What is a cult?
Q: What is a cult?
A: A cult is a group of people who have a religion or set of beliefs that are not mainstream. It can also refer to a system of ritual practices, and originally meant homage paid to a divinity.
Q: What does the word "cult" mean?
A: The word "cult" comes from an ancient Latin word, cultus, meaning "worship".
Q: Are all cults small?
A: Not necessarily; some cults may be large in size. However, many newly started religious movements tend to be small.
Q: What makes a cult different from other religions?
A: Cults often have beliefs or practices that many people think of as being odd or that most people in the world do not practice. Additionally, they are usually led by someone who is not elected and controls the group according to their own wishes.
Q: Are all cult leaders dangerous criminals or lunatics?
A: No; while some cult leaders may be dangerous criminals or lunatics, this is not always the case.
Q: Have there been any killings or mass suicides associated with certain cults?
A: Yes; there have been cases where killings and mass suicides have occurred in certain cults such as Order of the Solar Temple and Heaven's Gate.
Q: Can it be difficult to determine if something is considered a religion or a cult?
A: Yes; what may at one point in time be considered a religion could later become classified as a cult and vice versa.
