I was involved in a "cult" when I was a teenager. I had no problem with the teachings or practice, and I experienced many times over that it worked. The problem were the people running the thing. Control, control, control. Telling me I had to get my family involved or it wouldn’t work, if my family or friends tried to stop me, that shows they’re on a bad path, and I need to leave them if necessary. Literally trying to break into my home to get me. Separating men and women from each other. We did the thing where we stood outside grocery stores and handed out literature. If we didn’t, we couldn’t reach enlightenment, because our souls weren’t vibrating at the right spiritual level. Typical of all cults: you’re in peril not only here and now, but in the afterlife, unless you do what they tell you to do.