What is the Difference Between Religion and Cult?

The main differences between a religion and a cult can be summarized by six factors:

1. Size and following: Religions seek a mass following and have a large number of adherents, while cults are smaller and more exclusive.
2. Beliefs and practices: Religions have published beliefs openly in texts like the Bible, Koran, or Bhagavadgita, while cults often rely on secret or special knowledge revealed only to initiates by the cult's founder or their chosen representatives.
3. Respect and conformity: Religions have lasted for generations, while cults can be viewed as controversial new religious movements or groups with socially deviant beliefs and practices.
4. Cultural acceptance: Religions are more accepted and respected by mainstream culture, while cults are often viewed negatively and as traps maintained by mind control.
5. Leadership: Religions have a priesthood open to any person with the necessary commitment, while cults often channel donations and funds towards their leaders for personal use.
6. Duration: Many experts argue that the main difference is that a religion has lasted for generations, whereas cults are younger and may not have the same staying power.

It is important to note that the distinction between a cult and a religion can be subjective and arbitrary, as some groups may evolve over time and change in terms of acceptance and recognition.

Comparative Table: Religion vs Cult

Here is a table comparing the differences between religion and cult:

Some key differences between religions and cults include the duration of their existence, the nature of their belief systems, and their conformity to mainstream standards for human dignity. Religions typically have a longer history and are more widely accepted, while cults often revolve around a single leader or unique individual and may not align with mainstream values.