What is a cult?

What is a cult?

Sometimes it seems that question has as many answers as there are, well, cults.

Yet the term “cult’ has a precise definition — or rather, several precise definitions. Which definition is the right one largely depends on the context in which the term “cult’ is applied.

A “cult wine’ is, after all, something different than a “religious cult.’ A rock band with a “cult following’ differs greatly from a ‘suicide cult.’ And a “cult following’ is not necessarily the same thing as “following a cult.’

That’s the introduction of Cult Definition — a new ‘mini site’ published by Apologetics Index.

– Article continues after this advertisement –

Compare Flights and Hotels with ease

Book flights

The purpose for the site, a sister publication to our Cult FAQ, is to provide definitions for the term ‘cult.’

The site will also note how the term ‘cult’ is used in the media.

It does so by providing brief quotes, where necessary some brief comments, and where appropriate links to resources for further research.

Similar mini-sites provide a look at the term ‘Cult Expert‘ and how to select a cult expert.

Article details

Category: Cult Experts, Cults
Related topic(s): , ,

First published (or major update) on Thursday, September 3, 2009.
Last updated on December 13, 2015.

Original content is © Copyright Apologetics Index. All Rights Reserved. For usage guidelines see link at the bottom.
- Advertisement -
Apologetics Index: Research resources on religious movements, cults, sects, world religions and related issues
Our website includes some affiliate links. That means we get a small commission — at no additional cost to you — for each purchase you make. For instance, as an Amazon Associate Apologetics Index earns from qualifying purchases. Your support helps us provide this site free of charge. Naturally, as our Editorial Policy states, our content is never influenced by our advertisers or affiliates. Details.