Videos inside Heaven's Gate house reveal those lured into cult: 20/20 ‘The Cult Next Door’ Preview

Diane Sawyer reports on the kind, intelligent people who walked away from their daily lives, careers, families, friends and even young children to join a group led by Marshall Herff Applewhite.
Former members who shared their experiences for the first time, loved ones of deceased followers and authorities who worked on the case spoke with Diane Sawyer about the Heaven's Gate tragedy.
Cult members were required to follow an extremely structured schedule while living under Marshall Herff Applewhite’s direction, like attending hours-long lectures and being told when to shower.
Stream Diane Sawyer’s full 20/20 special “The Cult Next Door: The Mystery and Madness of Heaven’s Gate” - now on Hulu: abcn.ws/3MdJt8b.
Watch The Full Episode Here: bit.ly/3J7Tbqy
Read more: abcn.ws/3KB1NpQ.
#2020 #HeavensGate #CultNextDoor

[@royalbloodedledgend]

You could tell somethings wrong with this family gathering because everyone’s getting along too well.

[@ChicPolarBear]

Best Comment Ever!!

[@marcihf217]

LOL

[@babyn3mo]

😂😂😂

[@jenniferrivera8627]

Lol facts we need some screaming

[@ivanherrera2497]

CULT FAMILY CONFIRMED

[@cassie6579]

Don’t under estimate every humans need to belong somewhere. All the accolades mean nothing if you don’t feel like they belong anywhere. That’s why cults are able to thrive.

[@25BEDFORD]

That's religion and society in general. Many people naturally have a need to belong and they go wherever they feel accepted. Relationships are no different.

[@seymourbutts4654]

Some of us don't want to belong or seek accolades. We're comfortable in our own skin.

[@cassie6579]

@Jibba Jabba easy to say, as I said your underestimating the power of that need.

[@trishamoore7042]

@Jibba Jabba what the heck is wrong with you, where is your compassion and empathy for people. Just because that is not your issue of needing to belong or having a connection with people/someone doesn't mean that other people don't struggle with wanting to belong or be accepted. The sad part is that there are people, these false prophets, leaders and pastors that see your vulnerability and exploit it. They use their position to control you and manipulate you to believe them. The problem is with the false leader of heaven gate and all of these other false prophets/leaders of these other cults, such as Nxivm, Children of god, etc.that exploited these people, they are/were VICTIMS. Your verbal assault should be towards them not the VICTIMS. Your statement was mean and unnecessary.

[@Schulz1362]

Obviously mental illness was the factor that made this ridiculous incident possible. Unfortunate that so many were so easily manipulated.

[@finestkindmedicinal5967]

There are times I'm so glad I'm an introvert that loves solitude, hates crowds and never like to be in a group

[@ELEKTRA_LUXXX]

Same same same!!!!!!!!

[@sisamusudroka3000]

Amen

[@ematisions]

You’re not the only one.

[@twotatanka5396]

Yeah those little home movies made me cringe. Just forget I’m here. Someone have a baby!!!!

[@jaypritchett6846]

*I’m not a group person ether!* But I at least have to have my hubby 🥰 lol

[@elmerkilred159]

It just goes to show you that anyone can be brainwashed. But, not everyone can be a hair stylist.

[@513morris]

No, this doesn't "show that anyone can be brainwashed."

[@Bluerage.]

🤣🤣😂

[@JB-js4xi]

@@513morris ahhh....a tRump truther....lmao....you are d ...u.....m....b

[@myvt5360]

Good one🤣😂😝🤩😛😇

[@marmackk]

@@513morris Not according the cult experts.

[@lindaj171]

The main thing I think people in Cults have in common is that they are mesmerized by being told they are one of the 'Chosen Ones'. They have been singled out . . . they are special. They will be saved, and others won't. Some of these people seem to have had stature that, as they age, they feel they have lost, or they have a famous sibling or family that they are in the shadow of. If you want to avoid a Cult, understand that you are special . . . and so is everyone else❣

[@anatta467]

its more simple. even very successful people can find it hard to find meaning in this world. All it takes is a small glimpse of sometjimg greater than their meaningless daily life, and they are lost into the hands of a life coach, a "healer", a priest, or a cult.

[@goatimus6676]

Sounds like organized religion to me

[@kennethraymondmoore]

You just summed up Christianity in a nutshell.

[@randyg666]

I believe it's 100 percent true for some but not all. I was born in the jehovah's witness cult. I was never one but all my family were. I spent my life wondering how people can buy in to this BS, but never came to a one single reason.

[@fairedelapeche1300]

@@randyg666 Thank Satan you left! Now they don't have to put up with your BS either.🤣

[@ericcampos1987]

Perfect example of how lost people truly are. They believe anything.

[@MrSocko-vn7fw]

How do you know they didn't receive their own galaxy. I mean the Mormons believe almost the same b.s. lmao.

[@skaetur1]

Send. Me. Money!

