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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, in Christianity it has a well-defined meaning.
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]]'s group in the late 1970s in Guyana.
== "Sect" vs. "Cult" ==
Strictly speaking, the terms "cult" and "sect" are not synonymous, although some people user the two terms interchangeably.
Strictly speaking, the terms "cult" and "sect" are not synonymous, although some people user the two terms interchangeably.
Although many groups consider themselves "sects," no group considers itself to be a "cult."
Although many groups consider themselves "sects," no group considers itself to be a "cult".
== Definitions of "cult" ==
Typical lists of "cult" characteristics given by their opponents include:
Typical lists of "cult" characteristics given by their opponents include:
*a maniacal focus on proselytizing and winning new converts.
*a maniacal focus on proselytizing and winning new converts.
There have been cults which have claimed to be [[Christian]], as well as cults which claim some other religious affiliation, or no affiliation at all. One notable example of a cult is the "People's Temple" operated by [[Jim Jones]] . Jones' insistence that all his true followers drink poisoned fruit punch led to the deaths of 913 of his converts at their enclave of [[Jonestown]] in [[Guyana]].
There have been cults which have claimed to be [[Christian]], as well as cults which claim some other religious affiliation, or no affiliation at all. One notable example of a cult is the "People's Temple" operated by [[Jim Jones]] . Jones' insistence that all his true followers drink poisoned fruit punch led to the deaths of 913 of his converts at their enclave of [[Jonestown]] in [[Guyana]].
== "Deprogramming" ==
The process of attempting to "rescue" people from cults, and reverse perceived or actual mind control, is known as [[deprogramming]], and is controversial from both a legal and social perspective.
The process of attempting to "rescue" people from cults, and reverse perceived or actual mind control, is known as [[deprogramming]], and is controversial from both a legal and social perspective.
[[category:psychology]]
[[category:psychology]]
[[category:cults]]
[[category:cults]]