Five Bizarre Cannibalistic Cults in the U.S. And Abroad

Cults have existed from the earliest days. As a matter of fact, some historians and others will argue that almost any religion is somewhat of a cult. However, there are various meanings of the word cult to different groups of people. In some countries, a cult is not considered a bad thing, rather a type of Church entity. In this context, a cult is referred to as a group of followers of a particular person(s) with a specific set of beliefs that does not fall into your "typical" Church setting. This is significant, because here we are examining the most bizarre cults worldwide. It is also important to note that the five most bizarre cults that are to be mentioned all center around the theme of cannibalism.

One of the most bizarre cults on this list is out of Nigeria, the Ogboni cult. Although it has often been denied, this particular cult is typically associated with cannibalism. According to various reports, several would be members have fled in fear of their lives after refusing to take part of the cannibalistic rituals. Not only are the members rumored to partake in the drinking of blood, eating of a deceased one's ashes, but are said to dismember the bodies of these individuals as well.

The second most bizarre cult we will consider is the Grail Movement. This "religion" was supposed to have taken its roots in Germany and seems to have picked up worldwide. Defining this particular cult as bizarre may seem strange, especially considering when the Czeh republic does recognize it as a religion, but there are numerous reasons behind this. There has been some indication that believers in the Grail Movement have branched out on their own and participate in various heinous acts. Although many of these acts are said not to be associated with the Movement, it is referred to as a cult by affiliation. In particular cases involving these smaller sectors, children were forced to mutilate themselves and eat their own flesh.

The Church of Euthanasia is a cult that is alleged founded in the United States that is also most bizarre. The leader of this cult made an appearance on the Jerry Springer show to attest to their beliefs and actions. Unlike any other Church that many have heard of, suicide is promoted, as well as cannibalism and the killing of animals. Their website states that the four pillars of the church are suicide, abortion, cannibalism, and sodomy with their commandment being, "thou shall not pro create".

Another bizarre cult stemming from the United States was the Gilmer Cannibal Cult in Gilmer, Texas. Back in the early 1990's, this particular group was prosecuted for the maltreatment, abuse, neglect, and sadistic practices regarding children. In addition to rape, forcing the children to ingest blood, urine, and fecal matter, cannibalistic acts against the victims was also highly suspected. There are many reasons that this cult is considered among the most bizarre. The location, the nature of the crimes, and the victims being the most shocking. The members of the alleged cult were never officially brought to justice, as evidence from the crime scene had went on hiatus.

The final of these bizarre cults included is simply called the Devil Cults of Kenya. These private cults vary in number, region, and rituals. However, they all are interrelated as far as cannibalism goes. Dismemberment, rape of children and minors, drinking of blood, and other monstrosities are quite common.

When examining bizarre cults, religions, and rituals the reader should consider many things. Culture is one important aspect of cannibalistic cults because this is not taboo and may be common in some parts of the world.

References

Dead Man Feared Cannibalistic Cult. Ware, Beverly. Staff Reporter. The Halifax Herald. Canada. Www.herald.ns.ca. http://www.religionnewsblog.com/5769/dead-man-feared-cannibalistic-cult.

Cult Awareness and Information Center. http://www.culthelp.info/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=1124&Itemid=17.