Why to this day; do people join Cults?

[bucolic_frolic]

2. They're weak, insecure, and never learned to think for themselves due to family and religion

The constant manipulation of their lives from external sources also makes them paranoid and resentful, but subconsciously.

It means they have never really enjoyed or understood freedom.

They hate everyone who doesn't support their beliefs because it makes them uncomfortable that there could be an alternative way of thinking.

It means they have been sold a fraud, and they can't admit that.

So rather than admit they're not very bright, they double down on their own perfection, which causes rigid-minded intolerance and hatred of "the other".

It's an elaborate train of thought and needs some refinement, but you get the drift.