This article is inspired by Diane Benscoter TED talk about how cults rewire the brain. Its an awesome talk I recommend everyone to check it out. Here is summary of her conclusions why people follow cults

1. According to her it is viral memtic infection. Its bad idea that originates in one persons mind and keeps on propagating to others
2. Cults give easy ideas to most complex questions in the world. Circular logic takes over like god is all powerful and he will solve all the problems in the world, all I have to do is follow god and soon this logic becomes inpeneterable.

Ultimately she concludes research and education and solve this problem and make a world a better place. Its very sad how the innocence of people is taken advantage in this manner.

References

•  http://www.ted.com/talks/ex_moonie_diane_benscoter_how_cults_think....
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memetics