2007-11-11 01:15:32 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The difference between the 2 is just a matter of opinion.
2007-11-11 01:19:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how you define cult. This can be hard because there are in fact different definitions depending on what group is using the word.
In religious studies, "cult" is a non-derogatory term used to refer to a certain kind of religious group with a specific set of beliefs and practices. Some groups are "sects" instead, which usually means that they are a subset of a larger religious group. As an example, Baptists could be considered a "sect" within the "cult" of Christianity. When used in this context, this word does NOT have negative connotations.
In popular useage, "cult" is a derogatory term referring either to (a) an authoritarian or totalistic groups that use brainwashing and manipulation to get and keep members (the more psychological definition), or (b) a "weird" religious group (the popular media definition).
Some (but not all) religions did indeed start off as "cults" in the religious studies sense. Others began as "sects." But not all of them started off as "cults" in the popular, derogatory sense of the word.
2007-11-11 01:27:29 · answer #2 · answered by kriosalysia 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think about every religion as a cult... I will never believe anything else. This has come to my own conscience as none of the religions actually practise their own beliefs ...for one..."thou shall not kill..." Don't they all do this some way or another? Don't deny...
All people, I believe, who think that there is someone higher than themselves to make their whole life believable, may be in need of some higher hope.
This higher hope is religion. I believe in people who believe in their own...things. When people have nowhere else to turn, it's good to have a thought such as religion...it helps people believe in themselves and good things and also to help them get right back on track with their lives.
But when religions fight, good example is the Iranians against Westerners... Jews against whoever, Christians against everyone and just whoever against whoever...you get my big point... that's when I start to disbelieve all that is told within the bible or any book for any religion.
..."Thou shall not kill..." do I really have to say anymore? I don't think (if there is one) that God really intended for us to kill each other for the sake of our own God... but we do.
All religions these days fight for their rights or whatever... they kill for their beliefs..............THIS IS A CULT!!!!! They are so insecure in their beliefs that they feel that they have to go to extreme measures to make their way,...the way.
Charles Manson.... was a cult leader... carve an "x" into the believers head and this was totally appreciated!!! But, he only got a few people to kill others... There are so many more people like this our there now... Just that there are people willing to take down planes with multiple innocent people in it, etc, for their beliefs and take themselves with it!!!!!! That's ******* crazy ****!!!
With Christianity, or similar, they are killing aswell to get their religious points across.
Now you ask if religion is a cult or not? I think it's pretty obvious?
If you believe in yourself, what you do and what you believe in, then isn't that all you need? That is not so....:cult-like".
Emma J
2007-11-11 01:43:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, that's a very reasonable interpretation. Actually, I see it as more like "religion is what I have; a cult is what you have." Although in fact my "religion" would probably not be considered so by many of the people here. The IRS considers it so, though, so why should I worry? I'm a member of the Ethical Society. Actually, I suppose we're as much a religion as Buddhism or Taoism.
2007-11-11 01:20:58 · answer #4 · answered by auntb93 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No,all Religions are Cults. The definition of a cult,is a group of adherants to similar beliefs,it is only those like Christians who later redefined the word to try and paint certain groups as less valid than themselves.
AD
2007-11-11 01:36:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on your definition of cult. If you mean the usual connotative understanding of the word as used by "most" people, the easy answer is no.
2007-11-11 01:22:59 · answer #6 · answered by Wired 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Cult" Noun: A religion or religious sect considered to be extremists or false, with it's followers often living in an unconventional manner, under the guidance of an authoritain,
charismatic leader.
Sounds like the definition of religion too.
Extremists: "I'm sending my son, (Jesus) down, kill him.
Authoritarian: God; "Do as I command, or burn in hell.
Charismatic leader. Christ: I am the sheppard, you are my flock of sheep.
Unconventional manner of living. :"Sell all your possesions, and come follow me.
Yup, christianity, one big cult.
2007-11-11 01:27:51 · answer #7 · answered by elder_moon81 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Cult comes from the Latin "cultus" which basically ability "worship". religious businesses do no longer could have "nationwide popularity". church homes (interior the wide experience of the word) would desire to fulfill particular standards with the intention to qualify as a church -- like a hierarchy and different issues. in the event that they do no longer look to be seen are church homes they are stated as sects -- or basically, "communities of religion".
2016-10-16 02:59:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not agree. It may be likely, however, that many cults started off as legitimate religions.
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2007-11-11 01:19:05 · answer #9 · answered by Jacob W 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
No None of the major Religions
2007-11-11 01:23:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