[@MrSocko-vn7fw]

@@skaetur1 ya if only money could pay for the truth

[@FactStorm]

Christians and Muslims aren't any different really, they believe in things without evidence - hence faith

[@twotatanka5396]

If it wasn’t for pot and video games I might be one of those weirdos

[@chantallaflamme6454]

For those who missed it, the cult lasted for over twenty years before they committed suicide. Some of these people had been brainwashed for two decades and some others were probably born into it (assuming they were conceived before the castration occurred).

[@donovanhunt5873]

Did you not watch the video? They weren't commiting suicide, they were exiting their vehicle to ascend to the next level.

[@maxnolife_]

🌀 📺 What are you talking about? They were ascending to the next level 🌀 📺

[@gurleenkaur8049]

@@maxnolife_ are you seriously joking about suicide?

[@kkooda2424]

​@@gurleenkaur8049 happened 25yrs ago grow up

[@MikeJ2023]

Why can’t the entire MAGA Trash Cult bite the big one like these folks did? Like dear Leader said they should have all just drank the bleach.

[@AlbinoCrow]

I think what made them join the cult is the feeling of belongingness. They are skilled and smart and successful but lonely. That is why they are hypnotized by the cult. They want a tight-knit family that they never had. Do is their father figure and maybe they love him so much because of the security he gives of being so sure. These people are smart but not sure. Do is psychotic, confident. and so sure.

[@heatherwright57]

They are all DEAD

[@gowdsake7103]

Thus we have religion

[@lesleythompson6801]

Yes, I've seen the entire farewell video, and some of them seem such shy, lonely outsiders.

[@lesleythompson6801]

@@heatherwright57 We know, but they ARE alive in the video so discussions of events in it are in the present tense.

[@Mr_Boifriend]

Yes - a desire to feel like you're a part of a community, & also that you all have a "shared cause", an explanation for suffering, etc. You see people fall into extremist political groups, gangs, religious extremism; hyper-fixate on careers, sports, etc. etc. all for the same reasons I hope everyone seeking that kind of belonging & purpose can maintain their boundaries & individuality & only take what enriches their life from these groups, not what is harmful. Thank you

[@the_kingdom]

It's so sad that there have been, are currently and will be in the future people who allow themselves to be led into cults. What's even sadder are any children who are unknowingly led into cults by their own parents.

[@ginaregina465]

Charles Manson said something that has always stuck with me (the essence stuck, not the actual words but if you’re interested, I’m sure it’s not to hard to find). When asked how he managed to have so many beautiful, middle class girls at his beck and call, he said something like if their parents were too busy to love them, they are looking for love and attention and that’s what I give them. If you don’t give kids what they need, someone will give it to them. --it went something like that or at least that was the essence, makes sense, it’s a bit more complicated than that psychologically speaking, but he’s close enough as to why he was able to do what he did

[@charliec.3518]

The saddest part is that people pretend that they wouldnt fall for the exact same thing, we all do on a constant basis, the only difference is the cult isnt about aliens or meeting god Think about it, we sell ourselves and our lives to corporations and governments the second we're born, we will never escape it and we will die for them, for that cause.

[@papiwho9668]

Basically, religion?

[@stldj05]

How can you moralize when cult like behavior runs rampant throughout this world. Look at companies.

[@73cidalia]

@@papiwho9668 There’s a line between religion and a cult. Religion doesn’t mean cutting off contact with your family, leaving your life, and committing suicide or killing your kids. That’s a cult.

[@freedomfyter]

They all look drained of life. Like life was sucked out of them.

[@jujjuj7676]

i think that the results of the hair cut...lol

[@babyn3mo]

Pun intended?? ☺️

[@angelseliteautodetailing]

Life sucked but I'd stay with marijuana than be looking for acceptance 😂🏂

[@Wallabee01]

Yeah sleep deprivation didn't allow them to think critically, easiest way to turn someone into a zombie no?

[@bibbo3167]

Does that mean that my family is also a cult?

[@judeinLA.]

Images of that man and Moe’s haircuts used to scare me as a kid. Who am I kidding?! It still does. Goosebumps Galore

[@trooprm317]

And the fact these people were all Castrated

[@RazPerignon]

Pretty cool guy

[@tired_buthappy]

@@trooprm317 not all. Look into it if you want to spit facts.

[@bobr9207]

@@trooprm317 really ? Damn, I have to check out the documentary

[@TheMeowmix2005]

Subject matter aside, whoever did the voiceover on this video is awesome! Writing in the description like that is the most inclusive thing I have seen on KZbin so far. Thank you! Thank you thank you! This is a perfect example of how to include everybody when producing a documentary. Even blind people, yes, we watch TV too.

[@rileysmall4317]

you watch? how? echolocation?

[@texaswunderkind]

@@rileysmall4317 There are apps for the visually impaired that read the alt text on photos to describe the page. TV programming can have DSV (Descriptive Video Service) that describes the image on the screen while it is happening. It will say "a group of people sit in a room laughing," and things like that, to give an idea what is on the screen. I once had a cat walk across a remote control and enable it, and learned quite a bit about it until I finally got the owner's manual to turn it off.

