What is the true definition of Cult?

Answer 1

To me, number six is the definition that fits.



Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.0.1) - Cite This Source new!
cult  /kʌlt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kuhlt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1.a particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
2.an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult.
3.the object of such devotion.
4.a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.
5.Sociology. a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols.
6.a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.
7.the members of such a religion or sect.
8.any system for treating human sickness that originated by a person usually claiming to have sole insight into the nature of disease, and that employs methods regarded as unorthodox or unscientific.
–adjective
9.of or pertaining to a cult.
10.of, for, or attracting a small group of devotees: a cult movie.

Answer 2

To elaborate on the definition provided earlier, in that a cult goes outside of the normal doctrine of the mainstream of a religion, cults seen within Christianity have beliefs not supported by the Bible often either alter the Bible or publish new writings or both to support their beliefs. Two examples of new publishings would be the Book of Mormon from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or the Watchtower publications of Jehovah's Witnesses. I use Christianity as an example as I feel your question may be rooted in some organizations being called cults by other Christians.

Answer 3

Someitmes I think it used to refer to a group that doesn't believe the way the majority want to believe. A group that is not mainstream.


a cult is a cohesive group of people (often a relatively small and recently founded religious movement) devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture or society considers to be far outside the mainstream. Its separate status may come about either due to its novel belief system, because of its idiosyncratic practices or because it opposes the interests of the mainstream culture. Other non-religious groups may also display cult-like characteristics.

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.

Answer 4

In religion and sociology, a cult is a cohesive group of people (often a relatively small and recently founded religious movement) devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture or society considers to be far outside the mainstream. Its separate status may come about either due to its novel belief system, because of its idiosyncratic practices or because it opposes the interests of the mainstream culture. Other non-religious groups may also display cult-like characteristics.

Answer 5

People will label something a "cult" if it is a religion they disagree with or do not understand. Usually a cult is a newer, smaller religion, but it's all in the eyes of the beholder. No one ever considers their own religion a cult.

Answer 6

Read the book Kingdom of the Cults. Or do a web search.

Answer 7

I believe that a cult is any religion that has members. Unfortunately the term cult is only used on small splinter groups of self proclaimed religions. I see no difference between Christians, Jews, Catholics or Muslims when put side by side to any of the fringe groups. Just because you are widely accepted does not mean your valid, it means better marketing and staying power. The world is full of sheep.

Answer 8

Depends on who you ask. As for me, since I believe in the fundamentals of Christianity, a cult is any teaching that deviates from the fundamentals of Christianity of whom call themselves of the Christian faith. Those outside of Christ are simply those who are lost and need a Savior.

Answer 9

So in conclusion to rangedog's dictionary.com definition, ALL religions are cults. Some are just bigger than others.

Answer 10

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