Story by: Maddy Lloyd-Norstog: Opinion Editor
There are many characteristics that we, as human beings, share with every other animal. Despite our consciousness, we still share the same primal instincts to ensure our survival in the harsh wilds. Of course, those instincts are no longer necessary, but they are still present within us, especially when the evolution of our bodies inevitably fails to keep up with humanity’s rapid development. However, something so uniquely human, that seems almost universal in every civilization, is the worship of a higher power.
Religion is an incredibly important part of many people’s lives and is seemingly universal, finding its presence in every civilization to ever exist. This belief in something greater than one’s self oftentimes gives people a sense of purpose and contentment in their lives. It is also a great way to experience community and make connections with others over a shared spiritual experience. People find themselves so enraptured in all of these wonderful aspects of religion and the life it gives them that it can be difficult to recognize how easily it can become destructive and used to manipulate the vulnerable.
A common tactic for people looking to start a cult is to prey on the desperation of others. Many people that are experiencing hardship often gravitate towards churches, where they can find community, support, and purpose. Cult leaders take advantage of this vulnerability and offer everything these people are looking for. Oftentimes these small groups look inviting, asking very little of those the first join. Overtime, however, as its members begin to trust the organization, they ask more and more of these people until they are in too deep to escape. It can be especially difficult to leave such an environment when it means cutting ties with a person’s family and friends that are involved in the cult.
It is terrifying seeing the impact these groups have on those unfortunate enough to find themselves as members. Watching people talk about their personal experiences with these cults is quite haunting, especially when it reveals the fanaticism that many of these members adopt for their beloved leaders. Knowing that these people will go the most extreme of lengths to please a singular person is horrifying. Weaponizing people’s faith is not only tragic, but a terrifying prospect. This obsessive faith in one cause has led to many instances before of people committing heinous acts in the name of not only their god, but their leader that they seem to worship on a similar level.
The Waco siege, or as some may better know it, the Waco massacre, is a prime example of this. The religious cult known as the Branch Davidians were hoarding a massive amount of very illegal and destructive weapons to prepare for the apocalypse when the ATF were sent to investigate. This led to a 51-day standoff between the ATF and the Branch with many casualties. Many members held absolutely no regard for their own life and were purely focused on doing everything they could to protect their leader at any cost. It was shocking, knowing that a person could take the lives of others, and even themselves, in the name of faith.
While religion can be a beautiful, unique experience for many, no one can deny the power that it gives those that choose to abuse it. The power it gives the individual is remarkable, but the abuse it can inflict upon a significant number of people is revolting. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to discern what organizations are genuine in their belief and what are trying to hide their malicious intentions.
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