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alternative usage
A '''cult''' is a term for a religion or community of belief that is regarded as illegitimate, heretical, or far outside mainstream beliefs. Although some consider it to be a statement of opinion, "cult" has well-defined meanings.
A '''cult''' is a term for a [[religion]] or community of belief that is regarded as illegitimate, heretical, or far outside mainstream beliefs. Although some consider it to be a statement of opinion, "cult" has well-defined meanings.
Cults are dangerous, and some have proven to be fatal, such as [[Jim Jones|Jim Jones']] group in the late 1970s in Guyana.
Cults are dangerous, and some have proven to be fatal, such as [[Jim Jones|Jim Jones']] group in the late 1970s in Guyana.
* They require "works", and never teach that salvation is simply by placing one's faith in Christ.
* They require "works", and never teach that salvation is simply by placing one's faith in Christ.
* They make false prophecies.
* They make false prophecies.
=== Catholic usage ===
In the [[Catholic]] Church, 'cult' can also be used to describe a follower's particular devotion to a [[saint]] or another aspect of the faith, eg the cult of [[St Mary]] or of the [[Holy Cross]]<ref>For example at [http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/virg/hd_virg.htm The Cult of the Virgin Mary in the Middle Ages]</ref>. This usage does not have the negative connotations of the more common meaning described on this page. It is possible that it is less used in the present day to avoid confusion with dangerous cults.
== Examples ==
== Examples ==