[@sugarsore]

@@rileysmall4317 So disrespectful.

[@SG-ct2tb]

@Riley Smal You shouldn't be mean

[@rileysmall4317]

@@texaswunderkind ahh thats pretty cool.

[@SammysMom]

There just something about every single person's eyes and how empty or lost they looked. The before pictures of some of them makes me so sad for their families. And the air or desperated look of them wanting to please that man so badly

[@mariec3527]

I noticed it too seeing there after pictures . They look blank and smile and joke like mindless lil children It's very sad

[@isabellavillanueva4639]

It’s so trippy to me

[@FactStorm]

This may be confirmation bias, but I am afraid you are right

[@gardensofthegods]

Lisa C , They all look like they know the punchline to some weird inside joke . It's a strange look in their eyes

[@wendyladybug355laurie4]

Maybe He Kept Them Somewhat Sedated, Well,Calm- Maybe He valium Into Their DRINKS', That Way They Just Become Chill,& Very Compliant.Mmay God Bless ALL WWG1WGA 👼👼🙏🙏🙏🙏💝💝

[@bdflatlander]

Yep. In my younger days (I’m 68) I had a need to feel like I belonged in a group somewhere but as I have gotten older I very much value my solitude. I also would much rather be by myself than be with people I find disagreeable and unpleasant.

[@PlanetaryCitizen]

Me too!

[@drewwnull]

I'm 22 and much rather be by myself.

[@T3H8]

me fr

[@yashpatel261]

Yup figuring this out and accepting it is great

[@dryb3301]

Well those people were right, she HAS completely lost her marbles

[@Max-wz6cu]

LOL

[@beneaththefloorboards]

Something I think a lot of people don't realize is that a fair amount of high achievers are driven by feelings of inadequacy. ... Sad all around.

[@redstateforever]

It’s sort of the opposite of the Dunning Krueger effect, where dumb people think they’re brilliant and are very confident, and have no idea how dumb they really are. Smarter people know just how much they DON’T know, which leads many to be life long learners, but can also be overwhelming and make you feel insignificant. It can make life seem futile, pointless. It’s not a coincidence that so many cult members have above average IQs.

[@Mr_Boifriend]

Yep that's a great point!

[@jennifergreen6109]

Frfr

[@sylviabennan]

it’s just heartbreaking. wish they hadn’t been dragged into the ridiculous, zany world of that conman. look him up: he’s got charles manson eyes... out of his mind.

[@goatimus6676]

Who cares?? World's overpopulated...get over it

[@twotatanka5396]

It’s interesting kinda funny. I mean yeah look at that guy. If you follow him literally or whatever. You’re an idiot

[@gardensofthegods]

Sylvia they all look weird too , though ... kind of like they're all part of an inside joke .

[@maxmccullough8548]

His partner was even crazier

[@Max-wz6cu]

The dude looks fucking demented.

[@CurtisEFlush-sj7sn]

a remember being a kid when all of this happened, it has always fascinated me.

[@Keezie27]

Same here

[@SFVnative]

You could go crazy trying to figure out how so many people could end up like this, especially intelligent once successful people. Also, I wonder how people from all over the country came to find out about this nutcase leader in San Diego.

[@loveecreations4792]

They all have this weird look in their eyes, like they’re not in the driver seat of their body anymore.

[@timothytherealenglishspot9613]

It’s a fake smile. When you smile authentically you use more muscles in your face. When the smile is fake, the muscles around your eyes are relaxed. Fake smiles are creepy AF and they do seem to make people look psychotic or dumb.

[@KanyeKetchup]

That's a way to put it. I'll watch out for more ppl like that .

[@thomaswilliams1525]

I noticed that with the jim jones cult members also. Good observation.

[@singaboutme3586]

I suspect they were on strong drugs! 24/7

[@Ro6entX]

I still remember watching the mass suicide on the news, or very shortly after. It’s disturbing on how skillful manipulators can bend weak minded people to his or her will.

[@lequanmooney5237]

They were idiots for submitting

[@penclaw]

the leader himself was manipulated by "something" you could see it in his eyes

[@roberttorres4893]

At the very end of this "broadcast " in all caps it says, " SUBSCRIBE NOW" & " KEEP WATCHING" ? Are we the cult members?

[@jonhamilton5789]

@Benjamin Breeg So, I see you’re a card carrying member of the Cult of Trump.

[@gurleenkaur8049]

@@lequanmooney5237 no that’s not how it works. What if they weren’t mentally well or were having problems. The cult lasted for 20 years and one of the members is in their twenties. What if they had gotten pulled in when they were a child. You never know so don’t just call these unfortunate victims idiots.

[@makipizon]

This world is so cruel. This is so sad seeing them.

[@Charliefox71]

They’re like a less-angry Qanon.

