But in the past, some poor souls haven't been as fortunate.

Take the People's Temple, for example. Perhaps the most notorious cult of all time, the People's Temple was led by communist Jim Jones, who eventually fled--along with his following--to a community he created and named after himself--Jonestown, located in Guyana.

Ultimately, after Jones abused his followers with huge workloads and poor rations, almost the entire community drank Flavor Aid poisoned with cyanide, resulting in a death toll of 918.

Another notable cult that ended in tragedy was Heaven's Gate, known for meeting its demise in an attempt to board a UFO hiding behind a comet. The theory behind this action was that the world was soon to be "recycled" and that, if they did not board the spaceship, they would ultimately be destroyed.

Interestingly enough, some members chose not to fly away on the comet. Instead, they have stayed behind and maintained a Web site so that more people can learn about the aliens "Ti" and "Do"--and perhaps fly away on the comet as well one day.

Not every cult ends in the suicide of its followers, though--some prefer to inflict harm on others. The Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh actually launched what is known to be the first bio-terrorist attack on the United States by lacing the salad dressing at restaurants in Oregon, in an attempt to win a local election. They hoped that, by poisoning the general public, they would gain the majority vote.

Bhagwan still exists today, albeit under a more peaceful name. Heaven's Gate still has the members who operate their Web site. And not everyone drank the Flavor Aid in Jonestown. There's always another cult just around the corner--so, remember: If it involves aliens, moving to South America or tainted salad, you should probably just say no.

Elliott Hay is a homeschooled sophomore.

Date published: 10/2/2008