Which are the biggest Cults? Name them. Why do you think they ar cults?

Answer 1

All religions are cults.

Answer 2

The Cult of Personality

Answer 3

Define cult please. There are so many conceptions of cults that it is hard to know what you mean.

Do you define cult as someone who belives different than the majority?

The following is from Wikipedia :

In common usage, "cult" has a negative connotation, and is generally applied to a group by its opponents, for a variety of reasons. Understandably, most, if not all, groups that are called "cults" deny this label. It has been argued that no one yet has been able to define “cult” in a way that enables the term to identify only groups that have been claimed as problematic.

I find it amazing that people accept any "standard" definitions of "cult", when these definitions are formulated by anti-cult church people (with a few half-baked psychologists thrown in) with a view to slander their "opponents". That new religious movements are seen as enemies by established churches should tell us something about the motives of these church people. The general set-up looks like this: if it seems weird, it is feared, then smeared.

A religious cult is simply a religious form new to its environment, and in a state of high tension with it. The first part, the cult is responsible for. The second part is what society contributes. Think about it.

Answer 4

I assume you don't mean in the original sense of religious practice, but in the common usage by large religious groups (as opposed to specific heterodoxies) to designate an outside group they see as heterodox, heretic, false, schismatic, deceptive, deceived, dangerous etc? Most, if not all, groups that are called "cults" will of course deny this label and deny all accusations made against them. Who is and isn't a cult depends entirely on your having previously accepted a conflicting religious view as a true perspective from which you can judge others. SO, I would suggest a more important question is not as to cults and size , since there is no universal definition of cult, and not even who is right and wrong, but who are a menace and who is not, expecially to outsiders.

Answer 5

If by cult you mean small size and not the majority then any group can be a cult -even Jesus Christ and the disciples would fit that definition

IT can be argues that any people organized under a belief system is a cult

Answer 6

well first of all, at one time all religions were considered cults. The only difference between religions and cults are that religions are accepted and tolorated by the public, cults are often viewed as evil, or non mainstream.
But i think the biggest cult of all would have to be satanism.

Answer 7

I guess this falls under the category of opinion, but I'd say probably Scientology. I would say a cult is a group that trys to control your thoughts and behavior to met their desires. To me it brings up the question of how long does a "cult" exist and how big does it have to get before it becomes mainstream. Would the Mormons or Jehovah's witnesses be considered cults?

Answer 8

The word "Cult" actually means many people who believe the same way. Its only society that has given the word a bad meaning. Not every "cult" drinks poisened cool aide and commits suicide. Look the word up in the dictionary it gives you the exact meaning of the word. It reads ; A system or community of religious worship.

Answer 9

It depends on who you are talking to, and how they define "cult".

The original meaning of the word cult means, "religious practice"; therefore, the [biggest cult], according to the link below, is Christianity:
http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html

However, cult is not used to mean "religious practice" today, but, "a religious system with extreme or false or unconventional beliefs and practices, guided by an authoritarian or charismatic leader that applies rigid discipline or regimens to exert control over followers."

Many Christians feel that all other religions are 'cults'. Many Muslims feel that all non-Muslims are 'infidels' (therefore, 'cults). Etc.

For more information on cults:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult

Answer 10

i think a cult would be a group of people that have decided there way is the ONLY way, there is a "set" way of doing or seeing even the most mundane things, and no one is allowed to REALLY question any of the basic tenets of the "faith"... real questions and soul searching (honesty) is is frowned upon, disagreement on even minor points is not allowed, keeping up the front is one of the most basic values...

in all honesty, every single "group" that humans form can become cult like...NOT just religions...in many ways both major political parties in america have become cult like...any one who dares to question the basic tenets of the faith are cast aside...democrats that do not support abortion 100% are unable to have any voice at all ...republicans that question any part of the war in iraq are vilified...

read the book "Darwin's Black Box" by Michael Behe and you will see that many evolutionists have a cultic mind set...Richard Dawkins is one of the worst...there is no room for real questions... he is high priest...

people who detest evolution without ever having read anything to the contrary...like a good old Stephen J. Gould book...

Christian churches may end up cult like because the facade is most important...real gut wrenching soul searching is, at best, avoided. at worst, discouraged.

i repeat myself, every group that humans form, every stream of thought that has a following, can become cult like...

and will when the "issues" become more important than the human beings that those issues are supposed to serve and affect...

Answer 11

Definition of a cult: Any group or belief that does not adhere to the Bible as the basis for all theology and practice.