[@SethComedyFan]

@@Charliefox71 or a more angry MSNBC

[@West_Coast]

Just goes to show humans are capable of believing anything as long as emotions are involved.

[@haylobos8261]

A Kenya bathouse buggerer is the savior. Cloud boogieman is going to get you. Men can get men pregnant. They were the OG liberals.

[@TheLuminousOne]

or even without emotions

[@christopherchapman2493]

Probably the reason that thousands of people think they are trans these days

[@jennifergreen6109]

Yup. Just look at the majority of the population

[@hiimtoilet.iflushthings.2182]

How did "Do" get these people to follow him? Some people have natural gifts. Charisma, high intelligence, a great personality, natural born leadership skills, above average oratory skills, and finally are master manipulators. Do just happened to have all of them at once, when most just have a few of those qualities. He basically told his followers what they wanted to hear and unfortunately they listened.

[@samuelgulizia7711]

Cult leaders prey on the gullible and the vulnerable

[@bobdadnaila7708]

Charles Manson David Karesh Jim Jones Jesus Christ Donald Trump Pat Robertson .... The list goes on

[@diannefaith7866]

@@bobdadnaila7708 Wow!! Exactly!!!

[@diannefaith7866]

@@elmosweed4985 Disgustingly true!! 🤮

[@wsurjec6414]

@@bobdadnaila7708 What do you mean Christ? A cult leader? #Wrong

[@bamamom0298]

If there were a “cult” that didn’t wish to die, who spread love and positivity, who advocated for those weaker than themselves…….I would cheer them on…..but this? It’s all about the leader. They take vulnerable people who just want a purpose and to belong and destroy them.

[@sylviabennan]

was thinking the same thing, wish there were “cults” that pushed people upwards and taught them to reach their own goals or find happiness within themselves rather than pigeon-holing them into the single sci-fi belief system of some conman. Same thing with L ron Hubbard: it was all about exercising control. That is exactly what makes humanity detestable, when someone makes it ONLY about themselves and ONLY at the expense of others. Disgusting.

[@AlexNutNut]

There is its called Christianity

[@timothytherealenglishspot9613]

The ones that don’t wish to die are parading as organized religions. I don’t know any Christians that are keen on showing up to heaven even one second sooner than they must even though Christians are promised an opportunity to meet God himself at the pearly gates.

[@MrSocko-vn7fw]

There is. It's called Religion.

[@nothankyou222]

Christianity Catholicism Hinduism Judaism Buddhism Shintoism Animism Wicca Any religion fits your query as long as people don’t invest too much or too little into it.

[@eastlos7090]

Their website is still up, so as a joke, I emailed them asking how do I become a member and they responded and said they no longer accept new members.

[@melaniemelanin]

Lmao really ?

[@eastlos7090]

@@melaniemelanin yea, I was all stoned lmfao

[@melaniemelanin]

Are you sure you didn’t hallucinate someone responding back to you ? Lol 😂 jk I’d be to scared

[@eastlos7090]

@@melaniemelaninLOL \, I was stoned out my mind

[@FactStorm]

Lmao, of course they don't accept new members..they don't want infiltration

[@ruthaakamonica5602]

I met some of these cult members in San Diego when l was invited to a salmon feast for Easter during the late 1970's They had a botanicle garden surrounding their huge property where deer rabbits and other wild animals roamed free within it's confinement Cult members wore the same weird spaceship pendant around their necks and all seemed overly kind and earily happy There were little kids running around half dressed peeking into rooms through cracked doors of people having sex., One of the children asked Marshal a question and in front of me he said " oh you'll have to ask God For the answer " his eyes wide and blue looking at me through his perifial making sure l heard the girls response , she replied " l am asking God " ! Marshal smiled his eyes widening , he looked over at me as his ego was bigger than his shadow , these guys were too weird for me !

[@Mr_Boifriend]

wow that is fu--ing weird af dude. Glad you got your salmon & left!

[@sopitabo]

@@Mr_Boifriend Cold bro cold lmfao . Wonder if she got any sex with her salmon ?Nah,its probably just the salmon ?

[@muffindudeswag]

I could of swore they had rules saying no sex. I could be wrong I guess

[@andrewb9708]

@@Mr_Boifriend Ruth is just another pathological liar. What do you expect from someone with Satanic imagery as their avatar? "Magical" thinking meets fabrications. Read my comment.

[@CallMeGary2.0]

@@muffindudeswagyou’re right, they weren’t allowed to have sex, they were supposed to be genderless

[@chrisward4576]

They all have that cult look in their eye. How the hell does that happen?

[@jennifermiddleton6672]

They allow demons to take over that’s how.

[@alecgurney9305]

@@jennifermiddleton6672 200 iq

[@Charliefox71]

It’s pretty easy….we’re seeing it happen all over again with Qanon and MAGA.

[@Charliefox71]

@Fire Engine Nope. Humans preying on the insecurities of other humans.

