Yes, those cult members followed dangerous people. What they did is no different from other cults who follow the dictates of a pope or pray to a graven image of Mary. None of it is Biblical.
The Pope is basically the head of a large organization, we need not follow his dictates unless he speaks on matters of faith and morals....In history, he has done this twice.. When Pope Francis speaks his mind on global warming, no person in the world is required to follow him at all.....No Catholic that I have ever heard of prays TO a graven image and the Catholic church decides what is and isn't biblical, no other person or organization has the authority to do so.
The Pope is the titular head of the Church and we are obliged to follow his dictates when he speaks ex cathedra, on matters of faith and morals.He has done so twice that I know of....otherwise he is just a learned and wise theologian whose words are worthy of consideration. No one that I know of ever prays to a graven image of Mary and of course that would be improper.....you can buy a nice statue of Mary for $19.95 and it is made of plaster and has no power to do anything.