20 of Strangest Religions and Cults in America and Around the World

While most Americans identify with some sect of Christianity, there is a growing number who select either the “no religion” category or “other” on a census. Here, we uncover how these lesser-known religions influence their followers and contemporary spiritual beliefs.

Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, or Pastafarianism, began as a satirical protest against the teaching of intelligent design in Kansas schools. Followers wear colanders on their heads and parody traditional religious practices to challenge the discussion of religion in public schools. Despite its humorous origins, it has been recognized legally in some countries.

Universe People

The Universe People, or Cosmic People of Light Powers, is a Czech religious movement led by Ivo A. Benda, who communicates with extraterrestrial beings. Members believe that UFOs will one day transport them to another dimension.

Creativity Movement

The Creativity Movement is a white supremacist group that rejects traditional religious doctrines and deifies the white race. It preaches that white people are the creators of civilization and, thus, should dominate other races. This religion’s teachings focus on racial purity, anti-Semitism, and the survival of the white race, lacking any supernatural aspects.

Prince Philip Movement

On the remote island of Tanna in Vanuatu, the Prince Philip Movement worships Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, as a divine figure. According to their legend, he was a descendant of a spirit that originated from their island. His marriage to Queen Elizabeth II was seen as a fulfillment of ancient prophecies, and his gifts to the tribe were received as sacred relics.

Nuwaubian Nation

The Nuwaubian Nation blends beliefs from black nationalism, cryptozoological and extraterrestrial lore, and ancient Egyptian symbolism. Founded by Dwight York, who claimed various divine identities, this group’s doctrine is eclectic, involving elaborate conspiracy theories and predictions of apocalypse. York was convicted of numerous financial and sexual crimes.

Heaven’s Gate

Marshall Applewhite convinced his followers to participate in a mass suicide to reach an extraterrestrial spacecraft following Comet Hale-Bopp. Members believed in abandoning their human forms to ascend to a higher spiritual plane. Their tragic end in 1997 marked one of the most shocking events in the history of American new religions.

Church of Euthanasia

The Church of Euthanasia advocates for population reduction to save the environment. Its slogan, “Save the Planet, Kill Yourself,” encapsulates its radical views on voluntary population reduction, including suicide, abortion, and cannibalism of the deceased. Though largely performance art, the church’s shocking methods aim to provoke thought on environmentalism.

Raelism

Raelism, founded in 1974 by Claude Vorilhon (Rael), teaches that life on Earth was scientifically created by a species of extraterrestrials, which they call the Elohim. Members believe in the eventual return of these aliens to Earth, who will bring about a utopia. The religion promotes peace, sensual meditation, and a hedonistic ethic and is noted for its advocacy of human cloning.

The Brethren (Jim Roberts Group)

Also known as The Garbage Eaters, The Brethren is an elusive and nomadic cult that shuns modern society and lives off the grid. Founded by Jim Roberts, a former Marine, in the early 1970s, members live extremely austere lives, avoiding most interactions with the outside world. The group is known for its harsh discipline, communal living, and youth recruitment.

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)

Led by prophets who dictate nearly every aspect of members’ lives, the FLDS sect has faced legal issues related to underage marriages. The strict control over its followers and their isolated communities is a source of continual controversy.

Church of the SubGenius

Founded in 1953 by Ivan Stang and Philo Drummond, the Church of the SubGenius is a parody religion that satirizes religion, conspiracy theories, UFOs, and popular culture. Followers worship J.R. “Bob” Dobbs, a fictional salesman, and await the arrival of extraterrestrials to rescue or destroy humanity.

Aetherius Society

The Aetherius Society believes that aliens are working to help humanity ascend to higher spiritual levels. Founded in the 1950s by George King, the society combines yoga with Western occult concepts and claims that King communicated with the aliens. Members engage in “Operation Prayer Power,” storing prayer energy in batteries to be released during global crises.

Church Universal and Triumphant

Led by Elizabeth Clare Prophet, the Church Universal and Triumphant is known for its blend of Eastern and Western spiritual practices and apocalyptic predictions. Members chant mantras to invoke divine intervention in personal and global affairs. The church gained notoriety in the 1980s for its large underground bunkers in Montana, built in anticipation of a nuclear war.

Order of the Solar Temple

The Order of the Solar Temple was influenced by the mythos of the Knights Templar and was involved in several ritual murders and mass suicides in the 1990s. Its leaders, Joseph Di Mambro and Luc Jouret, preached about the second coming of Christ and the necessity of leaving Earth to reach a higher spiritual plane. The group believed that death was a transition to a new world.

Church of Satan

Founded by Anton LaVey in 1966, the Church of Satan does not actually worship Satan but uses the figure as a symbol of individualism and personal freedom. It promotes atheism, skeptical inquiry, and the view that humans should be driven by their own needs and desires. The church’s philosophy, outlined in The Satanic Bible, often misconstrued, advocates for self-preservation.

Eckankar

Eckankar is known as the religion of the light and sound of God, teaching that the soul can transcend earthly planes through spiritual exercises. Followers believe in the continuous revelation through the Mahanta, the Living ECK Master. This modern religion, founded by Paul Twitchell in 1965, explores past lives and soul travel through meditative techniques.

Exclusive Brethren

The Exclusive Brethren is a sect that follows a doctrine of separation, keeping members isolated from those not in their community. They avoid socializing, eating, or forming relationships with outsiders, believing this protects their purity. Critics have highlighted the oppressive control leaders have over members’ lives, including strict limitations on technology and interactions.

Mankind United

Mankind United, a cult that flourished in the 1930s, claimed that a hidden world government was controlling humanity and only their leadership could overthrow this regime. Followers were told that revealing their membership could lead to death at the hands of this secret global ruling class. The group promised a utopia free from oppression if their teachings were followed.

The Family International

The Family International, originally known as the Children of God, started in late 1960s under David Berg. It gained infamy for its practice of “Flirty Fishing,” using sex to attract new members. The group has undergone significant transformations since then, disavowing its previous controversial practices and focusing on evangelical Christian outreach.

Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness

The Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA) teaches that spiritual freedom and awareness can be achieved through “soul transcendence.” Founded by John Rogers in the 1960s, MSIA draws on elements of Christianity, Gnosticism, and Eastern philosophies. Critics have accused the movement of being a cult of personality around its founder.