whats the difference between cult and occult?

Answer 1

cult
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.


occult
1. of or pertaining to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies.
2. beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding; mysterious.
3. secret; disclosed or communicated only to the initiated.
4. hidden from view.

Answer 2

The occult means mysterious or hidden. Thus, anything having to do with witchcraft, ghosts, speaking to the dead, haunted houses, etc would fall under the definition of the occult.
A cult is a religious group of people that follow maniacally one leader. They usually have similar beliefs as mainstream religion but have deviated onto the odd. Some cults practice brainwashing. The branch davidians in Waco were a cult. Jim Jones followers in Guyana were a cult.

Answer 3

The best reference for an answer to this question is a good standard dictionary of the English language. Not Y Ans R&S.
The reason for this is these words can get "redefined" by society to suit a purpose that has nothing to do with the original concept.
These two words are a perfect example of this trend.
The word CULT comes from Latin "cultus" which means:
cultivation, a laboring, worship : from the word "colere", to CULTIVATE.
The word OCCULT comes also from the Latin "occultus"
from "occulere" , to CONCEAL.

Two completely different concepts and roots.
The actual correct definitions of these words in the dictionary also reflect the original meanings that these words were created from.There is no "negative" definition for "cult" like those quoted here, in the dictionary. (Check yourself if you doubt this)

Answer 4

cult - a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious. Usually a smaller group starting out...Jesus' followers were probably considered a cult at the time.

occult - to shut off from view or exposure...it refers to hidden knowledge. The scientists who knew the world was round when the public thought the world was flat...those scientists had occult knowledge. "Occult" as a word has come to mean any system that contains hidden knowledge.

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 5

cult:
A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.

The word occult comes from the Latin occultus (clandestine, hidden, secret), referring to 'knowledge of the hidden'. In the medical sense it is used commonly to refer to a structure or process that is hidden, e.g. an occult bleed.

The term occult is also used as a label given to a number of organizations or orders, and the teachings and practices as taught by them. The name also extends to a large body of literature and spiritual philosophy.

Answer 6

A cult is a zealous devotion to a person, ideal, or thing. Occult refers top the various magical arts and practices, such as astrology, and alchemy.

Answer 7

Cult most commonly means a religious sect organized around a strong leader and requiring beliefs or commitments not typical of other related groups.

Occult literally means "hidden" and generally refers to the pursuit of some kind of magic or secret supernatural knowledge or power.

Answer 8

Occult simply means 'hidden'.

The term 'cult' has a contentious definition. Many scholars define it as a restrictive religious group that does not have freedom for a member to leave at will, or has other restrictive activities such as 'no contact with non-members'.

Answer 9

Cult is group of people. Occult is other worldly, hidden.

Answer 10

A cult is a large group of brainwashing people.The occult is
a legion of demons.