In the realm of Religious and spiritual movements, there exist some groups that stand out for their unusual beliefs, practices, and charismatic leaders. We all know about the famous ones, but have you ever wondered about the offbeat and obscure ones that fly under the radar? 

Well, hold onto your hats as we embark on a journey through the most peculiar cults you’ve probably never even heard of! 

From extraterrestrial enthusiasts to outlandish rituals, these groups take eccentricity to a whole new level. Buckle up and brace yourselves for an offbeat exploration of these lesser-known cults that will have you questioning what on earth (or beyond) people are thinking. 

1. The John Frum Cult

The John Frum cult, also known as the John Frum movement or John From movement, is a religious movement that emerged in the 1930s on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu (formerly known as the New Hebrides). The movement centers around the worship of a figure known as “John Frum” or “John from America.” The beliefs and practices of the John Frum cult combine indigenous traditions with elements of Christianity and cargo cults.

The origins of the John Frum cult are rooted in the encounter between the indigenous people of Tanna and Westerners, particularly American soldiers, during World War II. The locals were exposed to modern technology and material goods brought by the Americans, leading to the development of cargo cults. These cults emerged in various Pacific Islands and involved the belief that through rituals and worship, material wealth and cargo would be bestowed upon the community.

John Frum became a symbol of hope and prosperity for the people of Tanna. The exact identity of John Frum remains somewhat mysterious, and there are different interpretations and stories surrounding his existence. Some believe that John Frum was an actual historical figure, while others see him as a spiritual entity or a representation of a collective belief system.

The followers of the John Frum movement engage in rituals and ceremonies that reflect their reverence for John Frum. These practices often involve military-style parades, raising the American flag, and the construction of symbolic airplanes and other objects associated with modernity and Western culture. The movement places an emphasis on self-reliance, communal cooperation, and the anticipation of future material prosperity.

The John Frum cult has endured and evolved over the years, maintaining its unique blend of indigenous and Western influences. It has become a significant cultural phenomenon on the island of Tanna, with a dedicated following that continues to celebrate John Frum and his teachings. The movement has attracted the attention of anthropologists and tourists, and there have been occasional visits by individuals claiming to represent the original John Frum.

It’s important to note that the John Frum cult is a specific cultural and religious phenomenon limited to the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. It should not be conflated with other cargo cults or generalized as representative of Pacific Islander beliefs or practices as a whole. The John Frum movement remains a fascinating example of the complex interplay between indigenous traditions, colonial encounters, and the ongoing search for identity and meaning in a changing world.

2. Raëlism

Raëlism, also known as the Raëlian Movement, is a UFO religion founded by Claude Vorilhon, who later changed his name to Raël. The movement was established in France in the 1970s and is based on the belief that extraterrestrial beings known as the Elohim are responsible for creating life on Earth. Raël claims to have had multiple encounters with these beings and received messages and instructions from them.

According to Raëlism, the Elohim are highly advanced scientists from another planet who visited Earth in ancient times and played a role in the creation of humanity through genetic engineering. They allegedly sent prophets, including Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, to guide humanity. Raël is considered the last prophet in this lineage and is seen as a messenger of the Elohim’s teachings.

The core principles of Raëlism include the belief in scientific atheism, the pursuit of pleasure, and the rejection of traditional religious dogmas. The movement promotes the idea of sexual freedom, advocating for gender equality, homosexuality, and the practice of non-monogamy. Raëlism also places an emphasis on the pursuit of science and technology, encouraging scientific progress as a means to improve human life and potentially achieve immortality.

Raëlians conduct ceremonies and rituals that incorporate elements of science fiction, including the use of symbols such as the Swastika (used in its original peaceful context) and the Star of David. They believe in the concept of “Geniocracy,” which suggests that society should be governed by highly intelligent and knowledgeable individuals selected through a meritocratic system.

The movement has faced controversy and criticism, particularly due to its unconventional beliefs and practices. One of the most controversial aspects of Raëlism is its promotion of human cloning and the belief that through cloning, individuals can achieve immortality by transferring their consciousness to cloned bodies. These beliefs have sparked ethical debates and raised concerns about the potential risks and ethical implications of human cloning.

Raëlism has established various organizations and initiatives worldwide, including the International Raëlian Movement (IRM) and Clonaid, a company claiming to have successfully cloned a human being (although this claim has been met with skepticism and has not been independently verified).

