When does a cult become a religion?

Question

Scientology for example - many people say it's a small cult, but others disagree and think it's a religion that's gaining momentum in society (with the aid of hollywood celebrities).

When does a cult stop being a cult and become a religion?

How do we define the difference between a cult and a religion?

Answer 1

"A cult is a religion with no political power." - Thomas Wolfe

"The only difference between a cult and a religion is the amount of real estate they own." - Frank Zappa

"Whats a cult? It just means not enough people to make a minority." - Robert Altman

"...one person's cult is another's religion; all religions begin life as cults. An alternative definition is that a cult is a religion which you happen to dislike." - Anthony Campbell

"Cult is a word without much use outside the realm of religious mudslinging." - Philip Kennicott

"When someone uses the word 'cult,' it usually says more about them than the group," - J. Gordon Melton, founder and director of The Institute for the Study of American Religion.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/cultmenu.htm

Ive personally checked out a number of "cults" and a number of religions. People have told me many things they think define a cult. But as far as I can see, any church which is not non-denominational fits. Unless they provide equality to all religions, then they will fit the definitions of a cult if someone wants to paint them in that light.

Answer 2

There are 2 major definitions in popular culture of a cult

1. A heretical offshoot of a major religious belief
2. A dangerous belief that causes strife between the adherent and others

Scientology is typically labeled a cult because it takes money from its adherents and can cause separation from families.

The term cult is really any belief, like the term sect. Typically it has been like definition 1, but more and more the term is being used with definition 2.

Ath

Answer 3

A cult is a religion.
Size has nothing to do with it. "Cult," in the malicious sense of the word, is defined by the practices that the group uses to recruit, indoctrinate, and control members. It has nothing to do with the size of the group, or how well-established it is in the community.

Here is religion for you. I quit going to Church about 4 years ago, and I haven't received as much as a phone call. While I was there, I never saw any of the other members outside of the Sunday morning liturgy.

I had two friends, on the other hand, who members of a cult in Honolulu. They were each separated and assigned counseolrs that they had to check in with every day. They were not allowed to associate with non-members unless another member was present, they add to meet for at least 2 hours a night in a member-only support group, they had to hand over all of their financial records to the group. They were not allowed to associate with other members without approval from both counselors. When they joined, a group of 15 people confronted them and pressed them for deeply personal secrets about past sexual behavior, past criminal behavior, etc. If they missed a meeting, at least five other members showed up at their house and/or job and pressed them to return, reminding them of all of their moral shortcomings.

That, my friend, is a cult.

Answer 4

I think most all religion are cults. Jesus said: "I am the way" He did not say to be religious is the way. Or Me plus religion is the way. I myself have come to learn that religion is a distraction from knowing Christ.

But to answer your question more directly. A cult in short is defined as any group, or rules of a group that tends to control you or tries to do so.

Answer 5

A cult is a religion that bigger religions pick on to protect themselves. The largest paths mislead.

Answer 6

Technically all religious groups are cults.
The more money they are getting will usually move them higher up the list of competing cults.

Answer 7

the number of people they murder to gain power and influence.... who knows with scientology.. it could be how many famous people can make other people stupid...

Answer 8

Tax exemption, sadly.

Answer 9

When it achieves tax-exempt status.