What is a Cult?

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

I don't like using it, unless it is defined, simply because of what I have said over and over....many tie unfavorable connotations to the word when the word originally meant any worshiper in a thing or person.

If you want to label a group "cult" that's your business. I think for clarity though when we refer to a group as a cult, we should specify why instead of just using the word cult. Mind Control cult, or Psychological cult. It doesn't necessarily have to be religious in nature. Followers of some "think positive" speaker can be in a mind control cult.

The post has offered some narrow definitions. Even the contributions of others. Even when I listed symptoms.

The mind control I've seen used in churches is quite amazing. People silence opposition, trumping their controversial opinions as the inspired interpretation of every letter, and themselves as the authorized interpreter for all scripture. Thinking uniformity is big too. People fear questions or thinking contrary to the primary leader. The primary leader makes all decisions. The primary leader is honored above even a human level. The primary leader decides all things. There are no church boards. There are no elders with equivalent authority. The primary leader usually claims special spiritual authority, they alone hear from God for the congregation.

Everyone must dress similar. Again, uniformity is the key. (Thought, dress, worship, behavior)

So we are taking a very broad word and applying to very narrowly. I don't have a better word for it. I think of Jim Jones groups, and if you need a place of reference to how most here would define the word, that's what they are using. When we get an invite to a Sociologist Conference, we may be more academic and broad in our definition.