Are all religions cults?

[Aroura]

I don't necessarily know the correct distinction to make. Many argue the distinction is simply a matter of size of following. Others suggest that the divergence from mainstream religious opinions and practices characterizes a cult. Regardless, I think that an important distinction needs to be made between a group of religious followers whose faith and devotion is invested in a doctrine or a belief, and those who are invested in the personality and utterances of a person or small group of people. Thus, the Ananda Marga religion which Little Rik follows would, while P.R. Sarkar was alive, likely have tended more toward a cult than a religion. It also allows one to make meaningful distinctions in non-religious areas as well. China's gang of four would then be considered a cult. And Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung, regardless of their religious claims, would have been considered cult leaders. The question becomes somewhat tricky when it comes to the Judeo-Christian religions. Judaism is largely a belief in doctrines and a supreme God rather than a leader or person. Christianity can go either way. Christianity has a large investiture in doctrines and beliefs, yet it is also centered on the worship of their founder, Jesus Christ, and slavish adherence to his opinions. Likewise, Islam exhibits a strong doctrinal component, yet is slavishly devoted to its founder. It's a matter of judgement, I suppose, as all religions typically come from the sayings or writings of a small few or single person. I think that as long as the followers remain focused on worship and reverence and obedience toward a leader or charismatic figure, rather than devotion to the ideas expressed by that person, then they are more of a cult than less of one. It then becomes a matter of degree, rather than an all or nothing attribute.

This is a great post with many good points.

Looking at things in a sliding scale as opposed to a black and white, yes/no way seems the most accurate.

Would Buddhidm be a cult? They certainly Revere the teachings of one individual, but that individual teaches not to bellringer any of his teachings unless you test them yourself, lol. I hear, Buddhism is at least as cult like as Christianity.

I agree that Judism does not actually seem to fit the definition of a cult very well.... Instead it is a cult-ure. The same is likely true with otherd such as Shinto and Hainism. They lack the founding guru worship that is so defining of most cults. They are more like general philosophies than the teachings of a single individual.

Personally I would absolutely categorize Christianity and Islam as cults. Obviously Mormonism and Scientology too. Certainly North Korea as well, as you say. It is, to my mind, what makes them more dangerous than the the less cult like religions mentioned earlier. The teachings are rigid, and the followers can be ousted if they disagree. This is fundamental to cultism. They keep followers in line with threats of cutting off from the flock, family, friends, and support. They teach you to rely on them, then threaten to take that away if you don't follow.