Apocalypse cults have indeed left their mark on Australia over the past half-century, reflecting the global fascination with doomsday scenarios.
What is an apocalyptic cult?
An apocalyptic cult is a religious or ideological group that believes in an imminent or impending apocalypse, typically involving the end of the world or a significant transformative event. Members of such cults often anticipate cataclysmic events, divine judgments, or the arrival of a messianic figure. Apocalyptic cults may engage in practices such as stockpiling supplies, withdrawing from mainstream society, or proselytising to prepare for or hasten the anticipated apocalypse.
One notable group was the Order of the Solar Temple, which originated in Switzerland but had followers in Australia. This cult believed in an impending global apocalypse and orchestrated mass suicides in the 1990s, including in Australia.
Another infamous cult was The Family, led by Anne Hamilton-Byrne in the 1960s and 1970s. Although not explicitly focused on an apocalypse, The Family practised a form of apocalyptic belief by preparing for a catastrophic event they called "The Cleansing." The cult subjected children to abuse and manipulation, with the belief that they were preparing them for the end of the world.
While the prevalence of such cults may fluctuate over time, the underlying human fascination with the end times continues to draw followers into their fold. Like other types of cults, doomsday cults often prey on vulnerable individuals seeking meaning or a sense of belonging, and it is unfortunate that their doomsday beliefs can lead to tragic outcomes.
While Australia has seen various cults with apocalyptic beliefs, not all have gained significant notoriety. Groups can reflect diversity in their beliefs and practices, while all still reflecting apocalyptic ideologies. Below are some additional groups that have operated in Australia with apocalyptic ideologies. It can be noted that many but not all of these are Christian.
30 Apocalyptic cults that have impacted Australia
1. Agape Ministries: Agape Ministries, based in Australia, emphasises a fundamentalist Christian belief in the imminent Second Coming of Christ, with teachings often focusing on preparing for the end times through strict adherence to Biblical prophecy.
2. Brisbane Christian Fellowship: This Australian Christian group believes in the imminent return of Christ and emphasises living a devout Christian life in preparation for the end times, often focusing on personal holiness and spiritual readiness.
3. Children of God: Also known as The Family, this group has historically promoted apocalyptic visions, including a belief in the imminent collapse of modern society and the establishment of God's kingdom through revolutionary means.
4. Gloriavale Christian Community: This New Zealand-based community believes in living in preparation for the end times, adhering to strict religious practices and communal living as they await the Second Coming of Christ.
5. Islamic State (ISIS): ISIS holds an apocalyptic vision where they see themselves as central to the final battles between good and evil, working towards establishing a global caliphate as a precursor to the end times.
6. Jehovah's Witnesses: Jehovah's Witnesses believe in an imminent end of the current world system and the establishment of God's Kingdom on Earth, with a focus on living according to their interpretation of Biblical prophecy.
7. Jesus Christians: Founded by David McKay, this group has end-time beliefs that include preparing for the return of Jesus and living according to specific interpretations of Biblical prophecy.
8. Magnificat Meal Movement: Founded by Debra Geileskey, this movement promotes apocalyptic teachings focusing on the end times and the need for spiritual preparation through devotion to the Virgin Mary.
9. Order of Saint Charbel: This group believes in imminent end times, focusing on the spiritual preparation of its members through devotion and adherence to the teachings of Saint Charbel.
10. Shincheonji: Based in South Korea, Shincheonji teaches that they are the true fulfilment of Biblical prophecy concerning the end times, emphasising that their founder is the promised “comforter” of the end days.
11. The Truth: This Australian group is known for its apocalyptic beliefs, which include the anticipation of an impending end of the world and a focus on living in a manner that aligns with their interpretation of Biblical prophecy.
12. Twelve Tribes: The Twelve Tribes community believes in an imminent end of the world and the establishment of God's kingdom, with a focus on living out their version of Christian communal life in preparation for the end times.
13. The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) Australia: This movement emphasises the imminent return of Christ and the establishment of a dominionist Christian society. It advocates for the influence of Christian leaders in societal and political realms as part of preparing for the end times.
14. Scientology: Scientology does not explicitly focus on apocalyptic doctrines but has a belief in a cosmic struggle involving extraterrestrial influences and past civilisations, with a focus on spiritual enlightenment and survival.
15. Raëlians: The Raëlians, though primarily focused on extraterrestrial life and the belief that humanity was created by aliens, do not emphasise apocalyptic doctrines, but rather focus on preparing for the return of these creators.
16. QAnon: QAnon is not a religious group but a conspiracy movement with apocalyptic themes, predicting a coming upheaval involving the exposure of a global cabal and the rise of a new order.
17. Providence: This group has apocalyptic beliefs centred around their interpretation of Biblical prophecy and preparing for the end times through strict adherence to their teachings.
19. Divine Truth: Founded by Alan Miller, Divine Truth incorporates apocalyptic elements, teaching that humanity is on the brink of spiritual awakening and transformation, preparing for significant global changes.
21. Church of Christ: This Christian denomination does not have a central apocalyptic doctrine but various congregations may interpret Biblical prophecy differently, with some focusing on the anticipation of Christ's return.
22. Al-Qa’ida: Al-Qa’ida's ideology includes apocalyptic elements, believing in a coming global confrontation between Muslims and non-Muslims, which they view as a precursor to the establishment of an Islamic state.
23. Al-Furqan: A less prominent extremist group, Al-Furqan incorporates apocalyptic visions in its ideology, emphasising violent jihad and the eventual triumph of Islamic governance.
24. Brethren: The Brethren movement, including its various branches, generally does not focus heavily on apocalyptic doctrines but some groups may have end-time beliefs related to the Second Coming of Christ.
25. Universal Knowledge: This group is not widely known for apocalyptic beliefs, however, these are subtly presented in some contexts. More commonly, the group focuses more on spiritual and personal development rather than end-times prophecies.
26. Universal Medicine: Founded by Serge Benhayon, Universal Medicine does not emphasise apocalyptic doctrines but focuses on holistic health and spiritual practices aimed at improving individual well-being.
27. The White Brotherhood: A New Age group that promotes spiritual transformation and prophecies global cataclysms, including in Australia.
28. The Process Church of the Final Judgement: Originating in the UK, this group believed in a dualistic theology and an impending apocalypse, with followers in Australia during the 1960s and 1970s.
29. Aum Shinrikyo: Although primarily based in Japan, the Aum Shinrikyo cult had international sympathisers, including in Australia, who shared the group's apocalyptic visions and beliefs in purification through violence.
30. The End-Time Handmaidens and Servants: A Christian group with apocalyptic beliefs, emphasising preparation for the end times and had followers in Australia.
These cults vary in their origins, doctrines, and levels of influence, but they all share a common theme of belief in an impending cataclysm or transformative event. These cults span different countries and regions, but they share a common fascination with apocalyptic beliefs and often draw in vulnerable individuals seeking meaning or salvation.
Conversely, The Church of the SubGenius emerged as a satirical religion incorporating apocalyptic themes. In Australia, it attracts followers who appreciate its humorous perspective on doomsday predictions. Similarly The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is a parody religion promoting the idea of a flying spaghetti monster as the creator, with satirical apocalyptic beliefs and followers in Australia. The Church of Euthanasia: A satirical "religion" advocating for population control through voluntary suicide, with followers attracted to its provocative message worldwide.
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