What kinds of people do you think are most susceptible to cults? Both of these human needs can become even more consuming during times of crisis or transition, and both of these human needs make all of us susceptible to cults. Overall, we also have a need for “meaning” or “understanding.” We want to believe in something (even if it’s “science” or “nothing”) and we, in general, want to have a reason for being or purpose. We are “hive creatures,” wanting to be part of a group or community, wanting to belong to someone(s) or something. Some people may be more susceptible, or more susceptible at certain times, but everyone can be taken in. I do believe that everyone is susceptible to cults.

Here, we ask her questions that only someone who’s been on the inside could answer.ĭo you think everyone is susceptible to cults? In her recently released memoir, To the Moon and Back: A Childhood Under the Influence, ex-Unification Church member Lisa Kohn recounts her gripping journey from Moonie cult kid to keynote speaking #girlboss. Who finds themselves in this situation? Could it be you? Are you the kind of person who would be willing to give up your sense of self in hopes of achieving a greater sense of belonging? (Spoiler: Trump has something to do with it.) And here’s the thing with our collective cult fascination: after you’ve finished bingeing on hours of content-be it Netflix’s Wild Wild Country, Hulu’s The Path or HBO’s The Leftovers-you’re left with more questions than answers. Cults are having a moment in pop culture right now - and we have a theory as to why.

To the moon and back lisa kohn