I know of a few. But i want to see what responses i get and why these Religions are viewed as cults.
2007-10-19 04:35:23 · 24 answers · asked by Kevin C 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sociologically, a "cult" is usually defined as any group that exerts a high degree control over its members.
Given that definition, many mainstream religions have cultic sects.
2007-10-19 07:55:33 · answer #1 · answered by prairiecrow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legally there is no classification as a cult. I do not even think there is a standard definition of a cult.
In many countries the word cult does not have the negative meanings it does in North America and means about the same as the word sect does. In the USA, which is hyper-religious, cults are very active and the word really is directed at religious sects that are abusive to their members or just bizarre in their beliefs.
2007-10-19 04:46:31 · answer #2 · answered by Y!A-FOOL 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With the twisting of meaning of words, over time, the word cult has become synonymous with 'occult'.
A cult is just a group of people who gather together with a main purpose. So in essence, the Boy Scouts are a 'cult'.
Those who teach wrong doctrine are extremely wide spread, and I dare say there is not enough room on YA to list them all.
Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance in this perilous walk known as the narrow way.
2007-10-19 04:54:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
None.
Unless a religion is destructive to its followers.
God gives life, not death. If a religion offers salvation in death; then I would consider that a cult. For example:
-Branch Davidians
-JimJones and his followers
How about the pastor claiming to be God and the Antichrist at the same time. His followers would do anything for him, including giving him all their money. It sounds pretty destructive to me.
How to avoid being a victim of a cult?
Read the scriptures so that you won't be deceived
2007-10-19 05:21:07 · answer #4 · answered by delmar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
many times cults call for a plenty better point of devotion from their contributors. They bypass off into compounds for example. often in a cult concern a guy or woman is had to offer up their possessions and isolate themselves with a view to be usual in. Even religions best critics could admit this could be a actual distinction. As a definition it relatively is puzzling yet while observing them they're many times extremely of course diverse than what possible call mainstream faith.
2016-10-07 05:32:05 · answer #5 · answered by gearlds 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends on who is doing the classifying. Often times, really large groups are labeled cults by people who disagree with them, for example, Mormons are often labeled a cult even though they are a large and productive part of our society. So it really depends...
2007-10-19 04:41:42 · answer #6 · answered by average person Violated 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I LOVE it when people call my religion a cult. I think it's funny that mainstream Christianity's definition of a cult is anyone who disagrees with them and their doctrine, when in reality, any and all followers of religion and/or Christ are a cult. Guess I'd rather be in a cult.
Classified by whom?
2007-10-19 04:43:24 · answer #7 · answered by gumby 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Every religion accuses the others of being a cult. I think only your heart can decide where it feels it needs to be. Peace!
2007-10-19 04:41:03 · answer #8 · answered by sandra b 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
All of them. Ask Muslims what they think of Christians, Jews, and vice versa.
"Any religion that I don't follow is a cult and false religion!"
Cult is just a derogatory term for religion.
2007-10-19 04:44:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's any easy one. The other's guys religion is a cult....
2007-10-19 04:47:12 · answer #10 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