Can it be said that the more bizarre a group's beliefs are, the more cultish it tends to be?

Question

Catholics/Protestants: Bizarre --> not too cultish
Mormons: Really bizarre --> cultish
Scientologists: Flipnut crazy --> hyper-cultish

Answer 1

Calling any group a "cult" because of what they believe, or what you think they believe, says more about you than it does about the group.

"Cult" brings this knee-jerk reaction of "A CULT?? OMG! something should be done! before they breed!"

Basically, your definition of "cult" is "any group I don't believe and don't like, that I want others to fear and hate as much as I do.

Answer 2

I wouldn't say "the more bizarre", but would probably say the more a religion is different from the majority religious beliefs, the more likely it is considered a cult. That is because many people are very protective of their beliefs and aren't comfortable with someone telling them it is different than what they believe. The more people that can be offended (or feel insecure) the more likely they will lash out and try to tear down that which is different.

Answer 3

The bizareness of belief is not what is definitive of a cult. For better understanding of what makes a cult different from a religion, check here:

http://www.ra-info.org/library/programming/Bonewits.shtml

Answer 4

Careful on the Scientologists... They own the "Cult Awareness Network" and are very well staffed with high priced attourneys...

Answer 5

If Christ is not the center of the group....then it can be classified as a cult.

Answer 6

I'd say that's a fairly good assumption on generalization.

Answer 7

Yes, O'meaty wonder

Answer 8

brother if u can convert em to a religion then i guess u r one step closer to bonkin em all

Answer 9

If only jim Jones were here to draw you closer to him,

Answer 10

Then we will fight in the shade.