Most Disturbing Cults That Are Still Active Today
Cults rarely disappear simply because the outside world learns about them. Many continue operating quietly, drawing people in through promises of healing, purpose, or spiritual clarity. Recruitment often happens through personal connections, online spaces, or tightly controlled communities that discourage questioning and isolate members from outside influence.
What makes these groups disturbing is the systems they build around obedience, secrecy, and fear. Financial exploitation, psychological manipulation, and abuse frequently sit beneath carefully managed public images. Despite years of exposure, legal action, and survivor testimony, these cults remain active.
Fundamentalist Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)
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Warren Jeffs leads this group from prison, where he serves a life sentence for child abuse. Followers still regard him as a prophet and adhere to his written directives. The group enforces polygamy, controls marriages, and isolates members in remote communities across Utah, Arizona, and Texas. Authorities estimate thousands remain involved.
Remnant Fellowship
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Founded by Gwen Shamblin Lara, this Tennessee-based church blended religious teaching with weight loss programs. Members were taught that obedience to God meant controlling their eating and disciplining children. After Lara’s death in a plane crash, leadership stayed within the group, and former insiders say its rigid structure remains in place.
Twin Flames Universe
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Twin Flames Universe markets itself as a spiritual matchmaking program. Leaders Jeff and Shaleia Divine instruct their followers to pursue assigned partners at all costs. Former members report pressure to abandon families, change gender identity, and relocate for relationships. The group primarily operates online and continues to offer coaching programs.
Word Of Faith Fellowship
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This church in North Carolina uses intimidation to enforce obedience. Former members describe “blasting” sessions, which involve loud verbal assaults and physical restraint. The group regulates almost every aspect of life, from relationships to jobs. Several ex-members have spoken out about long-term trauma linked to the church’s control tactics.
House Of Yahweh
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Led by Israel Hawkins until his death, this sect teaches strict adherence to Old Testament law and has a history of failed apocalyptic predictions. Hawkins was convicted of abuse, yet the group still circulates his writings and warnings about the end times. Daily life inside remains ruled by hundreds of behavioral rules.
Shincheonji Church Of Jesus
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This South Korean sect teaches that its founder holds the only true interpretation of scripture. Members conceal their involvement and recruit through deception. In 2020, the group drew global attention after concealing COVID-19 cases, which led to a large outbreak. The organization continues to operate internationally and recruits discreetly.
NEXIVM
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Originally promoted as a self-help group, NXIVM became known for its secret society where women were branded and subjected to coercive control. Founder Keith Raniere received a 120-year sentence, but some loyal followers still circulate his teachings. A few offshoots maintain elements of the group’s original structure and philosophy.
Superior Universal Alignment
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Valentina de Andrade led this Brazilian group built on beliefs about extraterrestrials and spiritual purity. This Brazilian group combined extraterrestrial beliefs with harmful doctrines about “evil” children. In the 1990s, it was linked to a string of child murders, and several members were convicted. The original organization is largely defunct, but related material and beliefs still circulate online.
12 Tribes
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The 12 Tribes operates communal businesses and shared living spaces across several countries. Former insiders describe a culture of physical discipline, restricted schooling, and forced child labor. Its teachings promote rigid gender roles and social separation. Authorities have raided locations, yet the group continues to recruit through seemingly normal public spaces.
The Family International
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David Berg founded this group in the 1960s and promoted intimate behavior as a religious practice. Former members later exposed widespread abuse involving minors. The group rebranded and moved much of its activity online. Survivors report that core beliefs and internal authority structures remain intact today.