The term cult has many different meanings. According to Jan Groenveld, a leading cult researcher and author, Christians define a cult as anything that differs from traditional orthodox teachings, but the general definition is a much broader. Generally, a cult is defined as a pyramid structured group with a single, often charismatic leader. If the cult is religious in nature then often the group will claim to be the one true religion (Groenveld).

In order for cults to continue to exist they persuade people to join and stay, often at any cost. In attempting to persuade members of cults, leaders often use both physically and emotionally harmful techniques. Margaret Thaler Singer is a clinical psychologist and professor of the Department

1 Feb 1999. Still, many of the religious based "cults" that exist today got their start from ordinary recognized Christian denominations. Most of these cults, at least when they were started, were sincere religious groups. One of the fundamental foundations that Protestantism is built upon is the idea that everyone should read the bible for themselves. This differs from the traditional Catholic view in which the Pope is the only person capable of interpreting the bible. Since most Protestants read and interpret the bible for themselves it is natural for there to be disagreements and splinter sects to evolve. This is ultimately how most Christian based cults arise. The Branch Davidians are a prime example of this. According to B.A Robinson, a researcher for the religiously neutral organization called ReligiousTolerance.org, the Branch Davidians began in 1929 as a splinter off of the Seventh Day Adventist church. Victor Houteff, who had joined the Seventh Day Adventist church in 1919, wrote his book The Shepherd's Rod in which he outlined errors that he found within the denomination. From that point he split from the Seventh Day Adventist church completely and began recruitment of members based upon his modified teachings (Robinson). As the cult aged it began to evolve into the group that eventually resembled the one led by David Koresh.

Excessive physical exertion is often used and leaves the person completely exhausted so that they haven't the time or the energy to think for themselves. Repetitive motion such as swaying and spinning is also used to manipulate the person. This continuous motion has the ability to alter a person's state of awareness making them easily disoriented. Other persuasion techniques involve painful bodily manipulation. Former members of one particular cult have reported that the cult leader would pass among the followers pressing on their eyes until the optic nerve caused them to see flashes of light. This was called "bestowing divine light" by the leader. In this same group members were instructed to push on their ears until they heard a buzzing sound, which was interpreted as hearing the "divine harmony." (Singer)

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