How Do You Define A Cult?

Question

As someone who has been in a ton of them, this is how I define a cult: "Any Church where the leaders constantly tell you where you stand with God and hold back privillges, to make you feel like less of a Christian." Too many people will jump to define a cult as a group that doesn't believe in Jesus as God. I'm sorry to say but there is more to a cult than just that. In my mind it's the control, judgement, humilliation, flusteration, that makes a cult a cult. A church where what the leaders think of you is more important than what God really thinks of you.

Answer 1

"Anything that doesn't believe in Jesus!" = ignorant fundie answer.

Personally though, anything that practices stuff like sacrificing animals or people...or any organization that breaks the laws by their rituals as well.

I'm sure there are some other things...but it's mainly the occult that I say is a cult.

Answer 2

if you're no longer going to flow with the first definition of cult as being a "gadget of religious beliefs and practices", i could outline a non secular cult no longer by length as there are minority religions accessible that i'd not evaluate "cult" communities (jointly with the Asatru and different Reconstructionist Pagans). "Cult" religions percentage countless effortless homes. they have a unmarried-minded concentration on a charismatic chief, demonize "unbelievers" and oftentimes dictate the on a daily basis moves of the club. by this definition, atheists aren't any further a cult, Hellenic Polythiests aren't any further a cult, even if the individuals's Temple contained in the 1970's turned right into a cult and the Westboro "Baptists" are a cult. it isn't a length difficulty, it truly is a administration difficulty

Answer 3

Cult roughly refers to a cohesive social group devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture considers outside the mainstream, with a notably positive or negative popular perception. In common or populist usage, "cult" has a positive connotation for groups of art, music, writing, fiction, and fashion devotees,[1] but a negative connotation for new religious, extreme political, questionable therapeutic, and pyramidal business groups.[2] For this reason, most, if not all, non-fan groups that are called cults reject this label.

Answer 4

Wow, that's certainly part of it.
As you pointed out, the leader is central, though he /she may speak about Jesus, the authority is held by the leader. Often, there is group think happening too.
Thinking for yourself? No, you have to re-adjust even that, and don't listen to other preachers because they are always considered suspect.

Answer 5

Hey Open, how are you today?
To me, and I'm sure you can relate to this, your definition of a cult seems to apply to so many families in this world. The leaders (those who have authority over you) will simply indoctrinate using such tactics, only to get their own ways. If one doesn't lead out of true, unconditional love, one doesn't deserve to lead. Children, please get to know your parents and respect them. Parents, please get to know your own children and also respect them. That's all I felt like saying. Take care of yourself, keep searching within.

Answer 6

a cult is a religion that isn't socially acceptable, thats IT, the only difference between a cult and a religion...

Answer 7

A cult usually enslaves rather than liberates.

Answer 8

A religion without political or financial support.

Answer 9

A religion someone else belongs to.

Answer 10

By your definition, I'd have to say that defines all religions.