[@cyberpunkin742]

ask your mom

[@anpdgbe]

He had such visibly crazy eyes, how did it not trigger a fight or flight instinct

[@hunter30432]

That’s not how mental health/illness works.

[@dylankennedy4539]

No like he literally doesnt blink like people for the most part find that off putting.

[@dylankennedy4539]

Also, assuming you mean the followers of heavens gate were all mentally ill, Id just like to say this: Everyone can be susceptible to cult recruitment. Its got nothing to do with cognitive ability. Its important to keep that in mind because thats why people need to be aware of cult tactics. One moment where you feel alone and desperate can make anyone easy to exploit

[@Max-wz6cu]

The dude was deranged.

[@cyberpunkin742]

?? ?

[@downtownswingin]

This spooked me as a kid. I couldn’t sleep for weeks.

[@laurenb.8043]

it’s hard to imagine believing in the ufo story and everything else their leader was claiming, but i so know what it’s like to be manipulated by a powerful charismatic person. so sad for those people

[@nos4me]

To be fair tho he did kill himself aswell. He believed enough to go through with that

[@Mr_Boifriend]

@@nos4meyea he put his money where his mouth was 😂 That's the thing: it seems like most cult leaders genuinely believe their own BS... i'm sure some like that NxiVm guy are more cynical tho...

[@stopstalkingmeitsstressful3644]

Hi achievers need help. I almost got trapped in a cult.

[@anpdgbe]

Loneliness will drive people to all sorts of things

[@cowel8734]

All he did is make them feel special which you dont get often in the world. Its very easy to listen to someone if they sell you an exciting idea where you are special and part of something special. We all want that(or most)

[@ArturoLopez-iu8qz]

We must be careful who or what we let into our minds.

[@MrSesmith11]

Even the seemingly smart people can be duped. Is it the concept or the connection they have in common? They don’t get you in by pounding the concept into you. They get you with the connection to others like you. Not much different from multi-level marketing scams. Except a cult might just kill you.

[@jashuasmith9361]

It can sometimes be tricky to define whats exactly smart is and what it isnt. If you do something that is highly complex that result in something that is very stupid, are you dumb? If a person make something complex out of something that is very simple, are you dumb? Are people naturally inherently smart in nature. Or is it about nurture of your environment towards becoming smart through exposure. Can the potential be there for you to be smart, but you don’t act that way with results, in where it would make it hard to say either a person is smart or not, in stupid is what stupid does. Good point on connecting with others and fitting in. That can be powerful and have nothing to do with weather a persons smart or not.

[@joecisneros2256]

What makes them smart? Cause they’re educated?

[@joecisneros2256]

@@jashuasmith9361 exactly

[@DylanRomanov]

They have intelligence but are ignorant when it comes to socialize and community. A lot of these people were very nice but very awkward

[@elizabethdiaz5475]

@@DylanRomanov and because they were" awkward", they were bullied and felt unaccepted. Bright people suffer tremendously because of their great depth personalities and complicated thinking process. They feel alone, and mistreated by a society that values vanity and superficiality. So, they are prey of narcissists who envy their intelligence, charm and beauty.

[@adamfowler350]

This is one of the most terrifying cults of all to me, for the simple fact that they are all so mesmerized in the comraraderie they share. They're living the fantasy, and it's unnervingly understandable in a way, given how anyone just desires to belong somewhere.

[@jucutan]

I've challenged life's everyday issues, unemployments, the economy, depression, worries etc. & this pandemic. I still FIGHT every day to be brave enough to live life. During the Aids epidemic, I vowed to "Live healthy enough to see a cure!". At the same time I was going though depression. Fast forward 30 years, I'm still here! Not searching for a way to "Get Out" of this life but choosing to challenge every issue that come my way. I realize how stronger I am without the use of medication, religion, therapy. I will fight until the end.

[@jennicase]

One thing that I find odd is they still have their website and it's 90s style. Who's keeping it going?

[@YellowBriefs]

Mark and Sarah King A.K.A the TELAH Foundation

[@lucidloki2814]

The way that one guy asked if they were filming “this” was kinda creepy. Idk it was like a mixture of shocked and scared

[@lockardthegoat5157]

His reaction seemed pretty lighthearted, really

[@BLURTHEGHOST]

I can't believe people could follow these cult leaders, they're so selfish and it's so obvious

[@fortsniped3073]

I think the barber took “just f*ck my life up fam” to a whole new level..

[@ericaj6092]

I just finished this! Great work Diane as always 😊

[@joecisneros2256]

Only on Hulu or wt?

[@kathrynoneill5862]

Just the haircut would have prevented me from joining that cult. I just cannot pull that off.

[@kristinwolf1165]

Facts lol

[@thethirdview7098]

The narrator keeps making a big deal about how people with “prominent” titles were manipulated by this cult leader. But those titles mean nothing and are but more simulacra created by mainstream CULTure. The key is to leave ALL cult beliefs.

