The term, cult, is used to refer to an extremely strong admiration for a particular thought process or set of beliefs which often result in devotion to a particular lifestyle that is, as a general proposition, unacceptable to society at large. Cults generally received wide spread attention in the context of various types of criminal activity. Throughout the United States, many cults that have been featured in the media shock many Americans, whose daily lives are largely untouched by the extraordinary beliefs and practices embraced by cult members.