What is the difference between a religion and a cult?

[flip_flop]

Is it simply a numbers game?

Is Scientology a religion or a cult (I'd be inclined to believe the latter given it was invented only 50 odd years ago by a Sci-Fi writer who once said (paraphrasing) that the best way to get rich was to invent a religion).

What about Jehovahs Witnesses?

Is Catholicism considered a religion because it has millions of followers, whereas the Davidians are considered a cult because it only had a few?

All religion, obviously, is a load of old rubbish, but why are the beliefs of Scientologists scoffed at (the whole Thetan thing) whereas people are willing to accept there is an onmipresent greater being who sent his son to earth 2000 years ago to get nailed to a cross?

[jno]

yes, I think it's numbers. A cult movie is one liked a lot, but by a small number of people. I shouldn't think there's any official target number of believers you have to reach before you turn into a religion; some think Scientilogy is a religion, some don't.

I think JWs are a sect or a branch rather than a religion; their religion is Christianity.

[naomi24]

Here's a dictionary definition of a cult: //followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader//

I like the way a cult is defined as a 'false religion'. Ironic that.

Actually, I think it's all a matter of numbers really.

[Old_Geezer]

A cult is a religion that hasn't got itself established/approved of yet.

Usually of recent origin, with few members. Some of which clearly deserve the criticism often levelled at them, but all can't be in that bracket, since all religions had to start somewhere.

It is something used as a "boo" word when trying to discredit the group but failing to make a coherent argument.

[Ankou]

didn't someone say that the difference between a cult and a religion was the amount of real estate.

[vivandorron]

It rings a bell Ankou.. but I can't recall who said it. However, bearing in mind the issue of real estate, I guess that the Catholic and C of E organisations must top the poll as being religions. I have heard it said that a lot of slum properties are owned by both of the Churches. One thing for certain, they certainly have a vast amount of Real Estate.

Ron

[naomi24]

As a 'cult', Scientology isn't hard up.

[Ankou]

scientology has been classified as a religion in many countries for at least a decade, although a few countries including uk and the us refuse it. i gather it suits certain countries to do so when it comes to tax.

[Davethedog]

No difference - They are all cults?

Religion is just a cult that got popular.

All religions are based on superstitons and rely on faith to maintain their existance.

[Whickerman]

What David said.

In fact, in history the Christians were regularly described as a cult.

[naomi24]

Exactly the point I made in my first post here, Birdie.