What's the difference between a cult and a religion?

While in college I was taught that the difference between a cult and a religion was this:A cult was a branch off a religion (fundamental belief in God) -- a new order so to speak -- but once a child, or second generation was born into it, it became a religion. There are some things that most people believe to be a cult (as I) like the hale-bopp comet cult from several years ago. What do you think (or know) to be the differences?

Asked by Angela-N-Jeff 59 months ago Similar questions: difference cult religion Society > Religion & Spirituality.

A few warning signs I think there's some truth to the theory from your college days, and if you look around the internet you will see that somebody is going to accuse almost any kind of church, anywhere, of being a cult. Nevertheless, some cults can be very dangerous. A cult in that sense would probably try to restrict your access to your family, friends outside the church, or persons/books/broadcasts that might challenge the church's views.

They would probably try to control your personal life or ask extreme committments in terms of financial giving or use of your time. There are a few books I can think of that might be of interest: mitymox's Recommendations The Kingdom of the Cults Amazon List Price: $19.99 Used from: $4.30 Average Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (based on 118 reviews) mitymox's Recommendations Rogue Messiahs: Tales of Self-Proclaimed Saviors Amazon List Price: $22.95 Used from: $3.39 Average Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (based on 9 reviews) .

1 Simple Difference - Openness A Religion and a Cult have many similarities, but they usually have one large difference. That is openness. Cults tend to have secret beliefs, aims, or knowledge that is kept secret from even believers until they have obtained a certain level of acceptance from the cult.

For example, Scientology only provides its believers with the full information regarding the "religion" after believers have paid for the classes and have passed certain tests that Scientology proscribes. Another tell-tale sign of a possible cult is lack of believers, however, a wealth of believers does not always allow a cult to become a religion per se. A growing number of believers and openness tend to both be requirements for a cult to become a religion.

Sources: Personal Opinion .

Simple answer I will write it this in a few simple concise words; A religion, is a way that is taught to you and you with your free choice choose to follow that religion. All religions are based on a belief in g-d. A cult is not always belief in g-d, a cult brainwashes you and makes you live in weird manners..

The differences are... The main difference is that a cult veers away from the main doctrine of its core religion whether Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, etc. Any time a religion veers away from it's basic fundamentals that are documented in it's book, like the Bible or Qur'an and goes on its own, then it's a cult. Its original sense, refers to: Cult (religious practice), the totality of external religious practice and observance, the neglect of which is the definition of impiety Cult may also refer to: Cult, a social group sometimes accused of mentally controlling its members. Destructive cult, a group which exploits and destroys its members or even non-members .

In my opinion just more widespread, and your not "supposed" to cause damage with a religion.

" "Religion is for people who fear hell; Spirituality is for people who've been to hell. What does this mean?" "What do you think is the main difference between Spirituality and Christianity? " "What religion are you if any?

Would you consider yourself a religious person? How did you come to be your religion? " "Your 'Change category' does not work.

You put my 'computer' question into 'Religion & Spirituality.'" "what religion is the true religion" (18 answers) "why do you need religion? " (14 answers) "what religion are you? Do you practice it?" "Should there be freedom of religion?

" "Why isn't Religion & Spirituality listed under Main categories? I didn't realize the category existed.

Religion is for people who fear hell; Spirituality is for people who've been to hell. What does this mean?

Your 'Change category' does not work. You put my 'computer' question into 'Religion & Spirituality.

What religion is the true religion" (18 answers).

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.