Cult

Cult is a term that describes a group or movement with a shared commitment to a usually extreme ideology that's typically embodied in a charismatic leader. Cults can be religious, political, or otherwise ideological.

Definition

The term "cult" is derived from the Latin word cultus, which means "care" or "adoration". In modern usage, it often refers to a social group that is defined by its unusual religious, spiritual, or philosophical beliefs, or by its common interest in a particular personality, object, or goal. This sense of the term is controversial, having divergent definitions both in popular culture and academia, and has also been an ongoing source of contention among scholars across several fields of study.

Characteristics

Cults are often characterized by their charismatic leaders who demand and receive unquestioning commitment and loyalty from their followers. These leaders often use manipulative and coercive tactics to control their followers, including isolation from friends and family, intense indoctrination sessions, and even physical and psychological abuse.

Types of Cults

There are several types of cults, including religious, political, and commercial. Religious cults are the most common and are often centered around a charismatic leader who claims to have divine powers or knowledge. Political cults are centered around an extreme ideology and often aim to gain political power. Commercial cults, also known as business cults, are centered around a product or service and often use manipulative sales tactics to recruit new members.

Cults and Society

Cults have a significant impact on society. They can cause harm to their members, both physically and psychologically, and can also cause social disruption. However, not all cults are harmful. Some are benign and can provide a sense of community and belonging to their members.

See Also

• New religious movement
• Mind control
• Charismatic authority
• Cult of personality

References

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Cult

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  Church-sect continuum

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  Max Weber 1894

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  Anti-Aum Shinrikyo protest

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  Destruction of Falun Gong books during the 1999 crackdown in China