Explore 8 Unusual Religious Movements Worldwide You Might Not Know

Scientology is a religion with a claim to provide its followers a path to understand the true nature of the human soul and their relationship with themselves and their families. However, this sect is considered as a cult by some countries, exploiting members for business and profit.

When L. Ron Hubbard founded the Church of Scientology in February 1954 in Los Angeles, one of his main goals was to recruit celebrities as members. Sixty years later, that goal seems to have been achieved: Although the church has only 50,000 members, its net worth is $1.2 billion, with much of it contributed by celebrities fundraising. Over the years, two of the most prominent sponsors of this church have been actors John Travolta and Tom Cruise.

Scientology is officially recognized as a religion in the US, Australia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, and Taiwan. Meanwhile, in some other countries like France, Germany, New Zealand, there have been controversies about whether Scientology is really a religion or not. One of the extreme points condemned by many people about Scientology is the policy of disconnection. According to this, members of the sect must sever contact with friends, relatives, and even spouses and children if those individuals doubt and oppose the organization.

Salvation Sect is a controversial religious group in South Korea. Founded by the late billionaire Lee Byung Un in 1962, the Salvation Sect believes that those who are saved or protected by God will escape future sins and ensure a path to heaven. Unlike other religions, the Salvation Sect does not advocate for repentance or remorse.

In 2014, some sources claimed that this sect was linked to the cause of the Sewol ferry capsizing, but the sect denied it. The owner of the Sewol ferry - Mr. Lee Byung Un - was the leader of the sect. After the Sewol capsizing accident on April 16, 2014, which killed 292 people, Lee Byung Un fled and was wanted by the South Korean police. On June 11, 2014, about 6,000 police officers searched a church in southern Seoul and arrested three suspected accomplices. Lee Byung Un was also accused of embezzlement, illegal business activities, and tax evasion. In July 2014, the police found Lee Byung Un dead under unclear circumstances. Many of his family members were also arrested.