Whats the difference between a cult and a religion?

define

 

One's perspective. My beliefs are the truth, and yours are a stupid cult. LOL

 

I don't get it...

 

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.
religion:
Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
I just copied the first definitions....they seem pretty much the same to me, except 'cult' supposedly have less 'credibility'

 

This was intended as a sarcastic joke. Everybody thinks that they're right no matter what they believe, and that means that everyone else who believes differently is wrong. I just put it into a "Devil's Dictionary" (by that famous cynic Ambrose Bierce) type of quote to make it funny in a sarcastic sort of way.


Then again maybe your're just built too low, the fast ones fly right over your head...

 

Are u hacking on me cause I'm short!?...

 

yes indeed, not much difference.

A religion is a just a cult that's been accepted into/recognised by society.

 

why do you think the Sticky is there for FAQ's? This happens to be a FAQ... see the connection?

 

The difference is religions get goverment funding and cults don't. lol

 

A cult is when many people follow one charismatic leader, without question.

What the goverment calls a cult is a different question.

 

A cult is something hidden, nothing more.

 

"Most members of a religion are born into it. Most members of a cult are converts."

This distinction between "religion" and "cult" does not address the truth or social acceptance of either.

 

I bet Jesus was charismatic.

...the same goes for child-molesting priests.

 

OCCULT is hidden LMAO and you spoke with such authority

 

I think every religion started out as a cult. Christianity started out as a cult, you know.

I'm not sure there is any difference. What one might call a cult, another might call religion.

 

In an anthropological sense, yeah, they did all start out as cults, at least by label.

They refer to the differing religions of Europe as "Fertility cults" "Bear Cults" "Goddess Cult" etc.

When it boils down, its just a label.

 

one attracts followers, the other recruits them.

 

So by that definition, The Kingdom of Jahovah's Witness would be a cult?

Hmmm, I'm not so sure about that.

 

Why not? New members have to be introduced to their church by an existing member..and have to go through a ceremony to be indoctrinated before they are accepted..if it looks like a cult, then acts like a cult.....why give it another name?

 

I guess once a "cult" gets more common, it looses it's association with a cult and instead is considered a religion. I think that's how Christianity started, if I'm not mistaken...

The Kingdom of Jehovah's Witness is VERY common where I live...and would RARELY be called a cult in my area.