[@justinhamilton8647]

absolutely fantastic documentary i loved every second of it

[@StormsLover94]

I agree! It was my first time hearing about this cult and was astonished

[@Seroxm13]

Too bad I'm not part of the Hulu cult and can't see it :/ I really want to see it... Looks so interesting.

[@user-DeDub]

Disturbing on all levels. these ppl are lost.

[@carmencervantes7885]

"Jesus said to him, Iam the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

[@Mr_Boifriend]

There's a difference between academic intelligence & street smarts

[@fernandovazquez7272]

So because you’re a cheer leader you’re a high achiever and gives you the world at your feet? Cmon lol

[@melaniemelanin]

Hahaha

[@jasonandoy4740]

Still can’t believe this happened in San Diego

[@tcb6857]

I've studied various modern day religious movements in depth for a better part of the last 10 years, and this groups leader disturbs me more than most...not all, but most.

[@AllenHanPR]

I feel like what attracted these people to the cult was the fact that they got sick of conforming to what success looks like to have accepting friends. The religion promoted giving up on "impressing people" and "pursuing goals". Endless pursuit of ambitions, sucked the life out of them.

[@davidjordan7274]

Sad I remember this as kid 🤦🏽

[@bemhibbits4157]

So just to be clear.....THESE people are delusional, but the folks who 'believe' we came from a dirt man and rib woman who ate a magic fruit at the behest of a talking snake are totally sane? How is it any different? If anything, Heaven's Gate was MORE dedicated to their beliefs than any Christian I've met. As far as actions vs words.

[@MisterSolitude]

Because one there is evidence and one there isn't

[@YellowBriefs]

@@MisterSolitude excuse me where's the evidence of God existing? There's some "evidence" of a man named Jesus existing on this planet and having followers but not much else. It's no different from people talking and studying Heaven's Gate 2000 years from now and believing in it.

[@MisterSolitude]

@@YellowBriefs what kind of evidence are you looking for

[@YellowBriefs]

@@MisterSolitude what kind of evidence would make you believe Marshall Applewhite was right? To me, any religion looks as crazy as what these guys believed in, but I respect their choices.

[@MisterSolitude]

@@YellowBriefs we all have different standards of evidence that's why i asked you. you can't say there's no evidence when you can't even tell me what constitutes evidence

[@tigerbiterhater]

Even the Aliens was afraid of Heaven’s Gate and they too took off in the UFO they came in leaving the human members

[@TheRealPoliticalOutlet]

Hello, my name is Casey Allen and I grew up in a religious cult in southeastern Ohio that began in 1998 and ended in 2015 when the church elder and one of the main pastors took a ride for 7 miles on a child’s bicycle to commit a murder and attempted kidnapping. During the reign of our Elders a lot of Abuse , physical and sexual occurred , financial fraud , tax fraud and rituals that were never uncovered or investigated . We never used medication and we never said we were ill , we were always “resisting” . We are not Mormons , We are “We The Church”

[@starphase1623]

It's amazing that there are so many naive people in the world. Stupidity has no bounds. 😔

[@gowdsake7103]

Yup religion does that

[@Valexia683]

@@gowdsake7103 Christianity doesnt do that. You cant lump all beliefs together because the believers of Christianity, like the apostles and saints, have testified that their lives have been positively transformed miraculously, while UFO testimonies are stories of those who have been left confused, depressed, afraid, and sometimes suicidal like in this case. Theres no comparison between a faith and belief that gives hope and life and one that does the literal opposite.

[@gowdsake7103]

@@Valexia683 Honestly testimony ? do you realise that is the weakest of arguments ? They are ALL stories and have zero usefulness to anyone except the heavens gate testimony's ! ohhhh they were soooo happy to die. Would you say that a Hindu that douses themselves in fuel and sets themselves alight is a great example ? What about all the devout Nazis ? Human delusion is NOT an argument for anything but delusion

[@blazingstar9638]

They’re happy because they think they’re going on a space ship ride

[@johndonwood4305]

People call the group "lost," "crazy," or especially "deluded" and yet these are the same people that buy into the latest consumer trends, vote for either of the major political parties, worship their local/national sports team, and believe that critical thinking means to think themselves superior to people who are different to them.

[@Max-wz6cu]

The difference is that these cult members were weak-minded people who were manipulated by a nutcase.

[@allgotti]

'Those who make you believe in absurdities, can make you commit atrocities." Voltaire

[@TheSuperPsychoKiller]

Actually baggy clothes was normal in the 1990’s. Not cult clothing.

[@zanelemofikoe2374]

Why does no one talk about the fact that these people look depressed too, they probably just wanted to be out!!!

[@jamesonoof5973]

The eyes and smiles…

[@doggysmells3322]

I’m just hyper fixed on heavens gate rn now it’s unhealthy

[@a2dazgod539]

Ha, ha , ha. Let the sheep be sheep and the wolves be wolves. Religions, cultures and traditions are the creation of human. Those who know how to exploit them will find fame , sex, power and riches.

[@jeannineterese1037]

Doe was a homosexual who refused to “come out” and instead had himself castrated.

