Is the definition of a cult a subjective one? eg. I could think that Falungong is a cult but the Falungongists might think the same way of us who believe in other things. Is cult then just a finger pointing game?
Based on what I've read so far, a cult is:
A religious or social group that follows a particular theological system generally considered to be extremist or false
Followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader
In the context of Christianity, it is a group that uses the Bible but distorts the doctrines (eg. Christian Scientists?)
Some definitions went on to describe the characteristic of cults as
Obsessed
Faddish
Exaggerated zeal
So how do we identify a cult?
I think that bit about having a charismatic leader really quite apply to cults. They usually have a founder. Some cults worship the founder him/herself. Others believe what that founder believes.
The other thing is about belonging outside the conventions of the society. So like non-extreme Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism are religions within the conventions of the society but other small groups with beliefs in other tangents would be termed as a cult.
(Blogspot.com, March 20, 2008)
Original text from: http://marawana.blogspot.com/2008/03/cult-defined.html
