religion v cult

[kj]

i've always wondered what makes a religion different from a cult?

any ideas?

[Rebelius]

I've always wondered this without actually thinking about it ever. Dictionary.com says

Cult: A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.

[Mike - Indi Rev]

From what I remember it's to do with how many people are part of the religion/cult. I'm pretty sure the number is something like 10,000. Like if a cult gains more than 10,000 followers then it officialy become a religion.

And I'd say that the definition from Dictionary.com sounds more like a stereotype than an actual definition.

[Talcum]

Aye, it's just numbers I think.

[Jeebus]

Cult can also mean a system of religious beliefs or practices, so it can pretty much be used for any religion. For some pretty good info on cults and the definition of cults look here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult

wikipedia is your friend.

[Dave(crashdown)]

cults are definately more rock'n'roll... Peter Green style... but religion is for rock stars who get old and need to try and make thmselves look nice ie Alice Cooper (legend)

[Filthy Ritch]

me and dave were just talking about cults,theres not enough controversial cults in news anymore soooo...who wants to start some??

[AlanG]

To people of a religion with a large number of followers then a religion with a small number of followers with 'loony' beliefs is a cult. To members of that particular cult they see themselves as a religion.

Personally I see no difference between religions and cults just that some are more powerful than others.

For comedy action check out the scientologists (www.xenu.net : anti scientology), moonies, mormons and nation of islam.

[Dave(crashdown)]

lol 50 % of my band are mormons!! thats a pretty high percentage..

[AlanG]

do they wear magic underpants to protect you from hecklers and bad reviews? hehe

[paul engage]

Originally Posted by Rebelius

Cult: A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.

sounds like most religions to me..

[MotioN]

Theirs a cult in the village i live in (Abernethy), there was a massive article about it in the Daily Record a couple of years ago about them, theyre German / New Zealand and they own a huge mansion in the village (with cameras and speaker phones and dogs at the main gates).
Theyre one of these die hard Christian things that opress women (one woman told stories of cleaning the drive with a toothbrush etc in the paper) and on Sunday nights i can hear them from room signing Hymms.
It's pretty freaky, like something out of The League Of Gentlemen hehe. They just bought the old hotel and theyre all doing it up, although i dont think theyre opening it for the public.

[Johnny]

Sounds pretty kick ass. I might try join.

[aunt gary]

Originally Posted by Mike - Indi Rev

From what I remember it's to do with how many people are part of the religion/cult. I'm pretty sure the number is something like 10,000. Like if a cult gains more than 10,000 followers then it officialy become a religion.

And I'd say that the definition from Dictionary.com sounds more like a stereotype than an actual definition.

Hey there sports fans

well then, thats the old "I Love Aunt Gary" cult a religion then.

Chow Ding