OK, I’m sure there’s a thread about this, but I am unable to find it by doing a search.
Does anyone know if there is a thread about it?
rickross.com is likely the best online source of info available on the subject of cults and mind control.
rickross.com/
Here’s just a little of what he has to say on the definition:
[quote]Defining a Cult
Isn’t the word “cult” a pejorative label used to discriminate against new religious movements?
No. It is disingenuous to ignore the historical significance and modern day applications of the word cult. Today many controversial groups, that have been called “cults”, are seeking to either eliminate the word, or create through fear of litigation a reluctance to use the term. Some cult apologists have literally said that “‘cult’ is a four letter word,” and should be replaced by the politically correct title “new religious movement” (NRM). However, historically cults have always been with us and they continue to be a part of the world today.
How is the word “cult” defined?
Webster’s Dictionary defines a cult as:
“1. A formal religious veneration 2. A system of religious beliefs and rituals also its body of adherents; 3. A religion regarded as “unorthodox or spurious.”; 4. A system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator; 5. a: A great devotion to a person, idea, thing; esp.: such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad, b: A usually small circle of persons united by devotion or allegiance to an artistic or intellectual movement or figure.”
This definition obviously could include everything from Barbie collectors to old “Deadheads,” “Trekkies” to diehard Elvis fans. American history might also include within such a definition the devoted followers of Mary Baker Eddy the founder of Christian Science, or the Mormons united through their devotion to Joseph Smith. Both these religious groups were once largely regarded as “unorthodox or spurious.” However, the most important concern today is not simply who might be somewhat “cultic” in their devotion now or historically, but what groups might represent potential problems regarding personal or public safety. That is, groups that are potentially unsafe and/or destructive.
Psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton, who wrote the definitive book about thought reform (often called “brainwashing”) also wrote a paper about cult formation. Lifton defined a cult as having the following three characteristics:
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A charismatic leader, who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the general principles that may have originally sustained the group lose power.
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A process [is in use] call[ed] coercive persuasion or thought reform.
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Economic, sexual, and other exploitation of group members by the leader and the ruling coterie.
Don’t some groups once seen as “cults” often move more into the mainstream, becoming generally respected sects or religions?
Yes. There are certainly examples of groups that were once perhaps thought of as “cults” that have evolved into relatively mainstream sects or religions. Such examples as the Seventh Day Adventists once led by Ellen White, or the Mormons, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints.
But it is also important to note that some groups, which may have once been labeled as “cults” continue to be controversial due to their unsafe or destructive practices. Two examples of groups that continue to be problematic and often destructive are the former Russellites, now known as “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” that once prohibited organ transplants and still expects its members to refuse blood transfusions, which has resulted in numerous deaths. And the Christian Scientists founded by Mary Baker Eddy who often reject medical treatment, again resulting in the loss of life. Some groups may say they have renounced unsafe or destructive practices, only to be exposed later as guilty of the same extremes and abuses.
Can hate groups or political extremists be somewhat “cultic”?
Yes. Many anti-government extremists such as the so-called “militias” and hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, racist skinheads, some radical anti-abortion groups, the “Christian Identity” movement and often violent gangs, share many of the same characteristics as destructive cults; such as a “we they” mentality, black and white thinking and/or unreasonable fears about the outside world. And radical anti-government extremists and hate groups have at times isolated themselves in compounds or remote settings not unlike the Waco Davidians or Jim Jones’ People’s Temple.
It is important to note that historically there have also been many radical left-wing political groups such as the SLA that abducted Patty Hearst, or the National Labor Federation founded by Gino Perente, which exhibit these same cultic tendencies.
More recently the right-wing followers of Lyndon LaRouche appear to have obsessive, cult-like devotion to their leader and some have referred to this group as a “political cult”.
Can some multi-level-marketing and commercial schemes be seen as somewhat cultic?
Yes. . .
etc., etc. etc[/quote]
rickross.com/faq.html
Amway.
Tupperware. Oh, wait…
Naah, I was seriously wondering what exactly would make something like FLG a cult, but not Christianity, for example.
Forumosan mods
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There are specific elements that separate cults and religions. When you leave a religion your parents might get upset or something. When you leave a cult, they might kidnap, deprive you of sleep and make you watch all eleventy billion episodes of brady bunch.
It’s something like that anyway.
I’ve heard that if you reject Islam, they’ll kill you. The medieval Church did that too, no? Does that make those cults?
Well if you’re offered Kool-Aid at a welcome party
if you’re told that wearing Nikes and killing yourself is the only way to get on the spaceship that’s behind Haley’s Tail
If you’re told that you have to pay a fee to join
If you’re given a instructional on how to have sex
those all may be good signs of a cult…
It’s possible to reject Islam and not get killed for it, like in Malaysia for example. The Quran does actually not specify any ‘earthly punishments’, only punishment and despise by god (Allah). However most scholars base their reasoning for capital punishment on the Hadiths.
[quote=“Namahottie”]Well if you’re offered Kool-Aid at a welcome party
if you’re told that wearing Nikes and killing yourself is the only way to get on the spaceship that’s behind Haley’s Tail
If you’re told that you have to pay a fee to join
If you’re given a instructional on how to have sex
those all may be good signs of a cult…[/quote]
Hmm? So, Christianity and Catholiscism are a sect?
Smelly b’tiatas is evil cult.
It’s possible to reject Islam and not get killed for it, like in Malaysia for example. The Quran does actually not specify any ‘earthly punishments’, only punishment and despise by god (Allah). However most scholars base their reasoning for capital punishment on the Hadiths.[/quote]
True, my father was a Muslim and he stopped practicing some 20 years ago, he is still alive!
[quote=“irishstu”]OK, I’m sure there’s a thread about this, but I am unable to find it by doing a search.
Does anyone know if there is a thread about it?[/quote]
I’ve seen it put this way: “The only difference between a cult and a religion is the number of its members.”
[quote=“igorveni”]
Hmm? So, Christianity and Catholiscism are a sect?[/quote]
No the only true path in life…Muhhahhhhahahaha 
Very glad to hear it! 
But seriously, in those countries where rejecting the faith means a death sentence, would the religion there then be a cult?
Very glad to hear it!
But seriously, in those countries where rejecting the faith means a death sentence, would the religion there then be a cult?[/quote]
Don’t mistake the religion itself and people who, through misunderstanding it mis-apply it.
There is nothing in the Koran about death to those who decided not to follow its principles.
In the misapplied instances, would the local practices and the localized expression of the religion qualify as cult?
I don’t quite understand that. 