Is the Definition of a Cult Too Narrow?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hornbein
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the definition of a cult, highlighting that it typically involves a charismatic leader who demands loyalty to unconventional beliefs. The term "cult" became pejorative in the 19th century, whereas previously, cults were viewed more positively. The conversation questions the necessity of a living leader for a group to be classified as a cult, using examples like Scientology and the US Army to illustrate the complexities of this classification. The notion that successful cults may transition into mainstream religions is also explored, suggesting that societal acceptance alters the perception of a cult. The discussion concludes with a critique of the initial arguments, asserting that some responses were misinformed and dismissive, leading to a pause for mentor review.
Hornbein
Gold Member
Messages
3,393
Reaction score
2,749
So I was wondering what the definition of a cult was. After some bad ones I found

A cult is a group which is typically led by a charismatic and self-appointed leader, who tightly controls its members, requiring unwavering devotion to a set of beliefs and practices which are considered deviant (outside the norms of society). -- Wikipedia

It was interesting to discover that it was only in the 19th century that the word became pejorative. Before that cults were respectable.

However while this definition is good as far as it goes I feel it doesn't stand up to close examination. How about Scientology. A close childhood friend whom I'm still in touch with is a hardcore Scientologist so I know a bit about that. It's leader passed away long ago but Scientology marches on.

We could drop the requirement for a charismatic leader then I'd say the US Army would qualify as a cult.

We could abandon the stipulation for a living leader and instead require only that the cult have been founded by a charismatic leader. But isn't that George Washington? The Army still qualifies.

If the cult is so successful that its practices become the norms of society then it is no longer a cult. Perhaps the truth is captured by "a religion is a cult with an army."
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hornbein said:
So I was wondering what the definition of a cult was. After some bad ones I found



It was interesting to discover that it was only in the 19th century that the word became pejorative. Before that cults were respectable.

However while this definition is good as far as it goes I feel it doesn't stand up to close examination. How about Scientology. A close childhood friend whom I'm still in touch with is a hardcore Scientologist so I know a bit about that. It's leader passed away long ago but Scientology marches on.

We could drop the requirement for a charismatic leader then I'd say the US Army would qualify as a cult.

We could abandon the stipulation for a living leader and instead require only that the cult have been founded by a charismatic leader. But isn't that George Washington? The Army still qualifies.

If the cult is so successful that its practices become the norms of society then it is no longer a cult. Perhaps the truth is captured by "a religion is a cult with an army."
Needlessly insulting and misinformed.
 
Frabjous said:
Needlessly insulting and misinformed.
I must note that your reply falls well into this category.
 
Hornbein said:
I must note that your reply falls well into this category.
Washington was not self appointed and armies predate the US.
 
  • Like
Likes BillTre
Thread is paused for Mentor review...
 
  • Love
Likes Bystander
Thread was pretty much doomed from the start, and will remain closed.
 

Thread 'Predictions for the Nobel Prize in Physics 2025'

Similar to the 2024 thread, here I start the 2025 thread. As always it is getting increasingly difficult to predict, so I will make a list based on other article predictions. You can also leave your prediction here. Here are the predictions of 2024 that did not make it: Peter Shor, David Deutsch and all the rest of the quantum computing community (various sources) Pablo Jarrillo Herrero, Allan McDonald and Rafi Bistritzer for magic angle in twisted graphene (various sources) Christoph...
View full post »
Thread 'My experience as a hostage'

Thread 'My experience as a hostage'

I believe it was the summer of 2001 that I made a trip to Peru for my work. I was a private contractor doing automation engineering and programming for various companies, including Frito Lay. Frito had purchased a snack food plant near Lima, Peru, and sent me down to oversee the upgrades to the systems and the startup. Peru was still suffering the ills of a recent civil war and I knew it was dicey, but the money was too good to pass up. It was a long trip to Lima; about 14 hours of airtime...
View full post »

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top