Is Catholicism a cult?

Answer 1

I suppose it depends how you are defining "cult".

Answer 2

The primary definition of "cult" refers to the object of a specific form of worship. The narrower, second definition describes a religious group focused on a charismatic leader and limiting contact with the outside world. You appear to be invoking the still-narrower third definition, which indicates "people who don't belive and act exactly like me". But perhaps I'm reading too much into your question.

There are particular cults(1) within the Catholic church, which is too diverse to be considered a cult(2), despite the inclusion of some who have very cult(3)-like ideas.

Answer 3

The English word cult comes from the Latin cultus meaning worship.

In one definition, any religion can be considered a cult.

However the most common current definition of cult is 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.

According to the Cult Information Centre, every cult can be defined as a group having all of the following five characteristics:

1. It uses psychological coercion to recruit, indoctrinate and retain its members.

2. It forms an elitist totalitarian society.

3. Its founder leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable and has charisma.

4. It believes 'the end justifies the means' in order to solicit funds recruit people.

5. Its wealth does not benefit its members or society.

The Catholic Church does not meet any of the five characteristics

http://www.cultinformation.org.uk/faq.html#cult

Answer 4

Technically, any religious organization is a cult. So, yes, the Catholic Church is a cult, along with the Lutheran, Methodist, and Baptist Churches. The only religious people who technically aren't cult members are solitary practitioners.

Answer 5

If, by "cult" you mean

1: formal religious veneration : worship - Yes

2: a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents - Yes

3: a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents - No.

5 a: great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad - No

b: the object of such devotion - No

c: a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion - No

Answer 6

cults belong to "sub" culture,other things belong to "pop" cultre.
Other things like the catholic church are above culture.
.