That definition was invented by christians seeking to destroy small religions through stigma. It’s on the same tier as the witch hunters defining a witch as an evil sorceresss. Obviously made up and fake, obviously pushing a harmful agenda.
> Since the 1940s, the Christian countercult movement has opposed some sects and new religious movements, labeling them “cults” because of their unorthodox beliefs. Since the 1970s, the secular anti-cult movement has opposed certain groups and, as a reaction to acts of violence, frequently charged those cults with practicing mind control. Scholars and the media have disputed some of the claims and actions of anti-cult movements, leading to further public controversy.
> In the English-speaking world, the term cult often carries derogatory connotations.[14] In this sense, it has been considered a subjective term, used as an ad hominem attack against groups with differing doctrines or practices.[9][15] As such, religion scholar Megan Goodwin has defined the term cult, when it is used by the layperson, as often being shorthand for a “religion I don’t like”.[16]
Like I said, Christians invented the new definition due to hate. We shouldn’t use it.
A cult is defined as a small religion. There’s nothing wrong with being in a cult. Dionysus had a realy awesome cult 3000 years ago.
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That definition was invented by christians seeking to destroy small religions through stigma. It’s on the same tier as the witch hunters defining a witch as an evil sorceresss. Obviously made up and fake, obviously pushing a harmful agenda.
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Citation needed
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> Since the 1940s, the Christian countercult movement has opposed some sects and new religious movements, labeling them “cults” because of their unorthodox beliefs. Since the 1970s, the secular anti-cult movement has opposed certain groups and, as a reaction to acts of violence, frequently charged those cults with practicing mind control. Scholars and the media have disputed some of the claims and actions of anti-cult movements, leading to further public controversy.
> In the English-speaking world, the term cult often carries derogatory connotations.[14] In this sense, it has been considered a subjective term, used as an ad hominem attack against groups with differing doctrines or practices.[9][15] As such, religion scholar Megan Goodwin has defined the term cult, when it is used by the layperson, as often being shorthand for a “religion I don’t like”.[16]
Like I said, Christians invented the new definition due to hate. We shouldn’t use it.
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