Thread: What's The Difference Between A Religion And A Cult?

Originally Posted by Hoplite

I think we can effectively differentiate between a religion and a cult thusly;

A cult is a group of individuals following the same beliefs led by one dominating individual in which the individuality and freedom (physical and intellectual) of the members is under the control (directly or otherwise) of that leader. Cults are extremely insular and try very hard to separate the members from the outside world.

A religion is a system of beliefs and practices that (usually) involve a higher power and supernatural forces as well as a philosophical outlook on the world. Behavior of adherents is guided by these principals but not forced.

I think the critical difference is the forced inclusion, social isolation, and control that exists in a cult that does not exist in a religion. Members of a religious sect may dislike or discriminate against outsiders or someone who leaves, but people are not under (and I use this for the lack of a better term) "mind control" of a leader.

What about a cult like Heaven's Gate?

While Marshall Applewhite was their "leader", the members did not worship him. Members were not forced to stay. Members gave up their physical possessions, but not to Applewhite. The cult was not isolated from the outside world; in fact, it relied on clients from outside the cult to earn money...

Originally Posted by compote_tom

I think we can all see what that is, the question I guess is if such a "cult" lasted would it become a religion, or has that happened?

It's been suggested that Mormonism was, at one time, a cult.

Is it just a matter of the number of believers?

Originally Posted by Steve

I'm hoping that there can be some reasonable discussion on this, although I have my doubts. I also suspect I know from where the first volley will be fired.

What is the difference between a religion and a cult?

IMO, respect.

Originally Posted by noahath

After all, it was only a few years ago that Scientology was considered a cult, and now it is regarded as a religion.

By whom?

L Ron Hubbard wrote his first book as a work of FICTION. All the ardor and/or "worship" that grew up around it was directed at him first and, then, to those who rose up in the organization.

I don't regard it as a religion. I regard it, still, as a cult.

Originally Posted by jviehe

IMO, respect.

Not a bad answer, not a bad answer at all. I take it with "respect" we can also add in "acceptance" perhaps?

Originally Posted by jviehe

IMO, respect.

By and towards whom?

Originally Posted by Good1

I don't regard it as a religion. I regard it, still, as a cult.

Why?

Originally Posted by Steve

Why?

as explained in the rest of that post that you did not quote.

Originally Posted by Steve

What do you think they are?

From a quote embedded in every one of your posts:

Science flies you to the moon. Religion flies you into buildings...

it could very well be that you want to create a nice thread attacking people who beleive differently than you do. Those that beleive in God maybe ?

Originally Posted by Sluggo

Not a bad answer, not a bad answer at all. I take it with "respect" we can also add in "acceptance" perhaps?

That would work too. Being an aethiest, im biased, but I see no difference between what religions do and what cults do except that lots of people agree with religion. Cult is simply the perjoritive for religion, unless you define religion in terms of beleif in a supernatural power, wheras cults could be defined by a worship of a human figure.

Originally Posted by Steve

By and towards whom?

By humans towards the cult or religion.

Originally Posted by Captain Trips

From a quote embedded in every one of your posts:

Science flies you to the moon. Religion flies you into buildings...

it could very well be that you want to create a nice thread attacking people who beleive differently than you do. Those that beleive in God maybe ?

Hmmmmm. Interesting.

This is a perfect example of running off at the mouth without benefit of information.

I'm a minority in my family, in that I'm the only one who doesn't believe in God.

I have no desire to attack the beliefs of others.

I was hoping to have a reasonable discussion regarding the differences and similarities between cults and religions. You have proven that you're not equipped to engage in such a discussion...

Originally Posted by jviehe

That would work too. Being an aethiest, im biased, but I see no difference between what religions do and what cults do except that lots of people agree with religion. Cult is simply the perjoritive for religion, unless you define religion in terms of beleif in a supernatural power, wheras cults could be defined by a worship of a human figure.

Again, I would mention Heaven's Gate. They did not worship a human figure...