Start Your Own Religion - For Pleasure and Profit
Cults
It seems that the world is awash with Cults. They are everywhere and there appears to be
something for everyone from UFO Cults to Mushroom Cults. They tend to be small with very
few members in contrast to the major Religions and often based around an individual who
one day discovered that they where 'special' and worthy of starting a Religion.
If this is you, then read no further as you will probably have all you need running
around in your head to make a good start on your own. The pupose of Start Your Own Religion - For
Pleasure and Profit is to help those who are not 'special' and are looking for an amusing
hobby or new revenue stream.
In the previous chapter we took a look at the standard issue Business Model for Religion
- the sort that has been running for while. Here we are going to look at some aspects
of Cults - worth doing as your new Religion will probably be regarded as one at the outset.
Also consider that most of the major Religions started off as something we would regard as
a Cult today.
1) Central Figure
This is usually a charismatic sort of person who has new ideas that fit in with a certain
zeitgist. They in turn attract a following of a small core of friends who in turn set
about attarcting more people to join in.
2) Sacred Texts
These are usually thin on the ground unless one of the small core group starts writing down
the things that the Central Figure is saying. Cults rely less on this aspect as the Central
Figure is usually still alive and can come out with something for any occasion. More useful
when the Central Figure has passed on.
3) The Prophet
It is sometimes useful for the Central Figure to keep out of the limelight and rely on
somone else who can do the selling for them. This is very handy if the Central Figure is
a poor public speaker or is a non-charismatic.
However the Central Figure and The Prophet are usually one and the same
4) The Organisation
This tends to evolve quite rapidly as most Cults look to register as charities to ensure
they keep their hands on as much of any revenue stream the new found Faithful are
bringing in.
a) Senior Figures
These are usually some of the first people who started following the Central Figure. As the
Organisation get bigger, there is usually some infighting particularly with regard to newer
recruits who sense the power and money that might be available to them
b) Scholars or Holy Men
Again the Central Figure is usually still alive but upon his passing one can expect a
clamouring for this role.
c) Not So Senior Figures
These are guys who are out there spreading the word. Usually very loyal and believing. They
rarely get to see much of the action in terms of perks or cash but do have a nice warm
feeling inside!
d) Salesmen
These are synonomous with the Not So Senior Figures
e) Showrooms
Usually few and far between. The Organisation usually has a well appointed Headquarters,
somewhere remote and rely on rented rooms for meetings of the Faithful. After a while full
time Showrooms are arranged.