Define "cult"?

Question

What constitutes a "cult" in your opinion? Is Mormonism a cult? Scientology? Islam? Paganism? Atheism? Christianity? Is a cult something evil, good, or neither? Are all religions cults, or just certain religions? Are you a member of a religion that frequently gets labeled as a Cult? How does that make you feel, and how do you answer it?

I am asking this out of respect of all religions.

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 (not just read about them). 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

I can only answer from a Christian perspective and these points do not constitute a definition: -
1. They are an abrupt break from Christian, or parent, tradition
2. They emphasise as truths teachings which other groups regard as minor
3. There is a tendency to perfectionism
4. They have an extra scriptural source of authority
5. They complicate the process by which we are saved.
6. They tend to devalue the traditional position of Christ
7. They claim exclusivity for their group
8. They have a strong position when thinking about the end of time

Specific answers to what you asked: -
Mormonism is a cult
Scientology - don't know
Islam is a religion not a cult
Paganism is a collection of ideas which I can't classify
Atheism is not a cult
Christianity is a religion now but started as a cult in Judaism

As a Christian I study and celebrate our Jewish roots.

Answer 3

Ok, I am Wiccan and it has been called here- a cult. For fact's sake- It is a recognized by our government as a religion. Even the US military now classifies it as a recognized religion and must have pagan practitioner's available to its soldiers. To me a religion is a group which has defined religious ceremonies, definitive organization and a set "dogma", and has ordained LEADERS for its groups. Therefore, if the group is recognized, organized and has a devoted following, it is a religion per both the government and society. My I point out that Wicca is also the fastest growing religion in the US. The #1 fastest growing "belief" is atheist.

Cult- A devoted following, somewhat organized but usually led or controlled by 1 person. Usually only that 1 person knows the beliefs, conducts the ceremonies and controls the actions of that group. Also, that 1 person either declares themselves the one to be worshiped by the group- putting themselves on a Jesus or god-like level. NOT recognized by society or the government.

Cult following- A phrase used to acknowledge a certain social following or "craze" that has staying power. No dogma, no real organization, no real leaders.

Hope it helps! Blessed be.

Answer 4

anyone that mindlessly follows a group or leader and does what he is told just to be accepted for no other reason other than to be on the "RIGHT BUS* so to speak.

Star Trek has a cult following.
Star Wars has a cult following.
Rocky Horror Picture Show has a cult following.
Matrix has a cult following.
Christianity is the largest cult on the planet with the other BIGGIES in tow.
Grunge music has a cult following.
Greatful Dead has a cult following.
And so on and so on.

Answer 5

I hate the word cult... it puts people under such a bad light and the truth of the matter is.. if there are 10 people come up with there own ides and beliefs and everyone around them has 2 billion people on there side.. so they look down on these people... and call them evil cults and things like that.. i think its just basically a very small religious group that has there own beliefs. the definition of cult.. actually explains most religions if you look closely enough..

a. 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.

well alot of people think that catholics are false.. does that mean that they are a cult?? i woudn't call them a cult would you??


b. The followers of such a religion

.... i think that explains itself... lol


2. A system or community of religious worship and ritual.

every organised religion has a system of religious worship and rituals.

4. A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease.

now i have never heard of this before... associated with the word cult... but.. if people think that jehvoahs witnesses are a cult... (most people do... ) than they are wrong.. because we definatly dont try curing diseases with an exclusivie or exceptional power.

Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
b. The object of such devotion.
6. An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest.

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these can be so many things...

the word cult is just a way to make people feel bad about what they beleve in...

i have had someone say to me on here....

' you are part of a stupid cult, you are being brainwashed.. get out while theres still time honey'

people that say those things dont take the time to listen to what you actually believe in they just make up stuff in there heads and assume that its true.

get a chance to talk to people before you assume that they are part of a 'cult' whatever that word means anyways.

Answer 6

The term "cult" has lost all useful meaning in public discourse.

It has degenerated into a term of abuse.

It legitimately meant religious ceremonial practice ( eg cult of the Blessed Virgin Mary) and it once had a sociological meaning tied to the size and structure of a particular religion.

Edit: If Eartha Q's definitions be correct, than a lot of public discussion about cults, if practically implemented, would amount to the unconstitutional establishment of a particular brand Christian faith.

Answer 7

A cult is a small nucleus of people with similar religous belief, which differs in some way from all others.

For example:-

The Jewish cult of the followers of the saying of Jesus, lead by James the Just, was developed by Paul and became the Catholic Church of Rome.

Answer 8

Praise be to Allah Haraam is that for which the one who does it will be punished and the one who abstains from it will be rewarded, if the reason for his abstinence is following the prohibition of Allaah. 'i believe things like " love"(attraction to the opposite gender) is haram too(including loving your own wife/husband).Because it wil never benifit me in the hereafter,since its not a form of worship.And it makes you forget about Allah and hereafter.Noone is worthy of getting more attention then Allah!' 2nd part of your question: You misunderstood! Islam teaches us to be truthful and realistic. Usually, we love because of Allah and we hate because of Allah. Islam teaches us that a male and female can build up a good relationship founded on marriage. All those stories of media and movies are not helpful to make a person comply with the teachings of Islam. We do not say love is halal or haram because it is a feeling. Maybe it is not under control. You can judge what is under control. But people who fall in love are in many episodes away from the cleansed and pure atmosphere. Marriages that are usually good and lasting marriages are those that start at the least affection. That affection grows after marriage and maybe it will grow until the couples continue their companionship at the Jannah. And Allah knows the best! Jazakallah!

Answer 9

i would define a cult as a group of people that are controlled by a leader. this can fall under many different religion fronts...

Answer 10

Atheism