How many Religions can you name that...

[NeoGreen]

...are not cults, by definition:


https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cult

cult

1 :formal religious veneration :worship
2 :a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also :its body of adherents
the cult of Apollo

3 :a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious (see spurious 2); also :its body of adherents
the voodoo cult
a satanic cult

4 :a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator
health cults

5 a :great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (such as a film or book)
criticizing how the media promotes the cult of celebrity
; especially :such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad
b :the object of such devotion
c :a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion
the singer's cult of fans
The film has a cult following.

[PJMcK]

1. None

That's what you expected, isn't it, NeoGreen?

(wink)

[NeoGreen]

2. Merely a question, and far more efficient...

...than asking about each case, one by one.

[SCantiGOP]

17. That is why I am a polyathiest

I do not believe in any of the gods, not just the one dominating my culture.
I believe that Zeus is just as non-existent as Jesus.

(apologies to the pastafarians)

[NeoGreen]

18. Ramen (nt)

[DetlefK]

3. What a stupid word-game. Of course not all religions are cults.

"a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious"

Orthodoxy is only defined WITHIN one wider religion. Within one religon there are variations, some of which are considered orthodox, some of which are considered progressive/reformist, some of which are considered heretical...

The concept of orthodoxy makes no sense when comparing unrelated teachings, e.g. different religions.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthodox
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodoxy



Accordingly, "cults" and "religions" cannot be the same.

[3catwoman3]

4. Unitarian Universalism, in my 6 year experience...

...with a small local congregation (about 200 people), has no cultish characteristics.

1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The minister emeritus of this small community, who retired 4 years ago, gently led the group for 25 years. I knew him for only 2 of those years, and was surprised to learn that he was an atheist.

[rock]

5. Why do you call this a religion?

[3catwoman3]

6. An interesting questions that probably does not have...

...a simple answer.

Perhaps a term of convenience when one does not want to get into a lengthy explanation. I don't usually use the word religion, and don't typically speak of "going to church," as the phrase brings up negative connotations for me. I talk about going to the UU service.

I more often hear terms such as "spiritual community" used when referring to UUs.

After nearly 40 years of doing nothing that could be remotely considered as belonging to a group that dealt with spiritual matters, I happened upon this small group of people. I found so many admirable folks who passionately and actively support a variety of causes that I feel are worthwhile - caring for the planet and the people who inhabit it, speaking out against injustice and discrimination, involvement with local shelters and food pantries, donating to organizations that make small business loans to people around the world to give them a leg up toward becoming successful in their various enterprises. Lots more.

Our building is made from reclaimed barn wood. There are solar panels on the roof. We use paper products made from recycled paper.

It is refreshing to find a group of people who I know have values that I share, right from the outset. I live in a very red county in Illinois, and generally keep my mouth shut about a lot of things when talking to neighbors because they are pretty certain to be politically conservative. In the UU congregation, I know I am among like-minded liberals and progressives.

I have developed a new skill - I am a member of the handbell choir, which is a delight.

[rock]

7. Well, I suppose that is the closest common term for a belief system

[Brainstormy]

11. that's what I like about Unitarians!

Heard a joke once that if a Unitarian died and there were two signs, one saying "This way to heaven," and another saying, "This way to a discussion on heaven," the Uni would choose the second option.

[Lordquinton]

8. You're raising uncomfortable questions!

The whole idea of multiple sects and that there is a right and wrong way to worship reveals how ridiculous the whole thing is. It's all a popularity contest, whichever one has more followers/power is the true path, and the other is the cult. Even Orthodox isn't really a good term, as the whole Catholic/Orthodox Church split, or Orthodox jews.

Common parlance just defines it as a small weird upstart group that big religions can't tolerate.

[Mr.Bill]

9. In our society,

the difference between a religion and a cult is how long it has been around.

[Brainstormy]

12. In our society

the difference is determined by the IRS.

[Mr.Bill]

13. That would be in our government.

Society is not about tax laws and tax status. I used the word society to mean what people think. The opinion of the general public.

[Brainstormy]

10. the difference between a cult and a religion

is in the amount of real estate owned. (sorry, I forget who said that.)

[FiveGoodMen]

16. This is the definition I liked the best...

Every cult has someone at the top who knows it's all a scam.

When that person dies, it's a religion.

[trotsky]

14. Duh, silly.

The answer is always:

"MY religion isn't a cult, but all the other ones are."

[Iggo]

15. Exactly none. (n/t)