Religion vs Cult?

[birdie1971]

It is my 'belief' that if Judaism/Christianity/Islam (delete as appropriate) didn't exist today and was 'revealed' tomorrow by a 'Prophet' and gained a couple of hundred members in its first few years, it would be regarded by the general public as a cult.

That's all that religions are – cults. The only real discernible difference between a religion and a cult is the amount of people who believe in it.


Discuss!

[naomi24]

I consider all religions to be cults. I'm not sure quite when a cult becomes generally recognised as a religion, but the difference is simply in the number of followers.

[jackthehat]

...and time.

Cult+numbers+time= Religion.

[naomi24]

Jack. Yes, indeed.

[RATTER15]

Most of these "cults" are run by total fruitcakes!!

I'm sure there only followers must have serious mental issues and a great need/desire to follow them.

I watched the programme about the "End of the earth cult" last night, they were all a bit scary and weird, especially the youngsters.

[keyplus90]

////I watched the programme about the "End of the earth cult" last night, they were all a bit scary and weird, especially the youngsters.////

So even after watching that you still believe that the only difference between cult and religion is number of the followers and nothing else?

[beso]

Keyplus:

Your faith along with the Christians and Jews all have an end of the world prophecy that you all eagerly await to be fulfilled.

[naomi24]

So what is the difference, Keyplus?

[flobadob]

What defines a cult exactly. From what I see most cults still believe in the same God as the major religions, just in a slightly different way.

[birdie1971]

I got this from http://www.cultinformation.org.uk/

They define a cult as...

1. It uses psychological coercion to recruit, indoctrinate and retain its members;
2. It forms an elitist totalitarian society;
3. Its founder leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable and has charisma;
4. It believes 'the end justifies the means' in order to solicit funds and recruit people;
5. Its wealth does not benefit its members or society.

All of the above can be attributed to the Abrahamic religions, particularly numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5...

[andy-hughes]

Plu, according to any self-respecting tabloid - you 'practise' a religion, but you can only ever 'dabble' in a cult.

[RATTER15]

Keyplus90

I imagine this was aimed at myself as you quoted me.

\\So even after watching that you still believe that the only difference between cult and religion is number of the followers and nothing else?//

I dont recall making such a comment.

[Ankou]

it is:

cult+numbers+time+geographical spread.

mormonism (and chrisitianity etc) really took of when they started to export it via missionaries. it ingratiated mormonism into mainstream life and went from being a cult to a world wide "accepted" religion.

scientology is following close behind. as said by someone in scientology:

"all new religions go through a period when they are thrown to the lions and persecuted. then there is the crossover when they are accepted into the mainstream - and we are at that crossover now."

so yes, they all started as cults.

[beso]

Anyone remember The Blue Oyster Cult?

[jake-the-peg]

They were Agents of Fortune Beso ;c)

[beso]

Those with sensible faith Don't Fear the Reaper