[@meredithheath5272]

Most likely.

[@jeannineterese1037]

@crlody3045 sounds like you’re a fan of his. Were you castrated too?🤔🍆

[@jenniferrivera8627]

When u have always strived to be the best and seek approval from ppl u get cults and ppl that are quick to join. I pray that they are able to get out.

[@siobhancosgrove7277]

I don’t think I’ll understand how ONE person can brainwash others. I’m SO glad that I’m a loner and don’t like crowds

[@garlord1023]

“ The Cult Nextdoor” sounds like a bomb tv show title

[@dginta7932]

Recognized most of the GOP on the bus.

[@bigfishinasmallpond8389]

You can’t trick me these are grown ass people that made a decision. These people are all adults and were self-conscious and fully aware of what was going on stop the cap

[@jujjuj7676]

Man..i could not agree more with your statement.. i just wish more people on this ignorant planet had your mindset...start cloning urself please..lol

[@abu9822]

These things happen like forever. This is not something new. Being in denial about these things, because this is new to you doesn't help. How do you know that they are self-conscious? Because they are adults? All these anti vaxxers and clinate change deniers are adults. Instead of you going" Hey! Maybe I should some hours looking or reading about how people get caught up on theae things. But no you choose to be ignorant about it. I don't if you're an adult, but you are proven to yourself, that you need to be more mature on this.

[@marmackk]

You cant trick me.I bet everyone of those members said the same thing before they got involved in Heavens' Gate.People's Temple,NXVIM,Scientolgy ,Branch Davidiands members probably all said that.You need to stop being jugemental and study cults and how they work and why as cult experts say anyone can be successfully recruited into a cult . The psychological tactics they use to lure vulnerable people in and trap them.I suggest you research Robert J Lifton 8 criteria of a mind control environment and renowned cult expert and former cult member Dr.Steve Hassan BITE model and understand what thought reform and brainwashing is.

[@TheWinnie42]

“Hip hop nonsense”😂😫 you gotta be white . I stand with the original comment. Grown ass men and woman allowed themselves to be manipulated 🤷🏾‍♀️ It is what it is. Be smart

[@monicarenee7949]

@@zeppo9885 this type of communication existed before hip hop. No one is obligated to speak “properly” on social media. I don’t even agree with them, I just get annoyed by policing of language.

[@MtthwSmmns]

The great thing about the freedom of choice is to choose when you die. These peoples made their own choice. They believed in something. They should have the freedom to choose what they decide. Now anyone who was forced to do so, well that is different. If someone does not have the choice of deciding when or how they may die then freedom is lost. Just as people choose to live, there are many who choose to die. That is their right! There natural, basic right! Lets live in a free world. One where our rights are protected.

[@primescar]

Agreed, but it's sad that their beliefs are quit radical, insubstantial and unscientific. Most religions are unscientific but at least they push for life, not death. But well, if that's their own choice, I don't see a reason to stop them. Giving suggestions are okay, but you can never force people to obey them. That goes for both life and death I guess.

[@lucysluckyday]

If you have a leader that is highly intellectual and can literally answer any question that you yourself cannot answer, then yes it is possible. There was a lot of this being theorized in the leadup to the year 2000, and also in 2012/13. It's only now that those years have passed that it leaves no room for another date to be used by a cult leader, at least not again until the year 3000 AD.

[@ayceod]

The similarities between these people and a certain group of people who align with a particular political affiliation is kind of interesting and terrifying..

[@20bucktakedeal75]

Which one?

[@bl1429]

ONE'S PERSONAL DEFENSE SHOULD BE SELF PORTECTION OF BODY, AND MIND. ONLY I PROTECT BOTH. NO MAN, OR WO-MAN CONTROLS YOU UNLESS YOU LET THEM. THE SAME GOES WITH MINISTERS, PRIEST, AND TELEVANGELIST. YOU GO AGAINST YOUR SPIRIT, WHEN YOU GIVE YOUR PERSONAL POWER AWAY.

[@jessieblossom3874]

People were too less aware back then...

[@Melinda_Ross]

How can you be so happy about dying?

[@dianagreen966]

Highly accomplished people who found their material opportunities empty and meaningless. Too bad they didn’t see the revolutionary potential of a socialist society that would make the world better for everyone and put all their wonderful talents to good use to change the world and not escape it.

[@mimamimoo]

Its 2022 i just hope that no one will ever attempt to recreate this kind of cult as well

[@lll-w]

too late for Donda Academy

[@thebuilder5271]

Whats scary is that the Republican Party nowadays has some major cult like brainwashing going on with conspiracy theories like the “rigged election” or that COVID was made up by the government or that school shootings like Sandy Hook were staged. Some of them did get themselves killed during the attempted coup on Jan 6,, though if they did decide to do mass suicides instead of try to kill government officials I definitely wouldn’t complain...

