The Cult News Network

Data from 28,000 people reveals which conspiracy debunking strategies tend to work best

Published January 17, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Uncategorized Tagged conspirach theories, interventions, research

A new comprehensive analysis suggests that while conspiracy beliefs are deeply entrenched, they are not entirely resistant to change. The findings indicate that specific intervention strategies, particularly those involving direct fact-checking and alternative explanations, can achieve modest reductions in these…[Continue Reading...]

The Colombian Cult Worshiping an ‘Alien Jesus’

Published January 17, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Uncategorized Tagged Colombia, cult leader, cults, Jah Kelium Zeus Induzeus, Vegetal Sakroakuarius Temple

Deep within the thickets of the Santander department, a remote Colombian cult pledges its future to a figure who claims to be a reincarnation of Jesus. The cult, known as the Sakroakuarianos, operates out of a compound called the “Vegetal…[Continue Reading...]

Judge allows members of Zizians group to work together on defense ahead of Maryland trial

Published January 17, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Cult Crimes Tagged cult leader, cults, Jack "Ziz" LaSota, Maryland, murder charges, Zizians

Cumberland, Md. (AP) — Three members of the Zizians, a cultlike group linked to six deaths across the U.S., were granted permission Friday to work together in preparation for their upcoming trial on trespassing, weapons and drug charges. Authorities have…[Continue Reading...]

I escaped a cult and was homeless and desperate. Chris Martin gave me a piano, and I became a successful musician.

Published January 17, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Uncategorized Tagged cults, cur recovery, survivor story

At 18, Jean-Philippe Rio-Py escaped a brutal cult that wrecked his childhood. He suffered hardship in his 20s and early 30s, but was determined to develop his musical talent. It led to huge success, and his journey included getting a…[Continue Reading...]

Kenya’s Shakahola cult suspect pleads guilty to murdering 191 followers, most of them children

Published January 17, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Cult Crimes Tagged cults, Good News International Church, guilty plea, Kenya, murders, starvation deaths

A key suspect in Kenya’s Shakahola cult massacre pleaded guilty Friday to the murders of 191 followers, most of them children, in a dramatic turn in a case linked to more than 400 deaths caused by starvation and abuse. Enos…[Continue Reading...]

3rd person arrested in alleged murder of man leaving cult-like organization in Southern California

Published January 17, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Cult Crimes Tagged California, cults, His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, murder

A third person has been arrested for the alleged murder of a Tennessee man who left a cult-like religious group in Redlands almost three years ago and hasn’t been seen since shortly thereafter. Ramon Ruiz Duran Jr., 44, was arrested…[Continue Reading...]

Shakahola massacre trial: Suspect offers to confess, turn State witness against Mackenzie

Published January 16, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Cult Crimes Tagged cult leader, Good News International Church, Kenya, Paul Mackenzie, stravation deaths

The prosecution in the Shakahola massacre case has received a major boost after one of the suspects expressed willingness to confess and cooperate with the State, potentially turning into a key witness against alleged cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and…[Continue Reading...]

‘Bloodline and Blind Faith: Untold Stories of the Kirtland Cult Killings’: How to watch on our TV streaming app Friday at 8 p.m.

Published January 16, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Cult Crimes Tagged cult leader, Jeffrey Lundgren, Kirtland murders, Ohio

In 1989, Northeast Ohio cult leader Jeff Lundgren killed the Avery family: Dennis, Cheryl, and their three young daughters. A dozen men and women followed the self-proclaimed prophet through fanaticism, into the wilderness, and ultimately to prison. Thirty-five years after…[Continue Reading...]

The history and science behind why we’re all vulnerable to brainwashing

Published January 16, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Uncategorized Tagged Brainwashing, coercive persuasion, research, thought reform

We tend to associate “brainwashing” with cults and hostages, but author and science historian Rebecca Lemov says it can happen to anyone. Her new book “The Instability of Truth" explores the history and science of brainwashing and what it can…[Continue Reading...]

Joint Investigation Team Questions Unification Church ‘Vault Keeper’

Published January 16, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Cult Crimes Tagged cult leader, cults, Hak Ja Han Moon, money in safe, South Korea, Unification Church

A joint investigation team (JIT) probing alleged collusion between the Unification Church and political circles recently questioned A, a close associate of Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja, according to legal sources. According to the legal community on the 16th, the…[Continue Reading...]