I think anything popular is a jumping off point for wackos. If its popular, then its well known, if its well known, then it will have crazy people try and emulate it. I mean think of all the crazy cults spun off from general Christianity. Even Satanism is a spin-off (you gotta be extra stupid to be a satanist)
Yes, Catholicism is a jumping off point for many wacko cults. When you study these people, you learn about the New Age / Initiation style religions.
I think anything popular is a jumping off point for wackos. If its popular, then its well known, if its well known, then it will have crazy people try and emulate it. I mean think of all the crazy cults spun off from general Christianity. Even Satanism is a spin-off (you gotta be extra stupid to be a satanist)
Sure. They take something you've heard about to get you in the door, and then it can get weird.