[@MrDontuknowme]

Judgment on these people is despicable. Watch ALL of the tapes and recordings of these people. All of them are still online. All of them are completely at peace and are well aware of what they chose to do. They truly believed in their actions. Think of what they must have witnessed to convince them into a space of zero doubt and full peace… this goes far deeper and far beyond brainwashing.

[@Pulang_Diwa]

You sound like you're part of a cult yourself. Blink twice if you need rescue.

[@robd1329]

Its called demons working overtime to lure these souls to hell

[@Valexia683]

Yea this goes far into demon and possessed land. These people were deceived by satan and the lies about ufos and fake science.

[@GLEEK12345678910]

They described the people and they all seemed like people from well succeeding families or type a people. Or people with siblings who achieved things they didn’t. My guess is they couldn’t keep up with the pressure and just wanted to chill and this sick man took advantage of that.

[@eternylbliss2151]

I remember when this was in the news back when the Internet was young. I went to their website and printed out their logo and hung it up in the office I worked in at my old job - I had a random wall of oddness with this as the focal point. I think only the born again manager knew what it was. When he converted he was almost as washed as this leader for awhile but he eased up years later.

[@jesse-ll3dh]

The women have the haircut known as the Janet Reno. It was real popular in the mid late 1990's.

[@ryanOGab]

I’ve always stood by my statement ,that I’ve Always been distrusting of and found people who are overly smiley, deeply of putting

[@mjapusa4948]

There are people who’s been very lonely where they were desperate to join a cult

[@jayram1405]

Father I pray over the cult on this land and I pray over every person involved in this kind of drama against the people and it's land and I ask you take it down this day. I send your Holy Spirit to every camp of the enemy and I ask your Thunder fire of God to destroy them once and for all in the name of Jesus. Amen.

[@513morris]

Mindless drivel

[@FactStorm]

Ironically, you don't realize that you too are part of a cult. Humans are so gullible, its pathetic

[@raulsanchez9795]

I am still sad about the heavens gate, it was so inspiring but I did not like the ending... Maybe if I was able to be part of the team... Do not suicide, fake it to escape your debts

[@Band_Aid_Man_]

hard to believe such " high achievers" were duped into following stuff like this!

[@robd1329]

Satan loves to work on weak minds

[@bdflatlander]

Sometimes people who are perceived as high achievers are actually very troubled and unhappy people. They feel the need to constantly strive for something above and beyond what they have already achieved and therefore feel unfulfilled. I can see how some of the high achievers that fell for this Heaven’s Gate nonsense: they were brainwashed into believing this complete lunacy as a way to finally feel accomplished and accepted.

[@BluStarGalaxy]

@@robd1329 You are in a different cult.

[@sandgrownun66]

“Religion is an insult to human dignity. Without it you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion.” ― Steven Weinberg.

[@kat8838]

They tried to get me once in Chicago and Milwaukee, the younger blonde with the big dark squared glasses. That spooky old man reminds me of Dia Abrams boyfriend who took all them kid's inheritance. Real strange dude.

[@FactStorm]

Oh wow, thanks for sharing. I can't believe you met that gullible cult member

[@bobdadnaila7708]

Is that Roger Stone?!?!

[@meredithheath5272]

Bobda: LOL!!! Does look like Roger Stone!!!

[@rasul407]

Reminds me of a movie called GET OUT

[@fabiwilliams4644]

Yes they all lost their marbles. What a tragic waste

[@joetrolo7076]

Well, they all got their Darwin Awards!

[@3spmSwy]

If anyone has questions, I am still around to help with them. My name is Sawyer and you may have seen me in many documentaries. There is no new group, no new leaders, no cult, no suicides but lots to learn about them.

[@butafligq1606]

Lol the haircuts

[@pengo369]

Killing them with kindness

[@deviceuser3767]

We're they even real people just unbelievable in a creepy way especially that devlish old man that look like something out of the movie poltergeist.

[@brotherfecil4092]

My cult would never do anything like this

[@brotherfecil4092]

@Candice Lynn it’s true candice. Come join us one evening and we will show you 😜😜😜

[@redakdal]

it kills me that despite our culture change in society, victim shaming is still something that is very much alive and well. seeing the comments here saying "well they deserved it , because they are morons" annoys the every living piss out of me everytime. Have some sympathy for christ sakes and stop acting as if you are so better than these people who lost their lives to this cult.

[@genericfilmmaker6339]

The love of many is decreasing

[@redakdal]

@@genericfilmmaker6339 I mean I don't think that necessarily, but with the internet its become more and more of a issue when it comes to figuring out whats real, and whats not. KZbin comments have become ruined in recent years due to how hard it is to tell the difference from a real legit comment and a bot posting the same thing over and over. hopefully youtube can one day fix this, and hopefully users are smart enough to know when said comments section is intentionally filled with stuff to gaslight them, I believe the love of many is still strong, but being pushed back by a narrative that isn't actually real.

[@fdation]

Yea you're really going on a damn UFO 🛸 to heaven.How in the hell did they believe this?