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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. 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).   

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.

 

Although 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 1970s in Guyana (see below).   

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

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

*recent origin

*recent origin {{fact}}

*autocratic rule by a single charismatic leader

*autocratic rule by a single charismatic leader

*extraordinary demands on converts (such as that they surrender all their property to the cult) and  

*extraordinary demands on converts (such as that they surrender all their property to the cult) and  

*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's 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]].   

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]]