They are not. They were cults but are not anymore. The following is taken from "Sociology Alive" by Stephan Moore. The chapter is "Sects, cults and new religious movements" Blessings Sebbi
All you've done is draw a line based on the number of followers. A cult or a "denominatin"- same basic thing, no matter the size. Gathering more ignorant fools than the other charlatan is hardly justification for belief in myths.
what about them old time religions, eh? "mystery cults" dionysus, attis, mithras, pythagoras, the rites of eleusis (grain goddess & daughter), & many many more... initiates into lesser & greater mysteries, whoa... gimme that old time religion...
Websters Dictionary- cult, n. 1. worship; reverential honor; religious devotion. 2. the system of outward forms and ceremonies used in worship; religious rites and formalities. 3. devoted attachment to, or extravagent admiration for, a person, principle, etc., especially when regarded as a fad; as, the cult of nudism. 4. a group or followers; sect. cult means secret huh? i think most world religions fit the bill for cultism.. worship and devotion, system of ceremonies, attachment and admiration for key figures and a group of followers. yup theyre cults.
"cult" means a lot of things. That definition has 4 definitions, there might be more. In sociology, it refers to #2, usually. Throughout history, it has been along the lines of "sect" as well; for example, the cult of Isis within the Egyptian religion, or the cult of Mithra in the Roman world. Many were secret, not always though. Recently it has taken on a negative meaning, as in some demagogue getting people to follow his beliefs, where he takes advantage of them. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult
I only hear it used to describe any faith that the user wants to insult, and by cult, they mean 'not credible'.