It’s important to note that Raëlism is considered a fringe religious movement with a relatively small number of followers compared to mainstream religions. Its beliefs and practices are not widely accepted or recognized by the scientific or religious communities, and its teachings are seen as highly controversial and speculative.

3. Happy Science

Happy Science, also known as Kōfuku no Kagaku in Japanese, is a religious and spiritual movement founded by Ryuho Okawa in Japan in 1986. It is considered by some to be a controversial organization, often labeled as a cult by critics. Happy Science combines elements of various religious traditions, including Buddhism, Shintoism, and Christianity, with New Age and spiritual teachings.

Ryuho Okawa, the founder and leader of Happy Science, claims to have experienced spiritual enlightenment and received revelations from various divine beings, including the Buddha, Jesus, and the spirits of historical figures. He presents himself as a spiritual leader and teacher, offering a wide range of spiritual and self-help teachings through his books, lectures, and seminars.

Happy Science promotes a belief in personal transformation and self-improvement as a means to achieve happiness, success, and spiritual enlightenment. It emphasizes the power of positive thinking, affirmations, and the pursuit of material and financial abundance as signs of spiritual growth.

The movement’s teachings encompass a wide range of topics, including karma, reincarnation, the existence of multiple dimensions, and the spiritual hierarchy of various gods and spiritual beings. Happy Science also promotes conservative social values and advocates for patriotism, family values, and traditional gender roles.

Critics of Happy Science argue that it exhibits cult-like characteristics, such as a charismatic leader, a rigid hierarchy, financial demands on members, and isolation from outside influences. Some former members have raised concerns about alleged psychological manipulation, control, and exploitation within the organization.

Happy Science has grown internationally and has established branches and centers in various countries. It engages in political activities, promotes its teachings through media outlets, and operates businesses related to publishing, movies, and healing products.

It is important to note that opinions about Happy Science are divided. While some individuals find value in its teachings and perceive it as a legitimate spiritual movement, others criticize its practices and question its claims. As with any religious or spiritual group, it is advisable to exercise critical thinking, research, and personal discernment when exploring or engaging with such organizations.

4. Pastafarianism

Pastafarianism, also known as the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, is a satirical religious movement that emerged in the mid-2000s as a response to the teaching of intelligent design in some schools.

At its core, Pastafarianism uses humor and satire to highlight the perceived flaws in the argument for intelligent design and the inclusion of religious teachings in secular institutions. The movement’s central deity is the Flying Spaghetti Monster, a divine being made entirely of—you guessed it—pasta! According to the Pastafarian creation myth, the Flying Spaghetti Monster created the universe using His Noodly Appendages, and His followers strive to spread the message of “noodly goodness” and religious freedom.

Pastafarians often don colanders (those metal strainer-like kitchen utensils) on their heads as a symbol of their faith. This playful gesture is seen as a parallel to religious head coverings worn by other faiths. It serves as a lighthearted way of asserting their right to express their beliefs, even if those beliefs may seem unconventional to some.

The movement has its own holy text, “The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster,” which humorously outlines the tenets of Pastafarianism and pokes fun at dogmatic religious views. It’s worth noting that Pastafarianism is not a legally recognized religion in most countries, but its followers champion the idea of religious equality and the separation of church and state.

Pastafarians can often be found engaging in light-hearted protests or advocating for the inclusion of their beliefs in public discourse alongside other established religions. 

They use their satirical approach to challenge the privileges that certain religious groups enjoy in society, highlighting the importance of fair treatment for all.

While some might dismiss Pastafarianism as pure silliness, its followers see it as a vehicle for social commentary and religious expression. It serves as a reminder to question the status quo, embrace diversity, and not take ourselves too seriously.

So, the next time you spot someone sporting a colander on their head and proclaiming their faith in the Flying Spaghetti Monster, remember that they are spreading their own unique brand of pasta-based enlightenment, with a dash of humor and a pinch of social critique.

Before closing, we would like to make a couple of honorary mentions. First,  Adonitology, a modern day religion that advocates the worship of its founder King Adonis the Magnificent and holds women with large posteriors in high regard. 

Second, Soggy Biscuit, which isn’t a cult as such, but rather a ritual with a convoluted history that goes back to ancient Egypt. It’s a ritual that gave its name to the popular rock band Limp Bizkit. Apparently, it is still popular in closed, all male settings such as English boarding schools where it assumes the form of a coming-of-age cultic practice.

And that’s it folks. That rounds up our list of the weirdest cults that still exist in the world today.