The Difference Between Religion & Cult

 The differences between a cult and religion have changed throughout history making it difficult to identify what separates these groups. Discover modern and historical definitions and example of cult and religion to see what makes them different

What is a Cult?

The common, modern definition of a cult is a group of people with extreme dedication to a certain leader or set of beliefs that are often viewed as odd by others.

General Characteristics of Modern Cults

While definitions of a cult can vary, these groups generally have a few common characteristic 

• Followers are encouraged to worship a specific group leader
• Leaders dictate in great detail all aspects of follower's lives
• Methods of control are used to keep members close

Example of Cults

• Jonestown: Due to legal and societal pressure, the group's leader Jim Jones moved the group out of U.S, where they eventually committed a mass suicide
• Heaven's Gate: This group was known as a doomsday cult and committed mass suicide, which they believed would gain them access to an alien spacecraft
• Ku Klux Klan: KKK is an American white supremacist, right wing terrorist, and hate group whose primary targets are African-American, Jews, Latinos, Asian-American, Catholics, & Native American, as well as immigrants, leftists, homosexuals, Muslim, abortion providers and atheists

What is a Religion

One common definition of religion is "a set of beliefs about God or the supernatural"

General Characteristics of Religion

Although each religion has different beliefs, there are some characteristics that group then as religions

• The group worships a higher source of power rather than a single person
• An understanding of evil is established, especially how it impacts human
• There are sacred ritual acts

Example of Religions

As of 2017, the U.S Department of Defense recognized over 220 religions. According to the U.S Government's policies on religions discrimination, traditional organized religions include: Buddhism, Christian, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism

Main Difference Between Cult & Religion

• Longevity of the group: Many experts argue that the main differences here is that religions has lasted for generations namely more than 100 years. Cults on the other hand, don't last long because they self-destruct or engage in unhealthy practices that limit their membership overtime
• Government recognition: religions are recognized and accepted by the government, but cult are not. Different countries recognized different religions based on a variety of factors. Cults are not typically accepted by government
• Public opinion: The mainstream view of cult is negative. They're viewed as traps maintained by mind control where as a religion is more dignified, structured, and acceptable

source: yourdictionary.com wikipedia.org