LiveScience Topics: Cults, Religion, Paranormal

Cultist groups go far back in history, although modern cult experts disagree exactly what makes a group of people a cult vs. a religion or sect. They are best defined by charismatic leadership and abuse. Researchers say cultists and Christians, New Agers and paranormalists all share, however loosely, one thing: a spiritual orientation to the world. From ghosts to bigfoot and other monsters of the paranormal, people just want to believe, experts say and surveys show. Beasts of cryptozoology, like chupacabra, the so-called "goat sucker," spark both imagination and determined sightings. Interestingly, higher education does not diminish belief in the Loch Ness Monster and other supernatural creatures. People who practice religion are typically encouraged not to believe in the paranormal, however, but rather to put their faith in one deity, whereas those who aren't particularly religious are more free to believe in a ghost or consult a psychic.

Explore Cults, Religion, Paranormal

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More Cults, Religion, Paranormal News and Information

Spiritual Women Have More Sex

New research has found that spirituality has a greater effect on the sex lives of young adults.
Cammy: A New Canadian Lake Monster?

Move over, Sasquatch: Some say there's a new monster in Canada, living in a small lake on Vancouver Island.
UFOlogy: Aliens and Hucksters Among Us

With some who are seeking to profit from the belief in UFOs, skeptics may have to be even more wary of dubious claims and evidence.
Ancient Aphrodite Figures Hint at Pagan Resistance

Figurines of Aphrodite found buried in ancient city; hint pagan beliefs still around despite spread of Christianity.
What's Wrong with Miyuki Hatoyama's Alien Abduction Story

Miyuki Hatoyama, wife of Japan's Prime Minister-elect, Yukio Hatoyama, says she was abducted by aliens 20 years ago.
Tweet God

An Israeli university student will take your 140-max-character prayers to the Western Wall.
Spate of 1996 UFO Sightings Spurred by 'X Files'

Supposed UFO sightings in Britain were often explained by natural or man-made phenomena.
Mermaid Sightings Claimed in Israel

Reports of mermaid sightings have come from the Israeli town of Kiryat Yam.
Is that a U.F.O.?

These flying saucer looking aircraft look as though they are from outer space, but they are not being piloted by little green men.
The 'Belief Gap'

Some 55 percent say science and religion are often in conflict, and 36 percent say science sometimes conflicts with their own beliefs.
America's Loch Ness Monster? Or a Swimming Deer?

New footage of Champ, the monster said to inhabit Vermont's Lake Champlain, was recently released.
Astronauts Debunk NASA 'UFO' Videos

They discuss a supposed coverup and what's really seen in the footage.
Twitter Experiment Explores ESP

Will be the largest ESP ("remote viewing") experiment in history.
New Surprising Results on Abortion and Religiosity

Pregnant teens and 20-somethings from private religious schools are more likely to obtain abortions than their public school peers.
Revisiting Spirituality and AIDS

An HIV-positive woman says prayer replaces medicine for her, but research remains less certain.
Odd Object Over Arizona Not a UFO

I saw what looked to be a large, clear-plastic balloon in the sky.
Is Torture Okay? Depends on Your Religion

15 percent say it's often justified. But among white evangelical Protestants, the number is higher.
The Evolution of Religion

Why do people believe? One idea is that religious belief confers evolutionary benefits.
Alien Abduction: Looking Back at America's First Case

Betty and Barney Hill claimed they were abducted by aliens in 1961.
Who Was Jesus, the Man?

His story is perhaps the most famous on Earth, yet how much is known about Jesus of Nazareth?
NJ Men Fined $250 for UFO Hoax

Russo and Rudy revealed their hoax on April Fool's day. Now they'll pay.