Why do religious people use the word "cult" in a negative sense?

Question

When and how did the classical understanding of "cult" as the practice of any given faith become a negative word?

I am a religious person, by the way. Just because of the style of education I received, "cult" has always had positive connotations to me.

Fish <><: I happen to be a part of the Christian cult, and love it immensely, because it is the cult of Christ.

Answer 1

Because the word cult, as used in 2007, has a distinctively negative connotation.

American Heritage:
1. 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.
2. The followers of such a religion or sect.
3. Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
4. The object of such devotion.

If we want to communicate, we need to find out how people understand the words we are using. Words shift meanings, and using an older meaning may lead to misunderstanding and poor communication.

"Pray" is another word that has changed. It used to simply mean ask. Now it means "to utter or address a prayer or prayers to God, a god, or another object of worship."

Thus, while it Christians once "prayed" (asked) saints, today, we only use "pray" to mean praising, thanking, petitioning God, making vows, and asking God's forgiveness.

Cheers,
Bruce

Cheers,
Bruce

Answer 2

The dictionary's definition of 'cult' is vague.

Statistically, there are at least 2000 cults in existence.

The 'Handbook of Today's Religions''s definition is...

"A cult is a perversion, a distortion of biblical Christianity and/or a rejection of the historic teachings of the Christian church. The Apostle Paul warned there would be false Christs and a false gospel that would attempt to deceive the true church and the world."

Read 2 Corinthians 11: 13-15

Walter Martin gives us a good definition of a cult when he says,
"A cult, then, is a group of people polarized around someone's interpretation of the Bible and is characterized by major deviations from orthodox Christianity relative to the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith, particularly the fact that God became man in Jesus Christ." (Walter Martin, The Rise of Cults, p.12)

Answer 3

Although the dictionary defines 'cult' as 'a theory or practice of religious worship', most people (religious and otherwise) understand the word as meaning a (usually) religious group that uses coercion to keep its members in line.

Answer 4

yes, I've heard jehova witnesses described as a cult. The word cult conjuors negative imagery. I defentily think the word cult is being used in a negative sense largely by christians.

Answer 5

The classic definition of cult is "somebody else's religion". Somebody else's religion, by definition, can not be as good as your own. It's how the game is played.

Answer 6

That word has been perverted so much through use that it has a completely different meaning now.

The orginal definition of cult is "a particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies"

Answer 7

When newscasters started referring to things like People's Temple as Dangerous Cults.

You and I know what they meant.

Answer 8

Probably after Jonestown, or Waco.

Answer 9

They have a monopoly and market share. It a great way to get rid of the competition.

Answer 10

It has always stood for negative. It is anything that is not of Christ.