What is a cult?

The term "cult" was originally employed to describe a group of people who worshiped the common deity. At the end of the twentieth century, however, the meaning of the word began to evolve. In the modern world, the word is usually used pejoratively to refer to the extremist religious group that exists on the edge of society. Concerns about these groups led to a negative connection with the idea of ​​cult, rather than positive or neutral. Among the examples of the famous cults of the twentieth century are the Aum Shinrikyo in Japan, the "family" of Charles Manson and the children of God. Many ancient religions continue to be referred to as cults because this nomenclature was popular in the period in which these religions were practiced. Among the Christians, however, this term began to be used to describe a religious group that had a defective theological doctrine. For many Christians, any group who refused to teach Christianity can be called a cult. Over time, this word began to be used specifically to refer to a marginal religious withdomes. These groups often placed heavy restrictions on their members and appeared, at least from the outside to be dangerous.

Some cults, such as Hare Krishhnas, are generally considered harmless. Their followers attribute a specific set of beliefs and engage in practices that they believe are sacred. Unfortunately, other cults are more ominous, for members of the cult or the outside world in general. The cult, which falls into the second category, usually has a highly charismatic leader who requires indisputable acceptance. In addition, cult members are often accepted through brainwashing techniques and are expected to maintain high -secret lives. In some cases, this type of cult will be completely resident, which means that the Members cult lives and eat together, cut off from society.

extremist cult movements were behind terrorist acts around the world like a gas attack in Tokyo zin 1995. In addition, mass suicides, such as the temple of the people in Jonestown, were also associated with the iconic activity. Many anti -digestive activists are afraid that cult members do not have to make their decisions independently because they feel pressure on the cult as a group. For this reason, there are several organizations around the world to "deprive" people who were in cults. These groups will also help family members to delete love from potentially dangerous situations and work on people's education about the potential danger of iconic activities.