The first thing is to realize that just because one believes that UFOs exist or might exist does not at all mean they are a “cultist.” This term applies only to UFO societies that fit a certain and strict criteria. There are many UFO groups that get mistakenly labelled as cults simply becuase of the perception that believing in the phenomenon makes a person, for lack of a better word, a kook.
But what are the characteristics of a cult? A cult is more than just meeting to talk about a subject or holding seminars concerning the topic at hand. It is more than research and the sharing of information and theories. The defining characteristic of a cult is that it exerts direct control over how someone lives their life, and sometimes their death as well. They make decisions they would not make otherwise simply because they have been mandated to do so by the cult.
There are a few cultural instances which I believe have led to this general change in perception over the years. But don’t get me wrong, the term is valid.
One infamous “UFO cult” was Heaven’s Gate. This was the one where all the rich people took poison in belief that there bodies would be transported via ray beam onto a waiting mothership and transplanted to their home planet. Most analysts think that this is where the notion of a “UFO cult” came from. There had been numerous relgious and nihilistic cults throughout the years, but none based in UFO mythology. It opened the door for all sorts of speculation that continues on to this day.
A key component to theirs and almost all “UFO cults” is a belief in the salvation of mankind through the intervention of extraterrestrial forces. Another necessity is one single leader. Most of these are what are called “contactees” or “abductees.” These aliens then impart upon them their secret plan for the world, which of course they will help promote among “the faithful.” Everyone who joins feels like it is destiny.
Known UFO cults include The Raelian Religion, The Nibiruan Council, The Urantia Foundation, and Heaven’s Gate. The doctrines of these pseudo-religions are all the same down to the letter. They all think aliens created humans. They all think they will one day come and save certain groups. The only real disagreement is where the aliens come from.
They all contend aliens are here to help us. Many of them are well versed in the Bible and virtual experts at interpreting texts to fit their ideas. It is actually an epic show of imagination, but people believe it, and start to see the leader as a sort of Messiah figure, which is always the first sign of trouble.
Everyone knows about Heaven’s Gate. They all were mandated to wear Nikes and drink poison at the time when they thought the mothership would be in the area. Then their souls were supposed to fly up to the mothership and live maong the aliens in a sort of utopia.
Just remember that even if the UFO cults were telling the truth, then that would mean the Bible was real. They read aliens as the fallen angels. And by worshipping them they are worshipping false gods, and damned. So either way it is a lose-lose situation. UFO cults are just another example of that place where mania catches up to whimsy.