This series was created with respect to the notoriety the news media has given to the Michigan Militia, the Branch Davidians of Waco, Heaven's Gate, and the Montana Freemen, as well as the late followers of Jim Jones.

As a public service, we have decided to utilize this space to alert our readers to new and growing organizations whose followers are religiously dedicated. The followers of cults typically make sacrifices to be a part of the group, and will fight in defense of its honor.

Of course, since our publication comes out every other month, that leaves six months a year without a specified “Cult of the Month.” But we thought that this tag line was a little catchier than “Cult of Every Other Month” or "Cult of Whenever the Magazine Comes Out."

Kroger Plus Shopper's Card

As part of a massive campaign to grow enlistment their army, the grocery store chain has accosted their followers with a barrage of advertising as they return the Temple of Kroger each week. Kroger collects the names and addresses of each of their faithful, and in return offer their membership the promise of lower priced groceries than the rest of the uninitiated masses.

Cult member Amy Nichols, a hairstylist at Kaleidoscope, is originally from California. She moved to Louisville years ago, unsuspecting of the web of seduction Kroger would weave into her life and the lives of her friends and family.

Most Kroger Plus Shopper's Club members are willing participants, blinded by the guise of discounts, proudly displaying the Kroger key chain tag to identify themselves to other members. The organization has faced little opposition and the key chain tags have succeeded in putting the Kroger name into everyday experiences that were previously devoid of advertising. Here's a look inside the mind of a dedicated follower:

How did you first become interested in this cult?

Well, I went to Kroger one day, totally oblivious of the fact that there was a new cult. And, of course, I walked through the door and immediately there's the booth stood up. You know, like everybody's ready, standing in line. I bypass it. I got no time for that. And pretty much on every aisle there were people standing there pushing it on me. So, by the end of my shopping trip, I realized that they were just trying to help me out. They were just trying to get me a little savings.

Cult member Amy Nichols

Do your parents support your decision to be a part of this cult?

I didn't tell them at first, because I didn't think it was any of their business. But I went home to visit California last summer and I was reaching in my mom's wallet to get some money - because I like to take her money instead of using mine - and I found a cult card in her wallet as well, from a sister store. So I knew that everything would be okay after that.

What are the biggest sacrifices you have to make to be a part of the group?

Hmm. Well, a lot of people think that the Kroger card keeps you down. You know, they think that it's a way that people can find you. And all I'm saying is that I've got nothing to be ashamed of. I'm a member of the Kroger [Plus Shopper's] Card and I'm proud of it.

Who is seen as the cult leader? And add anything you might be able tell us about him or her.

I've never actually seen the leader of the cult. I know that he's bigger than I am - or she - but you've got to have faith when it comes to that. All I know is that there's savings involved, and family, and I want to be a part of that.

What are the rules that exist in this secret society?

Well, you've got to have your card with you at all times, because they won't just believe you if you just say that you have the card. So they give you one for your purse and they give you one that you can hang on your key chain for emergency purposes. So I think that the rules are pretty limited to that. You have to believe in the savings, and you have to believe in Kroger.

Is this movement peaceful or violent?

It's very peaceful. It's the grocery store so, you know, there's not a lot of room for violence in our group.

How many followers does this organization have?

Thousands. Widespread.

Does this cult practice any sort of recruiting, and if so, what form does it take?

Initially, I think in the beginning, tons of recruiting. You couldn't go anywhere without people talking about it. It's mellowed out a little bit because I think that it's really caught on. And, you know, people are ready for something like this.

How do people usually take it when you tell them that you are a part of this organization?

Most people embrace it. Today, actually, I was talking to a fellow employee of mine who was telling me that there are people out there that really discourage you having the Card. And I don't understand that. I really don't understand that at all.

Who are the enemies of this movement?

The non-members, I guess. The people that... they're not welcoming it. All I'm saying is that, seriously, they're just trying to give you a little freedom for some savings, and just some unity as customers in general, and who doesn't want that?!

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Cult member Ron Jasin

Apple Computer, Inc.

This “month” we focus on an organization whose membership has spread around the world. In a short twenty years, its millions of followers have faced changing times and yet always have led a tireless campaign to convert new followers.

Our interview is with cult member Ronald Jasin, a graphic designer who, as you'll see, has been a dedicated member of the Church of Apple for his entire adult life.

How did you first become interested in this cult?

My interest in the organization started at an early age. I believe I was ten or eleven when I first became aware of this great movement. Although I haven't always been loyal through the years, the interest was always there, and eventually I did come back.

Do your parents support your decision to be a part of this cult?

Apple IIc computer

Yes, my mother is very supportive of my decision to be involved in this wonderful movement. Actually, my parents are responsible for my involvement. My first experience with Apple was back in 1984 when my parents decided to purchase our first family computer, an Apple IIc. Although my parents never became completely converted, I don't believe I've been the same since.

What are the biggest sacrifices you have to make to be a part of the group?

Not being able to dance along with those cute little spacemen in the Intel commercials. Also the fact that I can never speak to an uncle of mine. He has disowned me due to my involvement with Apple, or the “inferior little toy,” as he likes to put it.

Who is seen as the cult leader? And add anything you might be able tell us about him or her.

The leader? If I had to name one person I guess I'd have to say Steve Jobs. But there are many in the hierarchy of the organization. I don't know much about Mr. Jobs. I can tell you that after a long absence from the movement, he has come back to help us advance the movement and get more people involved.

1984: original Macintosh (128k)

1986: Macintosh Plus

1995: Power Macintosh

1999: G4 Macintosh

1999: iBook

What are the rules that exist in this secret society?

There aren't many rules. I would say only two. You must have an Apple logo sticker on your automobile, to identify yourself to others. And you must be loyal, very loyal.

Is this movement peaceful or violent?

I would say the movement is peaceful. But like all organizations I'm sure militant factions exists.

Who are the enemies of this movement?

There are many enemies, but I would have to say the biggest enemy to the movement is ignorance. That and an unwillingness to acknowledge a superior operating system.

How many followers does this organization have?

I couldn't give you an exact number. I'm sure it's well over 1,000.

Does this cult practice any sort of recruiting, and if so, what form does it take?

Apple has many different forms of recruiting. In the recent past they enlisted the help of many famous and highly respected individuals, like Frank Sinatra, Jim Henson and Ansel Adams, just to name a few.

More recently, Apple has decided to appeal to a more primal instinct. Appealing to people's senses by making the computers brightly colored and giving them fruity names like “blueberry” and “tangerine.”

This tactic seems to be working very well - much like a shiny fishing lure - Apple is reeling in the new recruits... Many of who seem to be younger, which ensures Apple's staying power for a long time to come. Hopefully, these new recruits will mature and eventually give birth to a whole new generation of followers.

How do people usually take it when you tell them that you are a part of this organization?

Most people just don't get it. I receive a lot of smiles and pleasant nods when I tell people about my involvement. I think there's some pity also. People, I think, feel sorry for me because they believe that maybe there's no hope for me. Like I'm too far gone to be saved. But I don't think there's any problem. I'm happy with my involvement.

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