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A cult is a negative term applied to a religion or community of belief that is regarded as illegitimate, heretical, or far outside mainstream beliefs. Some cults have proven to be destructive, such as [[Jim Jones]]'s group in the late 1970's in Guyana (see below).   

A '''cult''' is a negative term applied to a religion or community of belief that is regarded as illegitimate, heretical, or far outside mainstream beliefs. Thus, it is a statement of opinion; many groups consider themselves "sects," no group considers itself to be a "cult." Some cults have proven to be destructive, such as [[Jim Jones]]'s group in the late 1970's in Guyana (see below).   

Typical lists of "cult" characteristics given by their opponents include:

Typical lists of "cult" characteristics given by their opponents include: