Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

I'm just wondering what the differences are, and also what the overlaps are, between the two. Let's not presume that a certain size or number of adherents helps differentiate a religion from a cult; rather, I'm curious as to the qualitative differences and similarities.

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

well, webster's defines a cult as 'a group of people with a strong shared belief', SO the word cult refers to a group of people, whereas religion refers to an ideology.

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

I DO presume that the size is the only real difference, but if you want to know more differences, here are a few but they are indirectly related to the size issue.

Religions have more political power.
Religions have better marketing.
Most religions have longer histories of existence than cults.
Some religions have stories that are slightly less far-fetched than some of the more extreme cults. That has probably helped them a little in gaining followers vs. some extreme cults that have trouble persuading even the most vulnerable of potential members. However, if you ask a non-believer to evaluate the credibility of the stories of one random religion vs. one random cult, I don't think they'd find a nickel's worth of difference.

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

Mass acceptance.

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

If you're in it, it's a religion. If not, it's a cult.

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

Cult is just a word used to demonize a religion.

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

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Cult is just a word used to demonize a religion.

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When I was in the "Protestant Christian Loop", It was commonly thought that all non-mainstream denominations were cults: Mormonism, Jehova's Witness, and sometimes even Catholicism.

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

Technically speaking, all religions are cults.

We use the term "cult" these days to define those religions not accepted by the mainstream.

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

I think it is a cult if the only way to practice the religion is too follow a certain authority absolutely and without question. Also if you are forced to sever ties with family or any case in which the leader or leaders make all your decisions for you.

That is a loose definition.

By that definition none of the major religions are cults.

Some groups might be considered cults just because they believe in some goofy stuff, but that is not enough. The major religions are just as goofy, but don't seem that way because they have been around so long.

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

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Cult is just a word used to demonize a religion.

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Religion is just a word used to legitimize a cult.

Cult Criteria
 

I found these "cult criteria" on the web. Looks pretty good. I'll leave it as an exercise for the reader to determine if particular religions meet this criteria. I think most of them do.

1. ENVIRONMENT CONTROL. Limitation of many/all forms of communication with those outside the group. Books, magazines, letters and visits with friends and family are taboo. "Come out and be separate!"

2. MYSTICAL MANIPULATION. The potential convert to the group becomes convinced of the higher purpose and special calling of the group through a profound encounter/experience, for example, through an alleged miracle or prophetic word of those in the group.

3. DEMAND FOR PURITY. An explicit goal of the group is to bring about some kind of change, whether it be on a global, social, or personal level. "Perfection is possible if one stays with the group and is committed."

4. CULT OF CONFESSION. The unhealthy practice of self disclosure to members in the group. Often in the context of a public gathering in the group, admitting past sins and imperfections, even doubts about the group and critical thoughts about the integrity of the leaders.

5. SACRED SCIENCE. The group's perspective is absolutely true and completely adequate to explain EVERYTHING. The doctrine is not subject to amendments or question. ABSOLUTE conformity to the doctrine is required.

6. LOADED LANGUAGE. A new vocabulary emerges within the context of the group. Group members "think" within the very abstract and narrow parameters of the group's doctrine. The terminology sufficiently stops members from thinking critically by reinforcing a "black and white" mentality. Loaded terms and cliches prejudice thinking.

7. DOCTRINE OVER PERSON. Pre-group experience and group experience are narrowly and decisively interpreted through the absolute doctrine, even when experience contradicts the doctrine.

8. DISPENSING OF EXISTENCE. Salvation is possible only in the group. Those who leave the group are doomed.

Re: Cult Criteria
 

KipBond with the turn-around jumper and SWISH.

nice post.

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

Cult is a word so mangled in meaning that its use is unacceptable. There are far too many definitions of this word. The best we can do is abolish it from the English language and find other ways of expression.

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

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Cult is just a word used to demonize a religion.
[ QUOTE ]
Religion is just a word used to legitimize a cult.


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I like yours better.

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

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When I was in the "Protestant Christian Loop", It was commonly thought that all non-mainstream denominations were cults: Mormonism, Jehova's Witness, and sometimes even Catholicism.

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Catholicism isn't a mainstream religion?

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

When I was in the "Protestant Christian Loop", It was commonly thought that all non-mainstream denominations were cults: Mormonism, Jehova's Witness, and sometimes even Catholicism.

[/ QUOTE ]

Catholicism isn't a mainstream religion?

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It isn't a Protestant denomination.

Re: Differences Between Religions And Cults
 

It comes down to this.

If you're have a religious faith, but your beliefs allow you to account for other people's different faiths to be valid, (all roads lead to the top) or you can at least tolerate them without trying to go jihad on their ass, I'd say it's a religion.

If you're in a religious faith and it says it is the only way to get to god and everyone else is wrong, and you should use violence to further your ends, I'd say that's a cult.

RB